The second beta of Microsoft's Windows Intune cloud-based desktop management and maintenance software, is released today. The new release opens up the beta to a broader audience, and provides new features to support IT solutions providers.

Windows Intune provides client-side malware protection, patch management, remote assistance, and inventory management. Management tasks are performed through a Microsoft-hosted Web console, allowing easy remote management. Moreover, the use of the cloud means that clients can be managed even when off the corporate network (as is common with laptop users). The new beta includes a new multi-account console aimed at providers of outsourced IT services. With this new console, providers will have an at-a-glance view of the state of all their customers' systems.

Pricing for Windows Intune was also announced. It will cost $11 per PC per month for both the cloud management services and upgrade rights to Windows 7 Enterprise edition. A further dollar per PC per month provides access to the MDOP suite with its more advanced diagnostics and virtualization capabilities.

The first beta, released a couple of months ago, had just 1,000 places, and was restricted to North America; it filled up within 24 hours. The new beta is enlarged, to 10,000 applicants, and will be available in US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, UK, and Italy. General availability is expected early next year.