What is Jamf?

 

Jamf is a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system that enables Administrators to deploy, configure, and manage Apple devices as well as automate IT administration tasks. Jamf can manage macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices.

 

How does Jamf work?

 

Jamf consists of:

• A cloud-hosted management server
• An agent known as the “Jamf binary” installed on macOS devices at the time of enrollment

 

The macOS agent checks into the Jamf server at device startup and at 15-minute intervals afterwards, polling for applicable policies. Configuration profiles are deployed instantly through Apple’s push notification service (APNS) as they become in scope to a device.

 

iOS and tvOS devices check into Jamf once daily and receive configuration changes and software as they come in scope through the APNS.

 

Communications between the server and the devices are encrypted and no personal information such as browsing history, file contents, and passwords are collected.

 

How can I use Jamf to manage my devices?

 

Jamf enables device management with the following:

• Configuration Profiles for configurable items like security or system settings
• Policies for actionable items such as scripting or software distribution (App Store and traditional distribution)
• Smart Groups and Static Groups
• Deployment through a combination of Automated Enrollment, Policies, Configuration Profiles, and Groups
• Inventory management both native and customizable

 

How do I enroll devices?

 

Devices can be enrolled through the following methods:

• Automated Enrollment (formerly DEP), which works with Apple School Manager (ASM) to control the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) and enroll the device at the time of initial setup
• A weblink associated with VT’s Jamf instance. For macOS devices, the user initiating enrollment must have local administrative rights.
• An invitation link emailed to or shared with an end user. For macOS devices, the user initiating enrollment must have local administrative rights.

 

Where can I find Technical Documentation, resources, training materials, etc.?

 

Technical Documentation and information for Jamf Pro can be found at 

 

• Jamf Pro Product Documentation - https://www.jamf.com/resources/product-documentation/
• Jamf Pro Administrator’s Guide - https://www.jamf.com/resources/product-documentation/jamf-pro-administrators-guide/
• JamfNation (Community, Discussions, etc.) - https://www.jamf.com/jamf-nation/
• Jamf Training Catalog – https://traningcatalog.jamf.com – A Jamf account associated with a @vt.edu address is required to access this resource. Please contact a service administrator for access.
• VT Jamf Page - https://sites.google.com/a/vt.edu/vt-jamf-page/home
• VT Slack – Located at #jamf in Virginia Tech’s Jamf instance
• Jamf User’s Group – A VT Google group where announcements are made, and discussions can be had. Contact a Service Administrator to be added to the group.

 

Is in-person or live remote training or assistance available?

 

Training is available subject to scheduling and availability. It is available for for initial onboarding as well as follow up, and can be customized based on need. You can request training from one of VT Jamf’s Service Administrators by clicking here. 

 

The #jamf slack channel or the Jamf User’s Group is also a place where questions can be asked to other VT Jamf users. Service administrators are also available for assistance with any issues or questions.

 

How can I start using Jamf?

 

You can get started using Jamf by requesting access through the Service Catalog by clicking here. Pricing and other information is available within the catalog item.