Imaging workflows using MDM without JAMF

Speakers: Stephen Short

Level: All Levels, Lecture

Excerpt: macOS High Sierra security features like secureToken and User-Approved Kernel Extensions can hamper an admin’s workflow when imaging and deploying a Mac. If you’re using an MDM vendor that does not keep up-to-date with Apple releases, your existing setup may unexpectedly break if you’re automating the creation of user accounts or configuring additional settings. Learn how to plan your imaging workflow with these High Sierra restrictions in mind, and when your MDM vendor is not JAMF.

Description: macOS High Sierra security features like secureToken and User-Approved Kernel Extensions can hamper an admin’s workflow when imaging and deploying a Mac. If you’re using an MDM vendor that does not keep up-to-date with Apple releases, your existing setup may unexpectedly break if you’re automating the creation of user accounts or configuring additional settings. Learn how to plan your imaging workflow with these High Sierra restrictions in mind, and when your MDM vendor is not JAMF.

  • Plan your deployment strategy if your MDM vendor does not treat macOS as a “first-class citizen.”
  • Automate the creation of an admin account that is granted a secureToken and added to the FileVault user list
  • Use Apple Profile Manager to create custom payloads that your MDM service may not offer natively
  • App packaging best practices for deployment with an MDM provider, or using Munki
  • Avoiding Active Directory for password resets


    About the speaker

    Stephen Short (Twitter: @ducksrfr) – Technical Team Lead – Bazaarvoice

    Stephen works with the IT Helpdesk team at Bazaarvoice in Austin, TX and serves as the resident “Mac expert.” He has transitioned the company from a monolithic imaging process with limited remote admin controls, to a thin-imaging workflow using Meraki MDM and Munki. He previously worked as a Genius in Apple retail.

    Stephen is a lifelong Mac user, and has a BA from the University of Texas at Austin. He lives in Austin with his dog Lady and a 1989 Macintosh SE.

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