Managing and Securing Apple Devices in the Enterprise

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TechSpective Podcast Episode 110

Once upon a time, Windows PCs were–by default–the chosen platform for businesses, and Apple computers were for consumers. Companies made exceptions for workers focused on creativity or design, but Apple devices were generally frowned upon at work.

When I first started working in IT, I supported an environment with about 200 PCs and about 50 Macs (it was an advertising agency, so we had a higher percentage of “creative” workers than most companies). Managing and supporting the Macs was a challenge–but that was a completely different era. Things have changed dramatically.

Dean Hager, CEO of Jamf, joins me on this episode of the TechSpective Podcast to discuss current BYOD (bring your own device) and CYOD (choose your own device) trends. Workers today expect to have some say in the devices they use for productivity–both their PC and their mobile device. Offering that freedom can be a key element in attracting and retaining quality employees.

As organizations embrace the democratization of choice, though, it creates challenges for the IT and IT security teams. Most of the infrastructure and the IT management and cybersecurity tools are geared toward a Windows PC world, and Apple’s mobile devices are built on an operating system known for being a proprietary walled garden.

Hager talks about the steps Apple has taken to make their platforms and devices more enterprise-friendly. We also discuss the ways Microsoft has embraced changes in the IT environment and the features and tools available to manage and protect a diverse ecosystem of devices–including the unique ways Jamf enables organizations to use Apple devices securely.

Check out the full episode for our discussion of the BYOD transformation, providing choice for employees, and providing effective management and security of Apple devices in the enterprise. We also talk about the origin of the company name–what is “Jamf?”

The podcast itself is audio-only, but the video of our conversation is also available on YouTube if you prefer:

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