Blog Considerations for Mac in the Enterprise
By Andrew Finley / 4 Dec 2024 / Topics: Devices
Once considered an outlier in corporate environments, macOS® in the enterprise has proven it’s here to stay, and it’s not just young workers driving adoption.
To the delight of Apple users everywhere, IT organizations are figuring out that traditional concerns about how to manage Mac® devices have largely been eliminated — thanks to Apple Business Manager and integration with management platforms, such as Intune.
That said, successful integration of macOS in enterprise environments still requires planning and knowledge. Here is a comprehensive list for IT professionals to consider when effectively supporting Mac in the workplace and how Insight can help in every step.
1. Understand Apple device enrollment and provisioning.
Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a free service that provides automated device enrollment, purchasing apps, and content distribution for Mac devices, like Microsoft® Autopilot. Automated device enrollment is key to an efficient experience by automatically enrolling your Mac devices into your Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, allowing for zero-touch deployment.
2. Use an MDM platform that supports macOS.
Does your MDM platform support macOS? Modern device management is always the way to give your users the “any device, anywhere” experience. Choose a platform, such as Microsoft Intune, Workspace ONE, or Jamf Pro to manage your devices and make sure you account for:
- Creating standardized configuration profiles needed for Mac based on persona.
- Creating and updating security policies, compliance settings, and restrictions to be enforced via MDM.
- Any processes related to software distribution, updates, and patches that require revision.
3. Know what you need to be secure.
Make sure you pay attention to any needs you have for enterprise security on Mac devices. This includes how devices are encrypted. Whether your current security solution is compatible with macOS (Microsoft Defender and CrowdStrike are), configure the built-in macOS firewall — accounting for software updates and rapid security response patches, and ensuring Mac device compliance with industry, governance, and reporting regulations.
4. Give users a great sign-on experience.
Giving Mac users a great experience begins with simplifying their login experience on their corporate device and resources via SSO. The most seamless SSO experience on Mac is with Microsoft Intune and Entra, which uses Apple’s implementation of Platform SSO with Intune.
5. Network access
Know how Apple® devices will access your network and resources with considerations for:
- Hosts and ports that are required to use and manage macOS within your network infrastructure. For more information, see Apple Products on Enterprise Networks.
- VPN client setup. For more information see macOS support industry-standard VPN protocols.
- Compatibility with file servers. Use SMB protocols and provide access to network shares.
6. Know which apps are needed.
Some users will want a Mac but won’t be able to access all their apps as-is. Make sure you account for:
- Application compatibility. Verify that enterprise applications are available for macOS or find suitable alternatives. Consider virtualization solutions like Parallels Desktop or Windows 365 Cloud PC/AVD for running Windows applications, if necessary.
- Cross-platform solutions. Encourage the use of web-based or cross-platform applications to minimize compatibility issues.
- Modern apps. Legacy apps aren’t supported on macOS and are increasingly unsupported on PC. From evaluation to transformation, Insight’s app modernization services can help you every step of the way.
7. Address end-user training and support.
For end users, provide useful online resources, including user guides and FAQs, and offer training sessions, such as the Mac Skills Series.
For helpdesk resources, create knowledgebase articles and use Apple’s device support training at training.apple.com. Beyond training employees, know your options for device support:
- Warranty and repair services. Consider AppleCare® for Enterprise (ACE) for extended support and quicker repair services.
- AppleCare OS support (ACOS). ACOS plans provide admin-to-admin level support for IT departments.
8. Understand cloud storage and file synchronization.
Cloud file storage solutions are best practice and essential for Mac users. Microsoft OneDrive is a great option, and admins can configure Known Folder Move to redirect macOS Desktop and Documents folders to OneDrive. For corporate-owned devices, manage employee usage of personal iCloud® accounts and iCloud Drive® with MDM.
9. Address updates and patch management.
As you would for any device, account for updates and patches (including third-party patches using tools such as Munki or AutoPkg), and testing. Check out Apple’s program for evaluating pre-release software in the enterprise using your Managed Apple Account from ABM (see beta.apple.com/for-it). This allows you to download, install, and test OS pre-releases throughout the year, provide feedback to Apple, and access useful documentation.
10. Manage assets effectively.
Are you confident in your asset and lifecycle management solutions? It’s important to evaluate how you manage and track devices to ensure security and cost-effective operations. Insight’s Advanced Asset Management and Lifecycle Management services are second to none, providing service and visibility to all your devices.
Last but not least, make sure you stay ahead of the latest announcements and information that will impact your device experience. This is easier said than done, but remember that Insight can help you every step of the way and into the future.
Empower every user. Learn more about how Insight can be your partner of choice for devices.
Andrew Finley
Sr. Architect, Insight
Andrew has over 25 years of experience working with technology, holding titles such as Senior Systems Engineer and Senior Technology Lead at Apple. He is highly skilled in leading business strategy and technology enablement while also bringing an organized and thoughtful approach to brainstorming ideas all the way through to execution.
