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.

When/Why

Implement DDM Configurations in FileWave 15.5 bringswhen you aim to:

• Modernize Device Management: Adopt Apple’s newlatest waydevice ofmanagement configuringmethodology to stay current with industry advancements.
• Increase Efficiency: Allow devices to autonomously manage configurations, reducing reliance on constant server communication.
• Enhance Scalability: Improve performance when managing large fleets, as devices handle more processing locally.
• Improve Responsiveness: Devices can apply configurations and respond to changes more quickly without waiting for server commands.

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

Note: Assets and DDM configurations. While profilesconfigurations are stillsupported widelyon used,devices Applerunning: isiOS extending15 DDMand configlater, everyiPadOS release.15 and later, macOS 12 Monterey and later

How

To simplifycreate deviceand management,use partsConfigurations ofin 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:
   • Some Configurations can reference Apple Device Management - DDM Assets. An example is the Account: CalDAV Configuration which can be fed credentials from a DDM Asset.
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 canto beyour shareddevices amongstor differentdevice configurations.groups.
   Typical
   • Monitor examplethe is user credentials, useddeployment to authenticateensure tothat differentdevices services.receive The same credentials will be used by many configurations (caldav, mail…) ; instead of duplicating the settings, you can now create a unique Asset and use the asset in multiple configurations. Assets are available in the form of a new fileset (so you can organize them the way you need, grant permission….) and will be automatically handled as dependency ofboth the configuration usingand the asset.
     associated

     

     Assets.

   FileWave

   15.5
introduces

a

Related first set of configurations:

Content

• CalDAVApple’s account
  Declarative Device Management Documentation

Digging Deeper

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

• Device-Centric Management: Devices receive declarations of desired states and autonomously ensure compliance, reducing the need for continuous server commands.
• Enhanced Performance: Offloading processing to devices improves performance and scalability, especially in large environments.
• Improved Reliability: Devices can enforce configurations even when temporarily disconnected from the management server.

PasscodeKey settingsBenefits:

• Reduced Server Load: Servers are less burdened with managing individual device states, as devices handle more tasks independently.
• Faster Configuration Application: Devices can apply changes immediately upon receiving declarations, without waiting for additional instructions.
• Proactive Compliance: Devices continuously ensure they meet the declared state, self-correcting if configurations are altered or removed.

ScreenBy Sharingembracing applicationDDM settingsconfigurations (configuresin connections)
FileWave 15.5, organizations can achieve a more efficient, scalable, and responsive device management system that meets the demands of modern IT environments.

Screen Sharing host options

Software Update settings