PeerSpot user
Information Technology Support Coordinator at Berkeley Preparatory School
Real User
Self-service on the Mac and iOS is a life saver

What is our primary use case?

We use Jamf Pro to manage our 1:1 iPad and MacBook programs. We have over 3,000 devices and just two people to manage them.

How has it helped my organization?

We could not handle the volume of devices as an Apple school without Jamf Pro managing our fleet. It is easy to use, has great support and the best community of people working together that I have found. 

What is most valuable?

  • Self-service on the Mac and iOS is a life saver. 
  • It allows us to put software out there for users to install when they need it along printers for the whole campus — saves us hours of work.

What needs improvement?

There are some layout things that could be done to make it easier. For instance, allow us to go to a smart group and see what policies have been assigned to the group, then be able to assign and unassign them right there instead of going into each individual policy.

Buyer's Guide
Jamf Pro
March 2024
Learn what your peers think about Jamf Pro. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
768,924 professionals have used our research since 2012.

For how long have I used the solution?

Three to five years.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer2086605 - PeerSpot reviewer
Works at PeerSpot
User
Helps with compliance, automates management, and assists with authentification
Pros and Cons
  • "Jamf Pro allows us to manage all Apple devices from a single interface, making it easy to deploy and configure software, set policies, and inventory devices."
  • "Jamf Pro could be improved by providing more out-of-the-box integration with other systems such as Active Directory, Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions, and other IT management tools."

What is our primary use case?

The primary use case of Jamf Pro is for managing Apple devices such as MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads. 

It allows us to deploy and configure software, set security and compliance policies, inventory devices and their configurations, and manage device deployments and updates. 

We are using Jamf Connect in our environment to provide a seamless, secure, and user-friendly connection to the company's resources for Mac users. 

It helps to manage user authentication, password synchronization, and the creation and maintenance of local accounts on macOS devices. It also enables users to easily access resources such as corporate networks, cloud services, and applications while ensuring compliance with security policies and regulations.

How has it helped my organization?

Jamf Pro allows us to manage all Apple devices from a single interface, making it easy to deploy and configure software, set policies, and inventory devices.

It allows us to set security and compliance policies to help protect devices and data, such as requiring passcodes, encrypting data, and disabling certain features.

We can now easily deploy software and updates to all devices, which can help users stay productive and avoid interruptions due to software issues.

Jamf Pro helps to automate the management process of Apple devices and reduce the number of support tickets and the need for manual intervention.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable aspects include:

The self-service portal. With the self-service portal, users can install apps, handle settings, and even enroll their own devices, improving their experience and reducing the IT workload.

Reports and inventory. Jamf Pro provides extensive inventory and reporting capabilities, which allow IT administrators to track the device's status, compliance, software inventory, and many other aspects, this can help to identify trends, and issues and take proactive actions.

Automated Software Distribution. Jamf Pro can automate software deployment, updates, and inventory of software licenses, this can help users stay productive and avoid interruptions due to software issues.

What needs improvement?

Improvements could include:

Integration with other systems. Jamf Pro could be improved by providing more out-of-the-box integration with other systems such as Active Directory, Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions, and other IT management tools.

Advanced Automation. More advanced automation options like scripting and API integrations could help to automate more complex processes, increase efficiency and reduce human errors.

Cloud Management. Some organizations may prefer to manage their devices through the cloud, and it would be beneficial for Jamf Pro to include cloud management capabilities.

However, Jamf already has a very comprehensive solution.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Jamf Pro since May 2021.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did use Matrix42 with Empirum. It is no MDM.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We looked into Silverback from Matrix42. They offered bad UI.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Jamf Pro
March 2024
Learn what your peers think about Jamf Pro. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
768,924 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Head of Operatons and Data Protection at a retailer with 51-200 employees
Reseller
Enhances our cybersecurity and allows us to better support our users
Pros and Cons
  • "We were able to dramatically enhance our cybersecurity, and better support our users."
  • "This solution would benefit from more focus on Self Service, such as Office 365 and GSuite integration."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution for device management. We have multiple locations, as well as remote workers. Our entire workforce use Apple tech. Therefore, Jamf allows us to manage all of our end-user technology from one place. This includes pushing apps, profiles (restrictions, settings, etc.), and more.

