Introduction

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that provides comprehensive management for mobile devices and applications. Among the various types of applications that can be managed through Intune, Line-of-Business (LOB) apps and Win32 apps are two important categories. Understanding the differences between these app types is crucial for IT administrators to effectively manage and deploy applications within their organization. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between LOB apps and Win32 apps and how to add them to Intune.

What are Line-of-Business (LOB) Apps?

Line-of-Business (LOB) apps are custom applications developed specifically for an organization’s internal use. These apps are designed to meet the unique needs of the business and are typically not available through public app stores. LOB apps can be developed for various platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android. The supported installation file types include .apk, .ipa, .pkg, .msi, .msix, .msixbundle, .appx and .appxbundle.

Key Characteristics of LOB Apps:

  • Custom Development: LOB apps are tailored to the specific requirements of an organization.
  • Internal Use: These apps are intended for use within the organization and are not distributed publicly.
  • Platform-Specific: LOB apps can be developed for different operating systems, such as Windows, iOS, and Android.
  • Deployment: In Intune, LOB apps are deployed directly to users’ devices through the Intune console.

How to add a Line-of-business App to Intune

Go to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center.
Go to Apps > All Apps and click on Add.
Select the App-Type as Line-of-business app and click Select.
Line-of-Business App
Click select app package file and browse to the installer file. Click OK.
Line-of-business App
Do not forget to fill in the Publisher and to add the icon. Click Next.
Line-of-business App
Assign the LOB-app to the specific group and click Next
Check the summary and if OK, click Create.
Line-of-business App

What are Win32 Apps?

Win32 apps are traditional desktop applications developed for the Windows operating system. These apps use the Win32 API, which provides a comprehensive set of functions for creating Windows-based applications. Win32 apps can range from simple utilities to complex enterprise software.

Key Characteristics of Win32 Apps:

  • Traditional Desktop Applications: Win32 apps are designed for the Windows desktop environment.
  • Wide Range of Applications: These apps can include anything from small utilities to large enterprise solutions.
  • Complex Installation: Win32 apps often have more complex installation requirements compared to modern apps.
  • Deployment: In Intune, Win32 apps are packaged and deployed using the Intune Win32 App Packaging Tool.

How to add a Win32 App to Intune

Download the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool from Github.
Extract it to a folder, e.g. C:\Temp\IntuneWinApp.
Launch the Win32 App Content Prep tool by starting the ‘IntuneWinAppUtil’ executable.

When the utility loads, you will need to specify the following information:

  • Source Folder – the directory where you are storing the app content
  • Setup File – the main install file for the application install (7-Zip shown below)
  • Output Folder – where you want the compiled .intunewin file saved

7z2408-x64.msi is downloaded as the setup file.

Win32 App
In the output folder you have now the file: 7z2408-x64.intunewin.

Now we are going to add the Win32 app to Intune

Go to the Microsoft Intune Admin Center.
Go to Apps > All Apps and click on Add.
Select the App-Type as Windows app (Win32) and click Select.
Win32 App
Click select app package file and browse to the Intunewin file. Click OK.
Win32 App
Do not forget to fill in the Publisher and to add the icon. Click Next.
Win32 App
Information is already filled in, but look good at Device restart behavior, and add Return Codes if necessary and click Next.
Win32-App
Select the minimum requirements and click Next
Win32 App
Select Manually configure detection rules. For rule type, because we have an MSI, select MSI. The product code is automatically detected. Click OK and then Next.
Win32 App
If any application should be installed before this application, add it in the following screen and click Next.
Win32 App
In the ‘Supersedence’ tab, you can decide if the new Win32 app should replace an existing version. This feature simplifies the process of automatically providing end-users with the latest application version through the Company Portal. If needed add a supersedence and click Next.
Win32 App
Assign the Win32 App to the specific group and click Next
Check the summary and if OK, click Create.
Win32 App

Differences Between LOB Apps and Win32 Apps in Intune

  1. Development and Purpose:
    • LOB Apps: Custom-developed for specific business needs, used internally within the organization.
    • Win32 Apps: Traditional desktop applications developed for the Windows platform, used for a wide range of purposes.
  2. Platform Compatibility:
    • LOB Apps: Can be developed for multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android.
    • Win32 Apps: Specifically designed for the Windows operating system.
  3. Deployment Process:
    • LOB Apps: Deployed directly through the Intune console to users’ devices.
    • Win32 Apps: Packaged using the Intune Win32 App Packaging Tool and then deployed through Intune.
  4. Installation Complexity:
    • LOB Apps: Generally have simpler installation processes, especially for mobile platforms.
    • Win32 Apps: Often require more complex installation procedures, including handling dependencies and custom configurations.
  5. Use Cases:
    • LOB Apps: Used for specific internal business processes, such as inventory management, customer relationship management, or custom reporting tools.
    • Win32 Apps: Used for a wide range of desktop applications, from productivity tools to specialized enterprise software.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Line-of-Business (LOB) apps and Win32 apps in Microsoft Intune is essential for effective application management and deployment. LOB apps are custom-developed for internal use across various platforms, while Win32 apps are traditional desktop applications designed specifically for Windows. By leveraging Intune’s capabilities, IT administrators can efficiently manage and deploy both types of applications, ensuring that their organization’s software needs are met.

 

Paul Cobben