Application Lifecycle
The part of every endpoint project that takes the most time
Application packaging, testing, and deployment is the biggest effort in endpoint modernisation — treated as a continuous process from project start, not an end-stage task.
Why applications block every endpoint project
Common challenges
Every organisation hits these — usually later than expected, and at the worst possible time.
No one knows the full app inventory
Most organisations have hundreds of applications — many undocumented, some forgotten, and a significant number installed manually over the years. You can't package what you don't know about.
Legacy installers and custom scripts
Old MSI packages with custom transforms, batch-file installers, apps that require manual registry edits, or software that only installs if a specific user is logged in. Every one needs investigation and rework.
Testing is manual and time-consuming
Every app needs testing across device profiles, user groups, and security baselines. Business-critical apps need sign-off from application owners. Skipping it guarantees a broken rollout.
Apps keep changing
Vendors release updates, business requirements shift, and new applications are requested continuously. App packaging isn't a one-time task — it's an ongoing lifecycle that needs a process, not a project.
Conflicts between applications
Applications that share runtimes, conflict on file versions, or require specific .NET or Java versions create dependency nightmares. Testing must catch these before they reach production devices.
Security risks in unmanaged apps
Applications installed outside of management — by users, by vendors, or by legacy scripts — are invisible to patching, compliance, and security tooling. They're the endpoint blind spot most organisations ignore.
From inventory to production
Application lifecycle — our approach
Four phases, built to run from day one of the project — not bolted on at the end.
1. Inventory & Assess
Catalogue every application in the estate. Identify what’s actively used, what’s legacy, and what’s a security risk. Prioritise by business criticality and packaging complexity.
2. Package & Modernise
Wrap every application for Intune delivery in the most appropriate format. Migrate legacy installers to modern packaging. Standardise deployment parameters and detection rules.
3. Test & Validate
Structured testing across every device profile and user group. This is the most time-consuming phase — and the one where shortcuts cause the most damage in production.
4. Deploy & Manage
Phased rollout with assignment groups, update rings, and monitoring. Ongoing lifecycle management for new versions, new applications, and application retirement.
Packaging formats
The right format for each application
Choosing the right packaging format is not just a technical decision — it affects security, supportability, and long-term maintenance.
Win32 (.intunewin)
The workhorse format for Intune app deployment. Supports custom install/uninstall commands, detection rules, dependencies, and supersedence. Works for virtually any traditional Windows application.
MSIX
Modern containerised packaging. Clean install/uninstall, no registry pollution, version side-by-side support, and MSIX App Attach for AVD scenarios. The future of Windows app deployment.
Microsoft Store & winget
For standard software available through the Microsoft Store or winget repository. Automatic updates, minimal packaging effort, and a self-service experience for end users.
Web & PWA
Many business applications are now web-based or can be delivered as Progressive Web Apps. Where possible, we migrate from installed desktop apps to browser-based delivery — reducing the packaging burden entirely.
What we deliver
App lifecycle as a service
Delivered as part of a broader endpoint project or as a standalone engagement.
Full packaging service
We package your entire app inventory for Intune — from discovery through testing to production assignment.
Testing methodology & framework
We build and hand over a structured testing process — test plans, device profiles, approval workflows — so your team can validate apps independently on an ongoing basis.
Ongoing lifecycle management
New applications, version updates, retirement decisions, and continuous compliance. We design the process and tooling — your team runs it, or we run it alongside you.
Security-first approach
Every packaged app is validated against your security baseline. Applications that can't meet compliance requirements are flagged, isolated, or replaced — not silently deployed.
Ready to get your application estate under control?
Whether you're starting a packaging project or improving an existing process — let's talk about what your organisation needs.