How has it helped my organization?

We were able to dramatically enhance our cybersecurity, and better support our users.

Through Jamf, we were able to enforce things like encryption (escrow keys), password policies, the firewall on the Mac, etc. We can also remotely wipe/lock devices as required.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are Inventory and Self Service.

Inventory is all about auditing your estate (super easy). You can drill into a specific device, check out the model, what OS it’s running, which apps are installed on it, and even basic usage stats.

Self Service is about empowering users to take control of their tech in a safe way, such as proving them with apps that they can install as required.

What needs improvement?

This solution would benefit from more focus on Self Service, such as Office 365 and GSuite integration. At the moment, if you want to display cloud-hosted content in the Self Service app for distribution to all staff then you have to add it as a web link (it’s a little clunky). Direct integration would make this better.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution for around eighteen months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We’ve never experienced any issues from a stability perspective.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

This solution is easy to scale. We adopted this after not being able to scale Profile Manager.

How are customer service and technical support?

All ongoing support is in-house, and I’m not aware of any support calls raised with Jamf.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We previously used Profile Manager; however, we found that it was unable to scale as our business grew.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of this solution is really simple. You commit to something called a JumpStart, which is basically a consultancy and training session to ensure that your Jamf meets your organization's needs from day one.

What about the implementation team?

We implemented using Jamf Direct, who provided us with a JumpStart. All ongoing support is in-house.

What was our ROI?

This solution has been a huge timesaver. It also allows you to leverage and control a lot of built-in Apple services, which can help you save money on buying third-party software.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

If you have the in-house capability to support Jamf, then paying for onboarding / JumpStart training is a no brainer. It will help you get up to speed on the product. It will not, however, cover the enrolment of all of your client devices into Jamf, so make sure to set aside time to do this.

If you don’t have a tech team, buy Jamf MSP. You won’t have access to manage the product yourself, but your Jamf MSP reseller can do that for you under some sort of contract / SLA.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did evaluate other options including Xinca (they’ve since been purchased by Jamf as part of the ZuluDesk sale), and Meraki.

What other advice do I have?

This solution is worth every penny! I don’t know how I got by without it.

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: We are a Jamf customer, and as such we use Jamf products to ensure cyber security compliance for our teams and retail store (amongst other things). As an IT specialist company and Apple reseller however, our sales teams also sell and support Jamf through our Jamf School, Jamf Pro, and Jamf MSP accreditations
PeerSpot user
IT Admin at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Real User
An excellent MDM solution with fast implementation and easy management
Pros and Cons
  • "Apple School Manager integration and access to VPP content made the integration of devices into our fleet flawless and application installation much simpler and faster."
  • "In some places, GUI could be more reactive."

What is our primary use case?

It's our main MDM solution for macOS and iOS, covering about 2100 mac devices and 900 mobile devices. 

MDM commands and policies let us distribute scripts all over our fleet, allowing us to be able to transform our systems to the desired systems we want. Security was increased and lots of manual interventions were no longer necessary. The gain of time was enormous for our small staff, managing all those devices for about 800-1000 teachers and 4000 pupils. 

Later on, VPP made life easier with ipads as app distribution was simplified once more.

How has it helped my organization?

When we started using Jamf Pro on-prem, we began really managing macOS devices. Later, iOS devices joined, and after that, managing AppleTV's made us gain a lot of time. Without Jamf Pro, we would not have been so successful and quick at implementing such a high number of devices in our classrooms. The management facilities helped us a lot.

Most of our macOS devices were admin only, and Jamf Pro helped us to convert them to standard user devices with LDAP binding.

Support has always been available for us.

What is most valuable?

Apple School Manager integration and access to VPP content made the integration of devices into our fleet flawless and application installation much simpler and faster. At that time, managing Apple IDs gave us the possibility to give the users some additional iCloud storage space. Of course, MDM command and policies and scripts have made our admin life easier.

Distributing the non-VPP applications to devices via policies with scripts behind them to make remote licensing possible is very valuable for us.

What needs improvement?

