​​Device Management-as-a-Platform: Why, What, How 

Mac Admin & Developer Conference UK | 20/02/2018

Conference presentation on the platform design principles for device management in enterprise environmen
Download slides | Watch presentation video | Watch panel discussion video | Go to conference page
As an increasing number of Mac and iOS administrators choose to implement a ‘Self Service-first’ model for the delivery of software and support to their users. This is fuelled by a user-led IT approach which aims to bring the App Store experience, that users have come to love on their personal devices, into the enterprise. However, this inadvertently changes the operating model for device management from one-directional enforcement of configurations on devices to a platform approach that invites user participation.

In the face of this change, the Mac admin community has engaged in excellent technical discussions around how to best utilise tools like Jamf’s ‘Self Service’ and Munki’s ‘Managed Software Center’ and many innovative solutions have been created as a result. However, the focus so far has mostly been on creating technical solutions answering specific needs, when those arise a result of this change.

This presentation tries to complete the picture, turning the spotlight on the other side of this new way of providing device management, by presenting a comprehensive analysis on the fundamental principles of platform design and governance. Specifically, by answering:
· What is Device Management-as-a-Platform?
· Why you should consider this as a model for managing your Apple devices and supporting your users.
· How to design and implement an Apple device management service and processes based on this approach.
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This talk is directed at Apple systems administrators and IT managers who are considering or are already implementing a ‘Self Service-first’ approach in their managed environments. In particular, those in the community who work in enterprise IT environments will leave equipped with the fundamental knowledge needed to be able to understand, present, and communicate effectively, a governance model for platform-oriented Apple device management to their company’s leadership.
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