In the first decade of the 21st century, Windows desktops ruled the enterprise world. People had widely adopted macOS devices for personal use, but the restrictions in managing them for security kept them away from the enterprise environment. Since the dawn of the second decade, macOS devices started getting popularity in the enterprise setup. Mac device users reflected heightened productivity¹.
The macOS devices come tightly integrated with world-class software, unlike the Windows computers that need additional resources to purchase and manage appropriate software licenses. Macbooks and iMacs represent the qualities of Apple products such a beautiful design, clean interface, easy inter-Apple connectivity along with added security that makes them perfect for enterprise use.
But to accentuate the operations of managing Macs in the enterprise environment, it is important to manage them with a macOS MDM. Mobile device management for macOS devices can optimize employee performance since they can work with business apps and content anytime, anywhere. IT teams can also ensure that the employees are benefited from their favorite devices for work without having to worry about data security.
What is Mac Enterprise Management?
Mac Enterprise management refers to the tools and strategies used by organizations to control and secure Apple Mac computers within their IT infrastructure. It’s essentially managing a bunch of Macs for a business setting.
Mac Enterprise Management solutions allow them to remotely access and troubleshoot Macs if employees encounter problems. Finally, keeping track of company-owned devices is important. These solutions provide tools to locate and monitor Macs, ensuring they stay secure and within company control.
Tips for Effective Mac Enterprise Management
Managing Macs in an enterprise setting can be a challenging yet rewarding task. With the right tools, strategies, and best practices, you can ensure your organization’s Macs are secure, efficient, and easy to manage. Here are some essential tips for effective Mac enterprise management.
Utilize a Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solution
A robust MDM solution is the cornerstone of efficient Mac management. Solutions like Jamf, Fleetsmith, or Apple’s Apple Business Manager allow for centralized management and configuration of devices. With MDM, you can automate enrollment, streamlining the setup process by ensuring devices are configured according to company policies right out of the box. You can also manage apps centrally, ensuring employees have the necessary tools to perform their jobs.
Standardize Configurations
Consistency is key in enterprise environments. Standardizing configurations helps maintain a uniform setup across all devices. Deploy configuration profiles for Wi-Fi, email, VPN, and other settings to simplify the setup process. Implement and enforce security configurations to ensure all devices adhere to minimum security standards.
Efficient User Management
Managing user access and authentication efficiently enhances both security and productivity. Integrate with Active Directory or LDAP for centralized user management. Simplify the user experience and enhance security with Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Reporting
Keeping an eye on your fleet of Macs helps in maintaining security and performance. Continuously monitor devices for compliance, security, and performance issues. Utilize reporting tools to gain insights into device inventory, software usage, and security posture.
How Scalefusion MDM helps in Managing Macs in the Enterprise Environment
1. Supervision and Enrollment
Scalefusion extends support for Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP). Enterprise IT admins can supervise mac devices used for work by adding them to the Apple DEP in the Apple Business Manager. IT admins can create comprehensive policies configuration and invite the enterprise users to the configuration via an enrollment URL. Enterprise IT can create policy settings for multiple device groups as well as device users using Scalefusion. Along with policy settings, IT admins can also push email and exchange settings on the enterprise macOS devices.
2. Restricting System Preferences
To ensure that the MacBooks and iMacs are used strictly for business purposes, enterprise IT can extensively manage the system preferences including system preference panes as well as the third-party preference panes. The end-users can only see the system preferences items enabled by the IT admins.
3. Allow or Block Apps
To ensure minimum distractions on enterprise mac, IT admins can configure the apps to be allowed on the devices. Additionally, app configuration helps the IT admins to equip devices for work. IT admins can push work apps via App Store or Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP). Employees can find the most important apps imperative for productivity on their mac devices .
4. Restrict Media and Sharing
Ensuring corporate data security is one of the key responsibilities of IT admins. With Scalefusion, upkeeping the corporate data security on enterprise mac machines is streamlined. The IT admins can disable file sharing via iTunes, Mail, Messages, Airdrop and social media. IT admins can further block the access of any external storage such as CDs, DVDs, external HDDs. Scalefusion’s extensive data security configuration, assures the security of corporate data on mac machines.
5. Content Filtering
Having no content filters on enterprise mac machines can invite two threats. One is- attack from malicious websites, the other being employee distraction. On macOS devices managed using Scalefusion, IT admins can choose only the websites critical for business and whitelist them. This ensures that only trusted websites are accessible on the enterprise macs. Further, this ensures that employees do not access entertainment websites and web apps hampering their efficiency.
6. Network Settings
Employees seek flexibility to work from anywhere they like and it is one of the key drivers of enterprise mobility. For the employees to have the flexibility to plug and work from anywhere, IT admins managing enterprise macOS devices can push multiple WiFi network configurations on the devices. Employees can connect to the nearest WiFi network approved for security and stability by the enterprise IT. This ensures that employees can be productive without putting corporate data at risk from unidentified networks.
7. Security & Privacy
Apple devices are known for their in-built security and privacy settings. Scalefusion helps extend Apple’s existing settings for creating comprehensive security for macOS devices used in the enterprise environment. IT admins can configure Gatekeeper settings on macOS devices and restrict removal policy settings. IT admins can enforce passwords, set password expiry period and also block touchID to access. IT admins can also block device unlock via external Apple peripherals like the Apple Watch for additional security. Further, IT admins can enable firewall settings on enterprise MacBooks and iMacs. For ensuring user privacy on shared macOS devices, IT admins can block form auto-fills on the Safari browser.
8. Personalization and Maintenance
To reflect the company branding on enterprise macOS devices, IT admins can configure device wallpapers. IT admins can design the user experience by allowing or blocking Apple offerings such as iCloud Drive, notes, reminders, calendars and bookmarks. IT admins can enforce a scheduled downtime for macOS devices by setting usage curfews. IT admins can define a time range when access to the device will be denied. IT admins can then schedule the delayed OS updates from the Scalefusion dashboard. IT admins can keep a check on the macOS device inventory using Scalefusion DeepDive keep a track of the total number of DEP devices and available App storage.
How to Setup Branding on macOS devices
Scalefusion MDM for macOS enterprise management ensures improved productivity while maintaining total control over the corporate data. Employees can leverage the versatile features of MacBooks and iMacs and the IT teams can rest assured about the security.
FAQ’s
1. What is Mac Enterprise?
Mac Enterprise refers to the integration of Apple’s Mac computers into corporate environments. It involves deploying, managing, and securing Mac devices across an organization’s network, often using specialized software solutions tailored to enterprise needs. This ensures productivity, compatibility, and security for business operations on macOS systems.
2. How do I manage my Mac devices in the enterprise?
Manage your Mac devices in the enterprise using tools like Apple Configurator. These allow centralized control over configurations, app deployment, security policies, and device monitoring. Additionally, consider Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions for comprehensive management across all platforms.
3. What are the benefits of managing Macs in the enterprise?
Managing Macs in the enterprise brings several benefits. It enhances security through robust encryption and built-in malware protection. Macs offer seamless integration with other Apple devices and services, promoting productivity and collaboration. Additionally, centralized management tools streamline IT administration, ensuring efficient deployment and maintenance.
Links and resources:
