The COVID-19 pandemic has forever reshaped the way we work. At the onset of the pandemic, companies were forced to rapidly transition to working from home. A year and a half later, it appears remote working won’t be fading away anytime soon. One found that 87% of professionals hope to continue working from home, even after the pandemic is over.

As a result, the pandemic has also impacted talent recruitment and retention. Employers are having a difficult time attracting and retaining high-quality employees and a are coming to the conclusion that a of work is the most effective solution. With this model, employees can decide whether they want to work from home or work in the office.

However, once enterprises decide to utilize a hybrid work model, the next problem is ensuring users have the technology they need to be successful.

Keep reading to learn three reasons why investing in cutting-edge, modern technology will successfully guide your business forward in the new era of remote working.

1. Improves Employee Experience

Having up-to-date technology, like modern desktops and laptops, empowers the remote workforce to be productive day in and day out by making work easier and more enjoyable. Giving your team the right tools will allow them to reach their full potential by accessing resources and staying connected to their team members, whether they are working remotely or working in an office.

Additionally, having the right tools boosts employee retention. When you make a great first impression on new hires by offering the latest and greatest technology, their productivity is strong right away. This also strengthens the company culture and improves employee morale. When it comes down to it, offering a positive employee experience starts with providing team members the tools they need to do their work technology is a huge part of that.

2. Modern Technology Ensures Business Continuity

When you invest in , you get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your employees in the office and remote aren’t being bogged down by slow and bothersome systems. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about little things like hardware or software incompatibility and inconsistent internet connectivity.

Having modern technologies allows every employee to access internal resources and applications. If you’re worried about unauthorized logins or if an employee accidentally downloads a virus, invest in modern PC lifecycle management platforms (MPCLM) that enable IT to manage machines remotely. You’ll be able to ensure your remote workforce and in-office employees are always working productively when you invest in new desktops and laptops alongside modern IT tools to keep your business connected.

3. It Allows Your Remote Workforce To Innovate

Modern technologies offer a variety of benefits, but the most important by far is innovation.

By ensuring your remote workforce has the tools they need to succeed, you empower your team to reach their full potential at work every day. Through these modern technologies, you enable your team to have real-time connectivity and collaboration, which allows your team to brainstorm, test and implement new ideas faster than ever before.

This, in turn, speeds product development and reduces time to market, which offers your enterprise a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Additionally, it helps your team find and focus on high-value activities, further boosting engagement and output. Empowering remote employees is the key to success when growing your company and allowing them to have the technology to guide them is absolutely essential.

Dell’s Technology Solutions Can Help You Find Success

It boils down to this: Choosing which desktop and laptop devices will power your operations is the most important decision you can make for your remote workforce. With Dell’s wide range of models and excellent specifications you can’t pick incorrectly. Partnering with an organization like WEI can also help with this decision and build a program that helps empower your remote employees.

Are You Ready To Transform Your Remote Workforce?

is committed to helping enterprises transform the way they do business. To support this, innovation is at the forefront of all their solutions, enabling you to transform your infrastructure and accelerate the innovation you need to stay competitive. If you’re ready to make the change now, contact WEI to begin building a custom solution for your business. We have expertise across all Dell systems and can help architect a custom solution to achieve your desired business outcomes.

NEXT STEPS: this executive brief to learn the TOP FIVE factors for driving digital innovation in your enterprise.

The post Three Ways Modern Technology Supports Your Remote Workforce appeared first on IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions.

For many enterprises, devices have become the next step forward in offering employees the user experience they want. However, the implementation and administration of Mac, iPad, iPhone, and other Apple devices have created unique challenges for many IT organizations that were unfamiliar with the Apple provisioning model. As part of our commitment to helping enterprises start their Apple journey on the right foot, we’ve compiled the top 5 most frequently asked questions we receive about deploying Apple in the enterprise and our answers.

1. Are Apple Devices Secure Enough?

Security is often top of mind whenever new technology is being introduced at the enterprise, and for good reason. Thankfully, , with advanced security built into every product from the ground up.

From system security, to data security, to app security, Apple has gone to great lengths to ensure the use of Apple in the workplace does not pose a security risk.

