Mobile device management has long ceased to be a niche topic. As soon as a company has more than ten devices in use, the question arises: how do we stay in control without doubling the IT workload? Jamf and Microsoft Intune are the two most widely discussed answers to this question – and both are good. The decision depends on which devices you manage and how your IT infrastructure is set up.
What is mobile device management?
MDM software allows IT departments to manage smartphones, tablets and computers centrally: distribute apps, enforce security policies, lock or wipe devices remotely and control updates. Without MDM, every new device means manual effort; with MDM, onboarding becomes an automated routine.
Jamf: the Apple specialist
Jamf was developed in 2002 as a pure Mac management solution and is today the world’s leading MDM platform for Apple devices. This is reflected in the depth of its integration: Jamf knows every aspect of macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and visionOS – including all Apple-specific security features, deployment programmes and Business Manager interfaces.
Jamf Pro is the enterprise solution for large, complex environments. Jamf Now is suitable for smaller companies without a dedicated IT department – straightforward, cloud-based and affordable. Jamf School is tailored specifically to educational institutions.
Strengths of Jamf: the deepest Apple integration, zero-touch deployment via Apple Business Manager, granular policies at operating system level, a strong community and certification programme, and an on-premises option for data-sensitive organisations.
Weaknesses of Jamf: it covers Android and Windows either not at all or only to a limited extent. Mixed environments require a second solution.
Microsoft Intune: the generalist for mixed environments
Intune (now part of Microsoft Endpoint Manager) is Microsoft’s cloud-based MDM/UEM platform. It manages Windows, Android, iOS, iPadOS and macOS from a single console – and is often already included in the licence for companies that use Microsoft 365.
Strengths of Intune: seamless integration into the Microsoft 365 world (Azure AD, Teams, SharePoint), cost-effective for existing M365 customers, cross-platform from a single source.
Weaknesses of Intune: Apple-specific features such as certain macOS configuration profiles or newer Apple deployment features are often only supported after a delay. The user interface is complex and requires IT expertise.
Head-to-head: when to choose which?
- Purely Apple-based corporate environment — Jamf – deepest integration, best Apple deployment experience
- Microsoft 365 environment with a Windows majority + some Macs/iPhones — Intune – already included in the licence, one console for everything
- Mixed environment, Apple-first — Jamf for Apple + Intune for Windows (both run in parallel)
- Educational institution with iPads — Jamf School – developed specifically for education, with classroom management
- SME without an IT department, Apple only — Jamf Now – simple, affordable, cloud-based
What comes after the decision?
Choosing the right solution is only the beginning. The real work lies in setting it up correctly: defining enrolment processes, developing policies, training employees and maintaining the solution over time. Denkform is a certified Jamf partner (Jamf Expert, Admin and Tech) and supports companies in selecting, implementing and operating both platforms.
Do you have questions about your specific situation? We will be happy to advise you, with no obligation.
