Jamf is a software platform for managing and securing Apple-based devices in organizations. It helps IT teams maintain control of Macs, iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices in ways that can be customized to the organization’s needs. While this is the basic definition, it does not fully describe what Jamf is used for.
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“While Jamf offers substantial value, there are factors for decision-makers to weigh. The platform’s effectiveness depends on proper configuration and ongoing governance. If you cannot manage that in-house, you may need to outsource experts who can do that work for you.” – Joel Hartmann , IT Systems Engineer, MC Services |
Jamf was founded to address the increasing presence of Apple hardware in business and education environments. The company focuses on helping organizations “succeed with Apple” by delivering device management and protection tools.
Although it began as a tool mainly for educational institutions, it has expanded its reach far beyond that sector. In fact, 74% of organizations that use Jamf are in various commercial, non-education-related industries.
Whether your organization is in education or not, the rest of this article will answer the question “what is Jamf?” and help you understand how you can use it. We will look at both the end-user and technical aspects so that you can get a full picture of the platform.
What Is Jamf Used For?
Jamf is an Apple device management platform that helps organizations deploy, configure, and protect macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices from a single console. It gives IT teams centralized tools to automate updates, manage policies, and monitor security across Apple endpoints.
Beyond device control, Jamf supports productivity, compliance, and user experience at every stage of the device lifecycle. Here is a closer look at what else it can do.
Streamlined Device Deployment
Jamf simplifies the process of getting new Apple devices into the hands of users by supporting zero-touch deployment through Apple Business Manager. Devices can be automatically enrolled, configured, and ready for use the moment they’re powered on, without IT having to handle them directly.
Centralized Policy Management
With Jamf, IT administrators can create, enforce, and modify security and configuration policies across all managed Apple devices from one interface. This includes controlling system settings, Wi-Fi configurations, and restrictions to meet organizational standards.
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Application Management
Jamf allows IT teams to deploy, update, and manage applications remotely across Apple devices. Integration with Apple Business Manager makes it possible to distribute both App Store and custom apps at scale, while Jamf Self Service empowers users to install approved software on their own.
Security and Compliance Monitoring
Through Jamf’s security features, organizations can continuously monitor device health, detect vulnerabilities, and address potential threats before they become critical issues. IT teams can enforce encryption, password standards, and operating system updates, which helps your organization stay aligned with internal policies and external regulations.
It’s also a good way to stay ahead of threats. The average business takes 245 days to detect and contain a breach , and a lot of damage could be done within that time. Using Jamf is a good way to speed up detection, so you can speed up recovery.
Identity and Access Integration
Jamf supports integration with identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID to manage user access and authentication securely. This allows IT to apply single sign-on (SSO), multifactor authentication (MFA), and conditional access rules across all Apple devices.
End-User Support
Jamf’s Self Service portal gives users the ability to access pre-approved apps, tools, and configurations without waiting for IT intervention. This feature is great for the user experience since 67% of end users would rather use self-service tools than call an IT technician. Combined with remote management capabilities, IT can troubleshoot issues, push updates, or assist users in real time.
What Is Jamf Pro & Who Is It Best For?
Jamf Pro is the enterprise-level version of Jamf designed for organizations that need advanced Apple device management, security enforcement, and automation at scale. It goes beyond basic deployment and monitoring by offering deep integration with Apple’s management frameworks, granular policy control, and customizable workflows.
Jamf Pro is best suited for mid-sized to large businesses, schools, and government entities that manage hundreds or thousands of Apple devices and need high visibility, compliance, and automation capabilities not available in simpler Jamf products.
If you’re interested in learning more, here is a quick overview of what Jamf Pro has to offer that other versions do not include.
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Feature |
Description |
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Smart Groups (dynamic device/user grouping) |
Jamf Pro supports real-time grouping of devices/users based on detailed criteria (OS version, hardware, installed apps, security state), enabling automatic policy/application targeting and remediation. |
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Blueprints for device configurations |
This feature lets you define full device-state templates (settings, apps, restrictions) by role or department and apply them repeatedly across devices. |
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Full scripting and policies engine |
Jamf Pro provides a rich scripting environment (bash, Python, etc), complex policy execution, and automation workflows beyond simple configuration profiles. |
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Advanced patch management & third-party app updates |
It includes management of both OS and third-party app patches at scale, with customised schedules and reporting. |
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Remote commands and full device lifecycle control |
Jamf Pro enables remote lock, wipe, enforce encryption, recovery workflows, and full lifecycle management of devices across Apple platforms. |
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Granular inventory and reporting with full metadata |
The solution collects detailed hardware, software, user, and security configuration data. It supports complex reporting and segmentation that smaller plans usually do not. |
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Wide enterprise-grade integrations & API access |
Jamf Pro connects with enterprise identity systems, security tools, and reporting platforms, and supports full API access for scaling automation and customized workflows. |
What Is Jamf Connect & Are There Other Options?