Here are a few of the strategies and technologies utilized by Apple to ensure security:

• Secure startup processes
• Extensive system safeguards
• Strong passcode policies
• The Apple T2 Security Chip
• Runtime protection, sandboxing, and other tools used to ensure downloaded apps are only accessing data in pre-authorized ways

In fact, Apple is emerging as an industry leader when it comes to user data privacy and security and has taken a firm stance on data protection as a corporation. In case you missed it, you can watch 12-minute opening keynote presented at the most recent Computers Privacy Data Protection (CPDP) Conference.

[Featured video]
Real Tech with WEI Customer Question video series

Misconceptions of Apple in the Enterprise

2. Is Implementation More Complex?

Once the decision has been made to begin offering an Apple as a Choice program to employees, the next step is to plan for implementation. To make the process of rolling out Apple in the enterprise as simple as possible, we can break down the process into four steps:

• Preparation – This phase includes planning for integration with your network and other key infrastructure, as well as setting up any other systems that are required for deployment.
• Set Up – In this step, enterprises define corporate policies for data management and security, as well as setting up your mobile device management (MDM) solution.
• Deployment – Once preparation and set up are complete, enterprises can begin deployment and distribution of Apple throughout the workforce.
• Management – The final step of the process is ongoing management and maintenance of devices, which is made easier through the selected MDM and by partnering with an Apple Authorized Reseller, like WEI.

To guide enterprises through the process of implementation, Apple has created a which goes into detail on each of the above steps.

3. How Do Apple Devices Compare When it Comes to Administration?

Ensuring your team is prepared for maintenance and provisioning is vital to successful implementation and administration. Working with an Apple Authorized Reseller like WEI is critical here. We can educate your team on best practices and build them right into your processes. Or you can offload a lot of the administration work to WEI’s team of Apple experts.

While there are third-party alternatives for managing software patches and updates, Apple does offer a cloud-based service called Software Update, which enables IT teams to apply security patches and operating system updates. The service also publishes patches and updates for frequently used applications such as Safari and iTunes for added efficiency. Mac is pointed to the service by default, which automatically notifies end users of any patches and updates they need to apply, and then prompts them to execute the downloads. Putting self-service in the hands of your users keeps them focused and productive and reduces IT support tickets. Which leads us to our next FAQ

4. Do Apple Devices Complicate the Help Desk?

When it comes to user support, it really is only as complex as you make it. Communication with employees and offering specific instructions to users that make it clear who they need to contact with questions goes a long way to simplifying the help desk experience for both IT and employees.

Another way of simplifying the user experience for those employees using Apple devices is to utilize self-service applications, which can act like an app store where IT can post software that has been tested, an additional browser, or a plugin for their email program, etc. Approved applications like these can be installed to machines automatically with a simple click. Users know the applications are safe to use, and IT does not need to be involved in the installation process.

Plus, there is a good chance an overwhelming majority of your employees have personal familiarity with from using Mac and iPad at home and doing almost everything else in their life with iPhone. Familiarity with Apple cannot be overlooked and your employees will appreciate using a tool they know and love for work.

5. Can WEI Help Enterprises Get Started?

Absolutely! We are experts in helping enterprises implement Apple, as well as providing ongoing maintenance and support. Our enterprise IT experts will work closely with your team to streamline the deployment of the new Apple technology. We can also show you all the tools available to ease the integration of new devices into your organization, and how to best use them to your advantage. We know the best practices based on our own experience and we’ve been partnering with Apple since 2012. We can help create efficiencies throughout the entire lifecycle: deployment, provisioning, and maintenance. Our customers consider WEI an extension of their team.

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Real Tech with WEI Customer Question video series

How to create efficiencies when managing Apple devices for the enterprise

Ready to Start Offering Apple in YOUR Enterprise?

Offering Apple as a choice to your employees drives productivity, collaboration, and creativity throughout the enterprise. It’s true, and we wrote a whole blog post about it here! Many of our customers have already made the transition to a blended Windows and Apple environment that enables employees to enjoy how they use technology in their jobs. It’s really about providing your employees with the power of choice so they can be happier in their jobs and do their best work. and we can help you get started and answer any questions you have.

