Managing Apple Macs and Windows Systems with the Same SCCM Tool

27.07.2015
Organizations are looking to manage their Apple Macs along side their existing Windows systems using existing tools already used in enterprises like Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Parallels (the maker of virtual machine technology that has allowed Mac users to run Windows guest sessions for years) just updated their add-in to SCCM, "Parallels Mac Management 4.0" for Microsoft SCCM.

I wrote about Parallels' first foray into the SCCM management plug-in business over a year ago, which I was very impressed with their initial release, and since then, Parallel's has consistently updated their product to make it extremely valuable in the management of Apple Macs in any enterprise already using System Center Configuration Manager.

Some of the basics that Parallels Mac Management provides to SCCM:

As Parallels has shared in their press releases, in this latest release, key features include:

We have had many enterprises that have been running two (or more) endpoint management tools to consolidate them to decrease costs and the complexity of owning and managing multiple tools. By adding in Mac management to an organization's existing System Center Configuration Manager Windows management solution, enterprises have been able to simplify their endpoint management toolset. Additionally, with a common tool, organizations are able to create consistency in configuration policies and security policies "pushed" to endpoints, regardless of whether the device is a Windows computer, Windows tablet, Apple Mac laptop, Windows laptop, or the like. Typically with two separate tools, the consistency of policies and security processes varied from platform to platform, that can now be made similar and consistent.

The Parallels Mac Management add-in has been a GREAT addition for enterprises already using System Center Configuration Manager to manage their Windows systems to ALSO manage their Macs. Experiences have been extremely positive, and now with the addition of new functionality in v4 of the release, it makes the solution even more valuable to enterprises.

For more information from Parallels, see http://www.parallels.com/products/mac-management/ that has demo videos available, along with comparison charts and datasheets. A great solution for any enterprise with both Windows and Mac users.

(www.networkworld.com)

Rand Morimoto

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