Apple Device Management - DDM Configurations

What

Device Declarative Management (DDM) is Apple’s modern approach to device management, introduced to enhance and eventually replace traditional Mobile Device Management (MDM) protocols. With FileWave 15.5, support for DDM configurations is now available, allowing administrators to manage Apple devices more efficiently. DDM shifts some management logic to the device, enabling it to proactively apply configurations and report status updates, reducing server load and improving scalability.

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When/Why

Implement DDM Configurations in FileWave 15.5 when you aim to:

This is particularly useful for organizations managing numerous devices, seeking to optimize performance and reduce overhead.

Note: Assets and DDM configurations are supported on devices running: iOS 15 and later, iPadOS 15 and later, macOS 12 Monterey and later

How

To create and use Configurations in FileWave 15.5:

  1.  Create a Configuration:
    • Create a new Fileset and pick DDM Configuration from the Apple section.
  2. Configure the Configuration:
    • Pick the Configuration you want to use. In FileWave 15.5.0 we started with Account: CalDAV, Passcode Settings, Screen Sharing Connections, Screen Sharing Host Settings, and Software Update Settings as the first configurations.
  3. Reference a DDM Asset in DDM Configurations:
  4. Automatic Dependency Handling:
    • When a configuration references an Asset, FileWave automatically manages the Asset as a dependency.
    • Deploying the configuration will also deploy the associated Asset to the target devices.
  5. Deploy to Devices:
    • Assign the configurations to your devices or device groups.
    • Monitor the deployment to ensure that devices receive both the configuration and the associated Assets.

Digging Deeper

Declarative Device Management (DDM) represents a significant evolution in Apple’s device management strategy:

Key Benefits:

By embracing DDM configurations in FileWave 15.5, organizations can achieve a more efficient, scalable, and responsive device management system that meets the demands of modern IT environments.


Revision #10
Created 7 October 2024 13:36:32 by Josh Levitsky
Updated 4 November 2024 13:49:20 by Josh Levitsky