In some places, GUI could be more reactive. For our timezone, support could be much more reachable and reactive. For some time, support was quite fast; now we see some delays.

Configuration Profiles are currently reworked by Jamf, so it's a work in progress, there's no need to worry about it. 

Recovery Boot password protection on an  M1 device is currently only available as Pre-stage, however, a strong need to put recovery password via MDM command to already enrolled devices is a must for us, so it has to be implemented fast.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for over 10 years.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did not previously use a different solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

To get information, call a Jamf representative. They are highly qualified people.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We also looked at Filewave.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Mobile System Administrator - End User Experience at a healthcare company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Improves productivity as well as our patient care experience
Pros and Cons
  • "Automating the refresh of the devices is huge for both sides of the end-user experience."
  • "Some improvement can be made in the customer service realm, while also making additional training level courses available for online study and exam-taking."

What is our primary use case?

The primary use case for us is MyChart Bedside, as we work to provide in-house iPads for different areas of our hospital. The iPads have entertainment apps, as well as tools to help improve their stay in our hospital.

We also use this solution for macOS deployment. We use the hosted Jamf Pro and cloud app shares. We internally use Jamf for the healthcare listener and the AD proxy. 

How has it helped my organization?

Jamf has improved patient care and our ability to be more productive when delivering our end-users a nearly zero-touch onboarding experience for their Macs. We have seen our patient care experience improve with the use of Jamf and the ability to take the work out of our nurses' hands.

Automating the refresh of the devices is huge for both sides of the end-user experience. 

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are Smart groups, branding Self Service, Jamf Connect, and the health care listener. These tools allow information technology to automate services and improve our end-user deliverables. The self-service branding enables our end-users, the patients, to identify us when using our provided products. These include apps and other tools for them to use.  

What needs improvement?

Some improvement can be made in the customer service realm, while also making additional training level courses available for online study and exam-taking. For example, exams at the 200 level.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using Jamf Pro for ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of the on-premises and hosted versions are solid. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

My impressions of the scalability are good. 

How are customer service and technical support?

The support experience I have had with Jamf has been amazing. If you have an idea or a dream to make something happen with Jamf then their technical support and expert services can do it, or they will try very, very hard.

There is always a good explanation as to why something may or may not work. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We did use a different solution and still do for other aspects of our deployments. We integrated Jamf to solve our MyCharBedside issues. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is easy to understand and is absolutely straightforward. 

What about the implementation team?

In the very early days, we leveraged the kickstart option. The rate of knowledge and help was exceptional. 

What was our ROI?

Our ROI is superior patient care and improved end-user experiences. 

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Licensing cost is dependent on the footprint and foreseen growth. I think another positive is Jamf's flexibility to understand what you need to be done while molding the product to be as successful as possible. 

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We did not evaluate other options or solutions.

What other advice do I have?

If I can give anyone advice, I would go with the hosted product. Jamf is serious about providing a secure and separated hosted environment, as well as working with your internal teams to see that the job is done to your liking and not just the way they want it done. Collaboration is key.

Otherwise, Jamf continues to make good improvements time after time.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1278561 - PeerSpot reviewer
District Technology Support Technician at a educational organization with 1-10 employees
Real User
Saves us time, provides better visibility into our environment, and keeps our staff and students focused on their work
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features are the restrictions, Lost Mode, Self Service, and full implementation of anything Apple will let MDM manage."
  • "Technical support is in need of improvement."

What is our primary use case?

We use Jamf Pro to manage 1300+ iPads for students and teachers, as well as 100+ MacBooks for teachers and several Apple TVs for classrooms. We push out apps and software, manage updates, and restrict content.

We keep our users working and focused on what they should be doing during school, while giving them freedom to do what they want to do in off-hours, in a safe environment. We get alerts when users violate policies and can take immediate action to disable a device if need be. We can also find lost iPads using Lost Mode.

How has it helped my organization?

Things are more automated, so we can be much more hands-off while having greater visibility into what is going on in our environment. We used to have to touch every iPad multiple times per year; with the innovations that Apple has come out with that have been implemented by Jamf, like volume purchasing and device-based app deployment, we can set things up to work automatically. Things that would have taken us weeks in the past now take us mere minutes.

