The introduction of platform Single Sign-On (SSO) for macOS devices marks a significant advancement in device management for businesses using Microsoft Intune. The development is crucial and may influence many to migrate from JAMF to JAMF to Intune. Let’s dive into the specifics.

The Significance of Platform SSO for Mac Devices

The arrival of platform SSO for Mac devices on Intune is a game-changer for Mac management. One of the persistent issues has been the need for a local account to sign into a Mac, which complicates the process of integrating network accounts. Traditionally, Macs did not recognize network accounts as primary login credentials, leading to synchronization issues and cumbersome password management.

With the new SSO feature, available o macOS Ventura and up , users can now use their network accounts as the main account on their devices. This means they can log in directly with their network credentials and manage their passwords seamlessly.

Changes made to the password on the Mac will sync with the network password, simplifying the user experience significantly. This streamlined approach resolves a long-standing issue faced by many organizations, including educational institutions and various enterprises.

Why Move from JAMF to Intune Now?

  • SSO Integration: The SSO capability alone is a compelling reason to consider migrating from JAMF to Intune. Even JAMF, known for its robust Mac management tools, struggles with this integration. The ability to manage network accounts effectively addresses a major gap in Mac management solutions.
  • Profile and Script Management: Intune offers comparable profile management capabilities to JAMF. Businesses can still use bash scripts for configurations that cannot be managed directly through profiles, ensuring flexibility and control over device management.
  • Declarative Device Management: Another advantage of Intune is its declarative device management, which ensures that Macs are updated correctly without user intervention. This feature aligns with Apple’s push for organizations to keep their devices on the latest macOS versions, thereby enhancing security and performance.
  • User Experience: The user interface and experience might differ between Intune and JAMF, but the core functionalities are reaching parity. As Intune continues to evolve, it is catching up with JAMF’s long-standing features, making the transition smoother for users.

Getting Started with Migration

For businesses considering the shift from JAMF to Intune, here are some practical steps to facilitate the migration:

  • Preparation: Ensure that Intune is already set up and running. This foundational step is crucial for a smooth transition.
  • Configuration Review: Review all configurations and scripts currently used in JAMF. Test these configurations in Intune to ensure compatibility and functionality.
  • Testing: Before executing a full migration, conduct thorough testing to verify that all settings and profiles transfer correctly from JAMF to Intune. This precaution helps avoid disruptions and ensures a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

The introduction of platform SSO for Mac devices on Intune represents a significant improvement in device management, addressing a long-standing pain point for many groups. While JAMF has been a reliable tool, the enhanced capabilities of Intune, particularly with SSO integration, make it an attractive alternative.

Amplifying efficiency and security

The Intune Suite Guide

Learn about features and strategies such as:

  • Endpoint Privilege Management: elevate user access privileges as needed

  • Enterprise App Management: discovery, packaging, deployment and patching of Windows apps

  • Cloud PKI: publish and distribute certificates from Intune without complex PKI

  • Tunnel for MAM: secure access to LOB apps from unmanaged mobile devices

  • Advanced Analytics: predict which machines, applications and users will have issues

  • Remote Help: unlock the seamless interface between the service desk agent and end-user