Apple @ Work: A Guide to Effectively Integrating Macs in the Workplace

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Apple @ Work: A Guide to Effectively Integrating Macs in the Workplace

Apple @ Work is proudly sponsored by Mosyle, the sole Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle uniquely combines all essential solutions within a single professional-grade framework to effortlessly and automatically deploy, manage, and safeguard Apple devices in the workplace. More than 45,000 organizations rely on Mosyle to prepare millions of Apple devices for work with minimal effort and at an economical price. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and discover why Mosyle is your one-stop solution for working with Apple.

As many organizations consider deploying Macs, they may seek guidance for their migration journey. Apple’s Mac Adoption Blueprint provides answers with data-driven insights and straightforward steps intended for IT technicians and internal decision-makers. This guide also emphasizes the substantial cost savings associated with making the switch. According to research by Forrester, companies can save an average of $843 per computer over three years when compared to Windows. These savings are realized through reduced software expenses, lower IT support requirements, and enhanced trade-in value for Macs (which is crucial). Let’s delve deeper into the findings of this report.

About Apple @ Work: Bradley Chambers managed an enterprise IT network from 2009 to 2021. Based on his experience deploying and managing firewalls, switches, a mobile device management system, enterprise-level Wi-Fi, thousands of Macs, and iPads, Bradley will share insights on how Apple IT managers deploy Apple devices, construct supportive networks, educate users, and share on-the-ground experiences in IT management, along with suggestions for improving Apple products for IT teams.

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Apple @ Work: A Guide to Effectively Integrating Macs in the Workplace 3

Beyond cost considerations, the report also illustrates how Macs enhance the employee experience. With dependable hardware and a user-friendly software experience, employees who use Macs report higher job satisfaction and productivity levels.

Laying a Strong Foundation

The report underscores the significance of garnering leadership support prior to implementation. Companies should establish executive sponsors and champions across various teams, including IT, frontline management, and enthusiastic staff. This collaboration ensures that the program is comprehensive and equipped to navigate potential challenges instead of focusing solely on issues.

Furthermore, Apple emphasizes the value of surveys as a tool for IT teams. They advise soliciting feedback from employees regarding their tech preferences and current challenges to customize the rollout to meet their needs. These insights can shape program objectives and facilitate a smoother transition for all parties involved.

Contemporary Deployment for Today’s Work Environment

A key highlight of the guide is the concept of zero-touch deployment (which remains astonishingly effective). Utilizing Apple Business Manager/School Manager and device management tools, Macs can be delivered ready to operate, eliminating any manual setup from IT teams. Employees can simply unpack a new Mac, and it automatically configures itself without intervention. For organizations already overseeing iPhones or iPads, the incorporation of Macs is seamless due to shared management frameworks.

Macs come equipped with enterprise-grade security features such as encryption, secure boot, and built-in antivirus/malware defenses (XProtect). This level of protection assures IT teams and users from the outset, but that’s just the beginning.

Ensuring Mac Security with Integrated EDR

Security is an area where Apple remains uncompromising, as clarified in the Mac Adoption Blueprint. It details how each Mac features a strong endpoint security framework that supports advanced detection and response capabilities. This framework enables IT to proactively address threats using tools that operate securely within user space, ensuring no impact on macOS performance. During a recent incident where CrowdStrike caused a Windows outage, Apple’s design received commendations for its resilience.

Additionally, Apple’s guide highlights third-party EDR solutions that seamlessly integrate with its security framework. Whether monitoring threats or addressing incidents, the focus is on equipping IT teams with the necessary tools to shield employees without causing disruptions. Apple ensures that security measures are inherent to each Mac rather than being an afterthought. I recall when Apple redefined the security landscape—it wasn’t an easy transition, but it was necessary for long-term security strategies.

App Compatibility is Typically Not an Issue

Transitioning to Macs does not require a complete overhaul of your existing tools, as emphasized by Apple in the Mac Adoption Blueprint. The majority of the business applications your team uses—such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom, and Salesforce—are compatible with macOS. The guide encourages organizations to view this as an opportunity rather than a barrier, advocating for an audit of applications to focus on what is essential. For any legacy systems that may not be ready for Mac, solutions like Parallels or VMware can help maintain operations during the transition.

I have long maintained that Apple’s shift towards SaaS-based cloud solutions in the enterprise has played a significant role in its rise as a crucial player in the endpoint market.

Conclusion

The Mac Adoption Blueprint serves as an invaluable resource for constructing a macOS-centric workplace. If your goal is to modernize your technological infrastructure, this guide offers excellent starting points. Explore the full guide on Apple’s website to gain insights on integrating Macs into your business technology framework.

Apple @ Work is exclusively sponsored by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Mosyle is the sole solution that integrates all essential tools within a single professional-grade platform, allowing for the seamless and automatic deployment, management, and protection of Apple devices in the workplace. Over 45,000 organizations rely on Mosyle to make countless Apple devices work-ready with minimal effort and at a competitive price. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today to discover why Mosyle is your comprehensive solution for working with Apple.

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