With Jamf reset, we can save time at the end of the school year by having the end-users erase the devices for us. This is a recently-added function and the solution keeps getting better and better.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features are the restrictions, Lost Mode, Self Service, and full implementation of anything Apple will let MDM manage. Some other MDMs don't offer the full range, but we know if it is possible then we can do it with Jamf. 

There are some features we use, probably not for the intended outcome, but they save us time and effort. We use Lost Mode to lock devices down and call students up to our office when they have violated a policy and we need to search their iPad. Prior to this, when we would call them up they would delete the evidence on the way. Now, we can catch them red-handed.

There are always ways to improve, and Jamf has a great resource called Jamf Nation, which is an online forum where users can report issues, submit feature requests, and vote and discuss issues and solutions. It's all there for Jamf to see.

What needs improvement?

I think that some of the feature requests on Jamf Nation have been sitting out there for a long time with no movement, showing as 'planned' for a really long time, and nothing seems to ever become of them. That is disheartening, but if it is an easy fix it gets done, and if it would benefit a wide variety of users they work to get it done.

Technical support is in need of improvement.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have used this solution for more than five years, the length of time that I have been in this position. The school district I work for has used it for eight years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This solution has become more stable over the last year or so. I remember problems a while back, but now it seems like they are fewer and farther between.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability is great. It has allowed us to grow while saving us time.

How are customer service and technical support?

Technical support used to be better; the company has grown a lot, and their support has taken a nosedive in recent history. I recommend requesting support through the website and as soon as they reach out, asking to get on a call to explain and show what is going on so there is no confusion and they can get on your page as quickly as possible.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We didn't use an MDM before Jamf.

How was the initial setup?

The setup was complete before I arrived.

What was our ROI?

In terms of ROI, I think we get a good bang for the buck.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I know that as a school we get a discounted price, which is good because without it we would not be able to afford it. For us, it is necessary to have a good MDM as the demand for technology rises.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Private Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer90275120 - PeerSpot reviewer
TechOps Team Lead at Unbabel
Vendor
Top 20
Good for remote management with great remote wipe and lock functionality
Pros and Cons
  • "The remote wipe and lock features are by far the best tools."
  • "If I had to suggest an area of improvement would be the UI. It can be very all over the place and complex."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for MDM and remote management. We have a very simple environment.

How has it helped my organization?

Jamf has allowed the company to have control and visibility over all the assets and it has helped us manage everything remotely and at a distance with a click.      

What is most valuable?

The remote wipe and lock features are by far the best tools. They help protect our data whenever we offboard people from the company. 

What needs improvement?

If I had to suggest an area of improvement would be the UI. It can be very all over the place and complex. This makes the learning curve for users far more complicated. Other than that, it is all good. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've used it since I joined the company - two years. It was being used before. I'm super happy with it!

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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PeerSpot user
Real User
Enables us to manage a large number of devices with a small support team
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature is the ability to manage all devices through Apple's DEP and forcing them into Jamf pre-stage enrollment."
  • "I wish there was a profile that could be created for configuring Apple software updates on a global basis for our devices, via a configuration profile."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution to manage over seven thousand iPads, three hundred and fifty Apple TV’s and eighteen hundred computers, with one wonderful system. We push apps out and have control over systems that you otherwise would not have.  During the Covid 19 quarantine, it became invaluable to our school district.  

How has it helped my organization?

With so many devices and such a small technical staff to support them, we needed a tool that allows us to minimize tech issues. This tool allows us to push apps to student devices and teacher computers, lock down missing devices, and push an alarm to a misplaced device. All excellent tools to have in your belt for day to day operations.  

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature is the ability to manage all devices through Apple's DEP and forcing them into Jamf pre-stage enrollment. This is a crucial step in our device deployment process.

What needs improvement?

I wish there was a profile that could be created for configuring Apple software updates on a global basis for our devices, via a configuration profile.

For how long have I used the solution?

More than five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This is a very stable platform.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is highly scalable.  

How are customer service and technical support?

They have awesome tech support.  In fact it is the best I have ever experienced.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud

If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Jamf Pro Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: March 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Jamf Pro Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.