What is Jamf and How Does It Work?

Until the last decade, Apple products were used primarily by private consumers and rarely as business devices. That’s changed, however, with many businesses allowing employees to use any device they prefer. With the increasing usage of Apple products in business, organizations need a reliable, efficient device management solution to ensure network and data security on employees’ devices. 

This organizational challenge is compounded by the fact that many working professionals use more than one device during their workday. Businesses must manage and secure devices across the company, be they phones, tablets, laptops, or desktops. 

Jamf software can help you manage and secure all those devices. Here are some of the topics we’ll cover to help you decide if Jamf is a good fit for your organization:

• What is Jamf and how is it used?
• Jamf products. 
• Is Jamf right for my company?
• Jamf alternatives. 
• How Vendr can help you save with Jamf
• Jamf FAQs. 

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What is Jamf and how is it used?

Jamf is a comprehensive device management solution enabling organizations to manage and secure Apple devices, including iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, Mac computers and Mac OS devices, and Apple TVs. The Jamf platform contains various features and tools that simplify and streamline device management for administrators by automating workflows and ensuring security compliance. 

Jamf software can be tailored to the unique needs of various industries, including technology, education, and healthcare. Whether you’re the administrator in charge of managing Apple devices for an enterprise company, a university or other institute of education, a healthcare group, or a similar type of organization, Jamf provides specialized tools and software features for your industry that help you manage and secure Apple devices more effectively. 

Jamf products

Jamf offers a suite of software products designed to cater to the specific needs of different types of businesses and organizations. Jamf products include: 

Jamf Pro

Jamf Pro is for businesses and organizations of all sizes, from small businesses with basic needs to large-scale enterprises with stricter security requirements. Jamf Pro offers a wide range of features enabling administrators to effectively manage and secure Apple devices, including inventory management, device enrollment, security policies, and application management. 

Jamf Now

Jamf Now is a cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) solution designed for small- to medium-sized organizations to manage Apple devices, including iOS and macOS computers and devices. It integrates with Jamf Connect and Jamf Protect to provide password synching and malware protection.

Additional features of Jamf Now include Jamf Self Service for macOS and the ability to deploy any iPhone or iPad app, macOS package, or custom profile. 

Jamf School

Jamf School is an Apple MDM designed for organizations with an educational focus. Features include dashboards, classroom management tools, iBeacon Profile Assignment, an Incident System, Location management, content caching, and an app request feature for teachers. 

Jamf Connect (formerly Jamf Private Access)

Jamf Connect, formerly known as Jamf Private Access, is a zero-trust network access (ZTNA) solution for businesses and organizations that enables users to securely connect to the organization’s network applications and resources. Jamf Connect contains advanced authorization and authentication features that enable network administrators to control access to network applications and resources based on user identity, device security, and other factors.

Jamf Protect

Jamf Protect is a robust security solution focused on protecting businesses’ Apple devices from security threats such as malware and ransomware. It provides advanced threat detection and remediation capabilities that enable organizations to quickly identify and remedy security threats. Jamf Protect is most suitable for businesses with strict security policies requiring more advanced security features. 

Jamf Safe Internet

Jamf Safe Internet is software designed to help schools, colleges, and universities protect students from harmful content on the Internet. It offers best-in-class network threat prevention and a content-filtering database for blocking unsafe content, malware, and phishing attempts. Jamf Safe Internet is designed with privacy and safe browsing at its core.  

Jamf Executive Threat Protection

Jamf Executive Threat Protection is designed to help large enterprises and governments detect, identify, and respond to mobile attacks on mobile endpoints across the organization. Enterprise and government organizations using Jamf Executive Threat Protection gain extended visibility into their mobile fleet from anywhere. With features like rich mobile endpoint telemetry, manual investigation of digital threats is reduced from weeks to minutes. 

Executive Threat Protection goes beyond MDM to collect mobile information, data, and system logs to support investigations into digital threats. 

Is Jamf right for my company?

Some considerations to review when deciding if Jamf is a good fit for your company include:

Device usage

Jamf is designed to manage and secure Apple devices, unlike other MDM solutions that manage other operating systems in addition to Apple products. If many users across your organization use Apple devices, Jamf may be a great choice. 

Company size

Jamf software can accommodate organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to the largest enterprises in the world. The Jamf platform contains various customizable software features and tools to meet your organization’s needs. 

Industry-specific requirements 

Jamf is ideal for organizations operating in the education, business, and healthcare industries. It offers specialized features and tools tailored to these sectors' needs. 

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Jamf alternatives

Kandji

Kandji is a cloud-based device management solution similar to Jamf. It is suitable for businesses of all sizes and offers an array of similar features, including device enrollment, inventory management, security policies, and app management. 

Kandji’s biggest difference from Jamf is that it’s the only MDM with a pre-built library of 150+ security controls ready to deploy using pre-built, one-click templates. 

JumpCloud

JumpCloud offers a cloud-based platform that manages user identities and device access across various systems and environments. This Directory-as-a-Service solution provides functionalities such as Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and device management, enabling IT teams to implement a Zero Trust security model and streamline their operations.

In contrast, Jamf specializes in managing Apple devices within organizations. It provides tools for deploying, inventorying, and securing Apple products specifically. While JumpCloud supports a broader range of devices and operating systems, Jamf focuses exclusively on Apple's ecosystem, offering tailored solutions for businesses that primarily use Apple devices​

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based device management solution built to cover the range of devices and operating systems an organization’s users might have, including iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows. 

Offering similar management features, including device enrollment, inventory management, app management, and security policies, Intune is most suitable for businesses that require a comprehensive device management solution capable of supporting multiple operating systems instead of only Apple devices. 

How Vendr can help you save with Jamf

Vendr is a leading software procurement platform focused on helping businesses and organizations save money on software purchases. Jamf is a Vendr Verified seller and offers special discounts and promotions to Vendr users, allowing your organization to save money while getting the device management and security protection it needs. 

Vendr also provides valuable insights on software buying, including contract analysis and negotiation support services to help buyers get the best possible deal on software like Jamf. 

To learn how to save $4,500 or more on your Jamf contract, see our Jamf Buyer Guide.

FAQs

Is Jamf an MDM?

Yes, Jamf is a mobile device management (MDM) solution for businesses and organizations to manage and secure Apple devices on their network. Jamf’s range of features and tools helps admins streamline device management efforts, automate workflows, and ensure security compliance across devices. 

How does Jamf work with Apple?

Jamf works closely with Apple to ensure all its device management solutions, features, and tools are compatible with the latest Apple devices and operating systems. 

What are some of the benefits of Jamf?

Key benefits of Jamf include: 

• Improved device management: Jamf’s features and tools enable admins to more effectively manage Apple devices while reducing the management time and effort required. 
• Streamlined workflows: Jamf’s features enable administrators to automate workflows and repetitive tasks, reducing the time and manual effort to manage Apple devices. 
• Enhanced security: Advanced security features and tools help protect Apple devices from malware, ransomware, and other digital security threats. 

Improved user experiences: With Jamf’s capabilities, admins can more effectively create a seamless, consistent user experience across all Apple devices on the network.

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