Page 9 - OIT Progress Report: 2024 Edition

Jamf allows us to provision all Mac computers ordered through SMU with a standard vetted set of applications. These settings are automatically configured as soon as the computer arrives from Apple and is powered on. Having this one-touch deployment allows us to facilitate our computer installations more quickly and consistently. Jamf also allows us to ensure browsers are up to date, software patches are applied in a timely manner, zero-day security exploits are addressed, and operating systems updated.
According to Client Systems Administrator Blake Zimmerman, ”Jamf has drastically changed our outlook on macOS, iOS, and iPadOS management. We can address many issues and bugs automatically using a native service built specifically for Apple products with limited
to no interruptions to users. Deployment of configurations based on declarative device management has made many fixes autonomous, reducing the overhead on macOS management. Thanks to declarative management use within Jamf we can now automatically detect and repair
common issues, alert users prior to automatically installing a security update, and quickly and confidently address requests and reported issues.”
To help remediate computers that are no longer responding to our remote management tools, a dashboard was created that displays information from a variety of management systems. This dashboard visually highlights machines that are still in our inventory but require some manual intervention. This may include installation of our management software, applying failed software updates, and enabling backup software. The desktop support team is now using this dashboard to proactively address these issues. They are also taking the opportunity to help replace or upgrade machines that are over eight years of age using our inventory of recycled machines. This allows us to minimize the financial impact on a department while still supporting functional computers
across campus.
EnhAncInG cOmPuTER mAnAGEmEnTwITh AuTOmATIOn
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