Windows devices are widely known for their popularity, especially in the enterprise environment where desktops and laptops are synonymous with Windows PCs. Apart from the fact that they are highly user-friendly (of course, we first used a Windows computer and that experience has stayed with us), the affordability of Windows devices, even in the laptops manufactured by several companies is one of the key reasons why enterprises unknowingly make their digital enablement Windows-dominant, if not Windows-dependent.
And the users of macOS devices- the beautiful-looking MacBooks and iMacs that exhibit operational excellence and have tons of capabilities that only Apple can extend find themselves an odd man out- in enterprises or otherwise.
Managing macOS devices is also tricky for enterprises, especially in a Windows-favored environment. Here’s a take on what makes it challenging and how Scalefusion helps.
macOS management challenges
The Windows OS takes up 77-87% of the global share weighed against the 9.6-13% of the share of macOS devices.¹ We all admit that macOS devices are a rare phenomenon, although picking up in modern enterprises and companies that emphasize using the Apple ecosystem. This leads to a skeptical approach not just from the enterprise leadership but also from the IT teams managing enterprise device inventory.
For the enterprise, it is purely the cost of ownership that creates apprehension against switching to macs from Windows PCs.
For IT admins, firstly, they have to embrace and learn a new operating system to manage and control. Secondly, they have to either invest in an Apple MDM or switch to an MDM solution that is platform agnostic so that all the devices are managed under one platform. And the struggle doesn’t end here. Several, if not all, conventional MDM solutions have a rather depressing approach when it comes to macOS management.
Here’s why Scalefusion helps resolve the challenges arising on the IT device management side of macOS adoption.
Scalefusion for macOS management
Platform-agnostics device management
A key aspect that can be a decisive factor for macOS device management, Scalefusion is not an Apple-exclusive device management solution. What this means for IT teams is that they can use the same platform to manage Android, Windows 10, iOS and macOS devices. One simple, easy-to-navigate platform to access, learn and use. The licenses purchased are for devices, irrespective of their OS type, meaning they can be reassigned to the newer devices of different make and model easily.
OOB enrollment
One of the primary concerns for IT teams managing a macOS device inventory- corporate-owned or BYOD is to enroll them into the device management platform. With Scalefusion, this process is heavily optimized to save IT efforts. For corporate-owned or supervised macOS devices, Scalefusion integrates the Apple Business Manager’s Device Enrollment Program (DEP) to drive faster, streamlined, over-the-air enrollment. The BYOD enrollment can be initiated by inviting the macOS users to management by following an enrollment URL. Users can be imported to management from G Suite and Office 365. Minimum intervention guaranteed!
Making the devices work ready
One of the primary reasons why certain enterprises or rather employees insist on having a macOS machine for work is the superior range of applications that is available at the disposal. Especially for the creative teams, macOS devices are known for their design compatibility and bringing out the true colors of the work, quite literally.
To make sure the devices are work-ready, IT teams can allow or block applications made available on the managed macOS devices using Scalefusion. Applications can be pushed via Mac App Store, by using Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP), or by pushing appropriate PKG files. Enterprises can also push in-house applications by uploading their respective PKG files on the Scalefusion Enterprise Store within the dashboard.
Enhanced control
IT teams can exercise enhanced control on the macOS device inventory and its use in the enterprise environment. This includes parental controls or content filtering to prevent employees from accessing non-business websites, preventing connections to other peripherals including USB drives as well as Apple Watch and iTunes, limiting sharing access from Hard drives and pushing work email and exchange settings- everything to make sure that devices are purely used for work.
Remote security
With the remote working practice on the rise, remote security is more than a good-to-have feature but a must-have, especially since the devices operate outside the confines of conventional offices and secure corporate networks.
With Scalefusion, ensuring corporate data security is made possible- from Certificate Management to authorize user authentication, enforcing passwords to limit access to unauthorized users, pushing secure Wi-Fi settings to encrypt full-disk powered by FileVault. IT teams can rest assured that their devices are in safe virtual hands! Driving OS update management- deferring updates and scheduling them during a maintenance window is made possible with Scalefusion Mac mdm.
Closing lines…
macOS devices are delightful to work with, especially if your workforce is an Apple user already. By using Scalefusion, the premonitions against the enterprise adoption of macOS can be shed away and your employees can work with the devices they love the most!
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