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Solution Spotlight
Solution
Spotlight:
Managing
Apple sets a high bar for Operating
System (OS) upgrade frequency.
Since 2012, new versions of OS X (for Mac) and iOS (for iPhone and iPad)
have been released each year. A combination of the simple upgrade path
and $ 0 cost helps drive impressive adoption rates for consumers.
Apple OS
This trend is further accelerated by Apple’s vertical integration of hardware
Upgrades
OS version—and can’t be downgraded. This presents a stark contrast to
and software: any new Mac, iPad, or iPhone will always ship with the latest
Windows, where Windows XP and Windows 7 remain more popular than
the newer Windows 8 release. Android has suffered a similar fate, with a
minority of devices running the newest Android KitKat OS.
IT managers know they can’t always prevent users from upgrading their
devices, and yet they’re responsible for maintaining IT security controls and
accurate systems inventory. This presents a real challenge and makes it
essential that their system management tools are updated in step with Apple.
For help transitioning to
iOS 8 or OS X Yosemite with the
Casper Suite, call 612-677-7075
or email info@jamfsoftware.com
With some advance planning and the right tools in place, these major OS
updates are a great opportunity for IT managers to deliver business value by
guiding users through the upgrade and leveraging new Apple technologies.
The Casper Suite provides the
tools to prepare, plan, and deploy
OS upgrades.
How to make the transition to iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite seamless
with the Casper Suite.
Use inventory reports to prepare
the Self Service app. To aid in user communication
Careful planning ahead of an upgrade can minimize
regarding updates, the Casper Suite can push
disruption and eliminate unplanned downtime. The
notifications using Apple’s Push Notification service.
Casper Suite’s dynamic inventory tools make it easy to
identify which devices are eligible for the upgrade.
A status report or live dashboard is helpful in tracking
the update project and reporting to stakeholders. The
Each device sends an inventory report to the central
inventory data gathered by the Casper Suite can be
Casper Suite server on a daily basis, with inventory
used to drive a dashboard within the web console.
data including hardware details, software versions,
Granular access controls mean stakeholders can view
and security configurations. The inventory data can
the dashboard on-demand with read-only accounts.
be used to create dynamic smart groups—device
groups based on inventory attributes—that are used
Plan multiple paths for deployment
for reporting and to scope deployment activities. This
The most common path is the in-place upgrade, where
work can be done before a new OS is released to
the OS is updated without changing the other software
avoid delays or surprises.
or user data on the system. This is the default option
for iOS upgrades and savvy Mac users can upgrade
Any in-house or mission-critical commercial software
on their own, using Apple’s built-in Software Update
should be tested for compatibility with the new OS.
feature. Some organizations prefer to coordinate
If gaps are identified, the Casper Suite’s software
the upgrade process within the IT group to ensure
inventory will quickly identify which systems are
consistency and compatibility with other systems.
af fected. As needed, sof tware updates can be
deployed to those systems using the Casper Suite
The Casper Suite software deployment, package
software deployment tools.
caching, and Self Service features make in-place
upgrades painless for IT admins and users alike.
Updates can be pushed to devices, scheduled for
Based on the smart groups described above, the IT
overnight installs, or users can initiate the install using
group can make a communication plan and prepare
upgrade paths for users.
Based on the inventory assessment outlined above,
OS upgrades may need to be delayed until mission-
On the Mac, the update software package can be
critical software is updated. For organizations that
cached on the systems that are eligible for an update,
need total control over the upgrade timing, the
then later installed on a schedule, triggered by a
Casper Suite restricted software feature can be used
system event, or initiated by the user through the
to prevent ad-hoc upgrades on the Mac. This helps
Self Service app.
to ensure consistency, so everyone gets the update
at the same time and avoids confusion or service
Additional software updates or configuration changes
interruptions.
can be combined with the update to ensure a smooth
transition. iOS updates can be initiated by the user or
Leverage consistent security controls
deployed over a USB connection with a Mac running
Securing a Mac or mobile device is most effective
Apple Configurator. The Casper Suite’s breadth of
using native controls. Unlike other solutions that
management capabilities for both iOS and OS X offers
require additional client software on the device to
IT groups the flexibility to develop the right workflow
enforce security, the Casper Suite can configure
for their users.
the native OS security features.
In the case of new hardware or repurposed devices,
The native data encryption capabilities in both OS X
the Caspe r Suite imaging tools of fe r a simple,
and iOS, paired with Casper Suite for configuration
repeatable workflow to install the latest OS. The
and key escrow, offer strong security for mobile
Casper Imaging tool for Mac can wipe and install a
devices. Because the encryption capabilities are
fresh OS along with all the additional software and
part of the OS, upgrades are painless and the data
configurations required. This process is automated and
encryption is preserved throughout the process.
scalable to support large, distributed organizations. By
sharing a package library, the same preparation done
Beyond data encryption, the Apple OS provides
for in-place upgrades is repurposed for imaging. By
good security controls for network security, user
integrating with Apple Configurator, iPad and iPhone
authentication, application safety, and others. These
can be wiped and upgraded as well.
controls can be managed by the Casper Suite using
the native configuration profile technology and is
consistent across OS upgrades.
Fully align with Apple
A streamlined approach to OS X and iOS upgrades ensures security measures
are met, accurate system inventory is maintained, and downtime is eliminated. As
a best-of-breed Apple management solution, the Casper Suite equips IT managers
with the tools they need to take advantage of the latest Apple OS without
negatively impacting end users or putting abundant strain on IT personnel.
Contact us to learn more about the Casper Suite.
info@jamfsoftware.com | 612.605.6625 | www.jamfsoftware.com
©2014 JAMF Software, LLC. All rights reserved.