NEXT STEPS: We’re here to help you prepare for Apple in YOUR enterprise. Our eBook below is jam-packed with insights, best practices, and guides to help you prepare your team for Apple. Check out the eBook below and then reach out to our team with your questions. We’re here to offer guidance and support as much as possible as you develop your Apple device management strategy.

The post Top 5 FAQs About Apple and Mac In The Enterprise appeared first on IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions.

In today’s digital world, the technology you deploy in the enterprise can make or break the productivity of your business. The blending of work life and home life is becoming more intertwined, and users wants to be able to do the best version of their work on the devices in which they feel most comfortable using. This growing popularity and favoritism of Apple products really isn’t new per se, but there’s been an influx of questions from IT professionals regarding the best strategies for integration and management of , , and in their established IT environment.

We spent some time collecting our thoughts on the critical steps an organization can take to position them for success when offering and managing Apple products across the enterprise, and we hope you will find these tips helpful as you address your own Apple device management strategy.

Questions to ask before integrating Apple products in your enterprise

Let’s start at the top with key questions to ask when initially considering offering Apple as a choice for your business. These questions will be instrumental to the design and/or refinement of your Apple strategy.

1. How tightly integrated do these devices need to be within the organization?
   Your business is unique, as is your IT environment and your IT processes. A marketing agency may require Mac throughout the office and for remote workers, a retailer may be interested in utilizing iPad for store management apps or iPhone for quick checkout and returns, while a healthcare organization may only seek to augment their mobile strategy with iPhone and iPad for more accessible patient care. All these scenarios require a unique approach and discussing them with key stakeholders will be important in determining your requirements.
2. How will the addition of these devices benefit performance and productivity?
   Where are you seeing an abundance of support tickets? Can Mac or other Apple devices circumvent these common issues? In a global survey of those who use , 70% of respondents experienced 2 or fewer issues on their Mac within the last 12 months, and half of those reported zero issues in 12 months.
3. How widely available do Apple devices need to be throughout the enterprise?
   Will only specific employees need to utilize Apple devices, or should they be available to every employee? Are there any unique job requirements that would be better served if the work is done on Mac? Do you manage a distrusted enterprise or large campus? Consider the implications of device use at your branch offices and data center locations.
4. Where and how are users connecting to the network?
   Are all users on-premises or does the enterprise support a large remote workforce? Do most employees connect over wired networks, or is it all about wireless? How many different devices could be connected to the network at the same time by one user? Should some apps get restricted access based on user location or will they require two-factor authentication for access? These questions fuel great conversation that can help you fully understand how your users will connect and their unique requirements.

How important is VPN support? In regulated industries, compliance can be a defining factor in determining which devices gain adoption within the enterprise. That’s why it’s also a good idea to examine the elements of compliance that need to be upheld, and factor them in when creating an Apple deployment strategy.

3 Success Factors for your Enterprise Apple Device Management Strategy

Success with Apple in the enterprise is twofold: you have to keep users happy and productive, as well as the IT team managing and executing the strategy. To ensure your enterprise can effectively utilize Apple, we have shared our top three factors for success below.

1. Prioritize the Most Important Integration Points

   
   

When implementing Apple in the enterprise, it is critical to have a firm plan in place and a deep understanding of the integration points where Apple devices and your enterprise will intersect.

Authentication is one of, if not the most important integration point when implementing Apple in the enterprise. One key method to ensure all technology, including Apple devices, align with your enterprise’s global security and compliance standards is to adopt authentication tools and techniques that accommodate a broad set of use cases while still offering granular access control. This requires the ability to authenticate based on user, device, or application, and to enforce policies for Apple devices whether they are being used on-site, via VPN, or even in airplane mode.

Device provisioning and management is another important integration point and is often an area of challenge for IT organizations due to the sheer volume of devices that must be managed for enterprise-scale businesses. However, there are a number of mobile device management (MDM) solutions that can help simplify the process and help ensure the successful integration and utilization of Apple in the enterprise. , we’ve helped a number of our enterprise customers deploy different MDM solutions that align with their unique business.

