Ask any IT admin about managing apps on macOS devices, and you’ll quickly hear the frustrations. You’re dealing with a mix of apps for different teams—creative tools for designers, productivity apps for sales and specialized software for developers. Tracking which app is installed on which device, making sure they’re all updated, and keeping them secure? It can be as difficult as it sounds.
But what if you could turn that chaos into simplicity? Scalefusion’s macOS App Catalog is the solution you need. With a centralized platform for managing, distributing and updating apps across all your macOS devices, you get an oversight without the hassle. More like having your own custom app store—customized just right for your organization.
Want to see how Scalefusion macOS MDM takes care of all your app management challenges? No more manual installations, no more unauthorized apps slipping through and no more chasing down updates.
What is macOS App Catalog?
Think of a catalog as an organized list of items, neatly arranged for easy access. Now, apply that idea to app management on macOS devices—that’s exactly what the Scalefusion macOS App Catalog does. It’s a centralized hub where IT admins can manage and distribute third-party apps securely, all from a single dashboard.
But this isn’t just a simple app list. It’s your custom app store, built for your organization’s needs. You decide which apps are available, categorize them for different teams, and even configure updates and permissions—all remotely. Want to automate pre-installation scripts? Enforce security policies? Handle everything without touching a single device? The macOS App Catalog has you covered.
With a range of third-party apps synced and ready in the Scalefusion Dashboard, installations happen remotely, seamlessly, and without disruption. No manual setups, no app-hunting, just a smooth experience for both IT and end-users.
How does Scalefusion’s macOS app catalog work?
Seamless app selection and deployment
Admins can browse a curated list of third-party apps within the Scalefusion Dashboard. If an app isn’t available, it can be added manually. Once selected, the apps can either be silently installed on devices or made available in a company-specific app store, allowing employees to install them as needed. This flexibility ensures that critical applications are deployed efficiently while giving users some autonomy over optional apps.
Customizable installation settings
Scalefusion offers multiple installation modes:
- Silent installation: Apps are automatically pushed to devices without requiring user action.
- Add to Catalog: Apps appear in the Mac agent’s app catalog, allowing users to install them at their convenience.
- Always keep installed: Ensures that the app remains on the device, reinstalling it if removed.
- User alerts & deferrals: Admins can notify users before an installation begins and even allow them to defer it for up to 24 hours if necessary.
This level of customization ensures that IT teams can deploy apps based on company policies while considering user preferences.
Automated and managed updates
Keeping apps updated is crucial for security and performance. Scalefusion automates this process with:
- Auto-update to latest version: Ensures devices always have the latest app version.
- Execution frequency: Defines how often updates should be checked and installed.
- Handling running processes: Admins can prompt users to quit an app, terminate it forcefully or ignore blocking processes during installation.
This ensures that app updates don’t disrupt work while maintaining device security and compliance.
Pre-install, post-install and uninstall scripts
IT teams can automate tasks before and after installation using scripts:
- Pre-install scripts: Run checks or set up configurations before app deployment.
- Post-install scripts: Execute actions like launching the app or registering it with a service.
- Uninstall scripts: Clean up app data or trigger built-in uninstallers when removing an app.
By leveraging scripting, companies can ensure that each app integrates seamlessly into their workflow.
Granular app permissions for compliance
Scalefusion enables precise control over app permissions, allowing admins to grant or restrict access to:
- System services (Accessibility, Apple Events)
- User data (Contacts, Calendar, Photos)
- Hardware (Camera, Microphone, Screen Recording)
- File system locations (Desktop, Documents, Network Drives)
With these controls, organizations can enforce security policies while ensuring that apps function as needed.
Effortless policy enforcement with profile-based publishing
Once app configurations are finalized, they can be applied to device profiles or groups. This allows IT admins to standardize app deployments across different teams, departments, or device types with just a few clicks.
Additionally, admins can manage installed apps post-deployment—upgrading, uninstalling, or modifying configurations from the Scalefusion Dashboard without requiring direct access to devices.
How does Scalefusion simplify macOS app management?
Managing apps on company Macs used to be a slow process. IT teams had to install apps individually, push updates manually, and ensure compliance through time-consuming checks. Employees often had to request essential apps, leading to delays and lost productivity.
Preloaded app catalog
- Before Scalefusion: IT teams had to source, install, and update third-party apps on each Mac. Employees often had to request essential apps, leading to delays and inconsistent software availability.
- After Scalefusion macOS App Catalog: IT can centrally add and manage apps in a preloaded catalog. Employees get instant access to approved apps without requesting installations, ensuring consistency across devices.
Zero-touch installations
- Before Scalefusion: Setting up new Macs meant installing business apps one by one. IT had to physically handle each device or rely on users to install software correctly.
- After Scalefusion macOS App Catalog: Apps are remotely deployed and installed silently on all enrolled devices. IT can push essential apps instantly, saving time and eliminating setup hassles.
Real-time monitoring
- Before Scalefusion: IT had little visibility into which apps were installed, updated, or missing. Tracking compliance required manual audits and frequent follow-ups.
- After Scalefusion macOS App Catalog: Every installation, update, and compliance check is visible from a single dashboard. IT can monitor app distribution in real time and take action proactively.
Granular permission controls
- Before Scalefusion: Managing app permissions meant relying on default macOS settings, leaving gaps in security and compliance. Unauthorized apps could still run on company Macs.
- After Scalefusion macOS App Catalog: IT has full authority over what apps can access. Permissions can be pre-defined, ensuring that only approved apps run and reducing security risks.
Scalefusion UEM: A benefit for IT & enterprises
The blog suggests that managing macOS apps shouldn’t be a struggle. With Scalefusion’s macOS App Catalog, IT teams can ditch time-consuming installations, automate updates, and enforce security policies—all from a single dashboard. No more chasing down software requests, worrying about outdated apps, or dealing with unauthorized installations.
From seamless deployments to granular permissions, every feature is designed to save time and ensure compliance.
Want to simplify macOS app management? Contact our experts and get started with Scalefusion. Start your 14-day free trial today!
