Jamf Pro

the best MDM for Apple devices

Comments: using to manage multiple iPads at multiple locations and keep software up to date

Pros:

Works seamlessly with Apple devices and software, easy to deploy, easy to manage multiple devices in multiple locations.

Cons:

a little difficult to learn, if you've never used an MDM before, but it's not too bad once you get it set up

Alternatives Considered: Cisco Meraki

Switched From: Cisco Meraki

Reasons for Switching to Jamf Pro: price, better integration with Apple devices

If you use Macs in your organization Jamf Pro is the right tool

Comments: Our staff have limited computer skills and often get themselves in trouble (phishing, malware, etc). Jamf Pro allows us to protect them from their mistakes. We do not give Admin access but do provide most software they might want in Self Service. We can also take care of the updates and installs for them so they just use what they need.

Pros:

The way it integrates with Apple systems like DEP and VPP make it a truly unique product. Apple has created a secure "walled garden" for their hardware. Jamf is the only tool of its kind that has access into this walled garden. Being able to buy a Mac from our custom Apple store, ship it to a user, and have them set it up with Jamf...all without IT ever needing to touch the device...is amazing. It can do just about anything else you need it to: install software, block software, update software, set security settins, remote lock, remote wipe, notify users of important events, and of course much more through Self Service.

Cons:

It is a very robust tool, but you need to know how to use it. Many of the best features you do need to set up and build out. That can require some scripting or other technical details, or some administrative steps to work out with Apple and your local business representative. However, it is all very possible and you will get there.

Terrible User Experience - Would Not Recommend to Admins and Companies

Comments: I think our admins use it as a user administration tool for corporate security, but it's super inefficient and highly frustrating to use. It actually makes my work processes super inefficient, because i'm constantly batting weird errors and frustrating password resets.

Pros:

Nothing. The software is meant to be a sort of user management software for companies, but the user experience is one of the worst I have experienced in my life.

Cons:

The running processes bog down your work machine and the security reset protocol (at least for my organization) is very frustrating. It doesn't work, our passwords need to be reset every 90 days, and we're supposed to get a notification to do this, but it doesn't happen, so every 90 days, I physically go to see our internal IT department. In addition, the process runs constantly, so it drains your battery.

Still the gold standard for Apple MDM and device management

Comments: Jamf is a complete solution to managing a fleet of Macs, from dozens to thousands. It is industry standard for a reason.

Pros:

Strong feature set for enforcing security compliance, performing IT asset management and lifecycle, and device management. Very feature rich and continuing to add more with things like the now solid Jamf Protect suite. Easiest Mac MDM to hire IT engineers to management, lots of Jamf talent out there.

Cons:

User experience is pretty dated at this point, which can be a bit of a barrier to usage outside of IT teams. Reporting capabilities could use some additional polish.

Alternatives Considered: Kandji

Reasons for Switching to Jamf Pro: Much easier to hire talent experienced with Jamf.

Best Management Software on the Market!

Pros:

This software allows you to manage several computers as well as iPads from it's friendly user interface. We've implemented it successfully in our schools (over 20 locations) and it is a tremendous help. We've been able to use this software to deploy programs and applications without having to hand install them on multiple computers/iPads..it's a HUGE time saver.

Cons:

There really isn't too much to not like about this software. Their support team is friendly/knowledgeable, they stand by their product, and it is easy to use.