Jamf Connect is a cloud-identity and access management solution built for Apple devices. It lets users log into their Macs or mobile devices using their cloud identity provider credentials, synchronises local account passwords with the cloud identity, and applies access policies to ensure only authorised users on managed devices can reach your apps and data.
Other than Jamf Pro and Jamf Connect, there are other versions of Jamf that smaller organizations may prefer. Here are the other two options.
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Product |
Who It Is Best For |
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Jamf Now |
Small to medium-sized businesses that manage a moderate number of Apple devices and want a simplified management interface without enterprise-level complexity. |
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Jamf School |
K-12 schools or educational institutions that use iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs and need workflows geared towards smart classrooms and shared devices for students, teachers, and parents. |
What Is Jamf Software Doing In The Background?
Jamf installs a small management component and uses Apple’s built-in mobile device management (MDM) system to talk to your device. This runs as a background service and as an MDM “profile,” so you usually do not see a separate app on screen. The Jamf agent and MDM profile let your organization send settings, apps, and commands to the device in a controlled way.
Many organizations use Jamf to keep security settings in place. Jamf can check whether the firewall is on, whether remote login is restricted, and whether security features match internal or industry baselines. With Jamf’s security tools, such as Jamf Protect, you can also collect security event data, look for suspicious behavior, and apply threat prevention rules.
However, Jamf’s ability to watch what you’re doing on your device and install apps without intervention may raise some privacy and security concerns for some people. These concerns are generally mitigated by other features Jamf provides. Here is an overview of common concerns vs. what Jamf actually does.
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Concern about what Jamf is doing |
What Jamf is actually doing |
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Reading all my documents and files |
Collecting inventory about storage usage, hardware, installed apps, and security settings, not the contents or names of individual files. |
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Tracking every website I visit |
Standard Jamf deployments state that Jamf does not collect browsing history and does not read web content. |
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Monitoring my email and messages |
Jamf focuses on device inventory and configuration. It does not collect the contents of emails or messages, and local implementations document that clearly. |
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Watching me through the camera or recording my screen |
Jamf’s core MDM and inventory functions do not provide webcam spying or screen recording of user activity. They manage settings, apps, and security posture through Apple’s MDM framework. |
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Logging everything I type (keylogging) |
Jamf uses security analytics and system events to detect threats. Documented data types describe analytics and security events, not keystrokes. |
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Constantly “watching” me every second I use the Mac |
The device checks in at set intervals and after certain tasks to update inventory and apply policies. Many setups use at least daily inventory and additional check-ins when policies run. |
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Randomly changing my settings on its own |
Jamf applies settings through configuration profiles and policies that IT staff create. Those profiles can update or reapply if IT changes them, which can look “random” to a user but follows the configured rules. |
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Spying on my personal Mac at home |
Jamf programs usually enroll only organization-owned devices. Personal devices are not enrolled unless you explicitly join a program. |
How to Install Jamf Software
1. Verify System Requirements
Review Jamf’s system requirements to confirm compatibility with your current macOS and hardware. Make sure all company devices run supported macOS versions before rollout to avoid deployment delays. For instance, older Intel-based Macs that can’t upgrade to newer macOS versions often can’t be managed reliably with the latest Jamf tools.
2. Download The Jamf Installer
Go to Jamf’s official website and sign in with your business or IT admin credentials. Choose the correct installer for your company’s macOS version and save it on a secure, company-managed device. Also, keep installation files in a shared, access-controlled location so your IT team can use a consistent version across all endpoints.
3. Run The Installer
Open the installation package and follow the setup instructions. When prompted, provide your administrator password to complete the installation. If you manage multiple devices, consider using a deployment script or MDM automation to save time.
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4. Configure The Server Connection
Launch Jamf and enter your organization’s Jamf server URL and admin credentials. This connects the device to your management environment.
5. Enroll Company Devices
Use the Jamf enrollment URL or Apple’s Automated Device Enrollment (through Apple Business Manager) to register each company device. This step links the hardware to your organization’s management system.
6. Apply Configuration Profiles
Once devices are enrolled, Jamf automatically applies configuration profiles for settings such as Wi-Fi, VPN, and security preferences. Work with your IT provider to create profiles that enforce security baselines, like encryption and password complexity, to protect sensitive data.
7. Verify Installation & Connectivity
Open Jamf and confirm that all devices appear as managed. Check for active communication between endpoints and the Jamf server, and review the initial policy logs to verify compliance. Also, schedule regular checks to confirm device compliance and generate reports on system health, patch status, and inventory for leadership reviews.
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Talk to Some of The Top Apple Consultants in The Midwest About Jamf! |
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Now That You Know What Jamf Is, Talk to Jamf Experts
If your organization is adopting Jamf, MC Services is ready to help you turn that ambition into reality. Our team specializes in Apple device management backed by Jamf expertise and decades of IT experience.
Take the guesswork out of Jamf management. With MC Services, you get specialized Apple-device support, managed oversight, and a provider who speaks Jamf fluently.
Reach out today to get started!
