We're trying to figure out the best way to transition to Entra for identity management for a client that uses shared computers across multiple volunteers in their nonprofit. Right now, they have generic accounts with limited access for these shared workstations. The challenge is that with Entra and Intune, the licenses seem to be per user, which doesn't work for them since multiple volunteers will be using the same computer throughout the day. They are looking for a way to implement a licensing model that supports their shared computing environment without violating Microsoft licensing rules. Are there any device-based licenses available in the Entra/Intune framework that could suit their needs as well as stay compliant?
1 Answer
You might want to consider frontline licensing for all the volunteers. It’s generally more affordable than standard user licenses, plus you can usually stack on nonprofit discounts. Licensing devices can get complicated, especially if you're not a large organization—it’s often simpler to go with user licenses instead.
I'm a bit confused, though. Since the computer will be linked to Entra and managed through Intune, wouldn’t each user still need individual licenses? It seems like a device license option would be more economical if we could set it up like they had in their previous on-prem setups.