2. Consider the Skillsets of Your IT Staff

   
   

When planning your Apple device management strategy, it’s important to consider the impact of the required processes on your IT staff. Depending on the skillsets and workload of your IT team, as well as the scale of your Apple device deployment, you may need to hire specific staff to manage the Apple devices used throughout your enterprise.

A good rule of thumb for staffing is to ensure you have enough capacity to manage Apple devices throughout their entire lifecycles, from the early stages of purchasing and provisioning, to ongoing maintenance and updating.

It’s also critical to consider working directly with an Apple Authorized Reseller that can take on many of the deployment and management aspects, as well as the repeated tasks, so you can free up your staff for more specialized troubleshooting or innovative projects.

3. Plan For Lifecycle Management

   
   

Overall, managing Apple devices is not all that different from Microsoft, Google, or Linux operating systems. However, there are several key differences that can require additional planning when compared to other devices, and lifecycle management is one of them.

The following areas all have minor differences that must be considered when utilizing Apple, and developing a plan for full lifecycle management will set you up for success.

1. Purchasing – The procurement process could be slightly complex for those who do not have experience procuring Apple products for business, and to reduce costs and simplify acquisition, many enterprises work with an Apple Authorized Reseller. Having a specific vendor for Apple can also simplify the institutional ownership process for those devices, as well as the Apple device enrollment process. As an Apple Authorized Reseller since 2012, we highly recommend collaborating with us during the procurement and deployment process. We have tried and true best practices engrained in our processes and we transfer that knowledge directly to your team.
2. Provisioning and Maintenance – In addition to the wide array of third-party MDMs available to simplify the provisioning process, you can also make provisioning a part of the purchasing process and involve your Apple Authorized Reseller in the process. The right partner can take on delivery of all Apple devices and configure their access levels, OS versions, settings, and application sets for the users who will ultimately receive them. Did we mention we can ship them directly to each user complete customized and ready to go right out of the box? We do this regularly for several of our largest enterprise customers, and from what we hear, our customers really appreciate this extra level of care.
3. Secure Repair – This is a subject even those outside IT have experienced. Apple device repair may not be as simple and straightforward as it is for other devices. It’s the security aspect that requires a different level of care. It’s the job of IT to develop and enforce a repair service level agreement that provides the following assurances:
   • A warranty provider of repair services
   • Device lockdown during transport
   • The ability to audit for compliance and enforce custom security measures
   • Secure disposal of components and devices, including wipe clean service
   • Rapid provisioning and delivery for loaner devices during service
   • Stocking replacement devices so they’re ready when needed

[Get the full picture of how WEI can help with Apple in our Service Brief below]

Where are you running into challenges? How can we help?

Despite the unique considerations that must be taken into account when implementing Apple at the enterprise level, it is not nearly as intimidating as it may seem. And once implemented, Apple devices throughout the enterprise. Overall, the key to Apple device implementation success can be summarized in a simple word: planning. And you’ll benefit from partnering with WEI regardless of where you are in your Apple device management strategy. Ask us how we can augment what you’re already doing, increase efficiencies, and reduce operational costs throughout the lifecycle. to start a discussion.

Next Steps: Explore more about Apple! Our eBook is jam-packed with best practices, tips for improving efficiencies, and additional points to consider when planning your Apple or Mac as a Choice program. We invite you to download a copy below and share it with your team.

The post Top 3 Success Factors for Your Enterprise Apple Strategy appeared first on IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions.

Deploying Mac introduces several “new” concepts for how to effectively provision and support the devices. Apple methods are different from traditional methods, such as those used in Windows environments, and therefore must be well-understood.

To help your IT team improve operational processes associated with managing Mac devices, this blog post highlights three tips for a smooth and successful deployment. We’ll also explore the tools and skillsets that can empower IT teams to provision and support the devices securely and efficiently, while delivering the best possible experience for end users.

1. Provisioning New Mac Laptops

An IDG Research poll found that 43% of IT decision makers feel their companies need to improve the efficiency of their Apple device management strategies. (Source IDG Research commissioned by WEI, March 2019) Most IT teams are accustomed to provisioning Windows devices. However, provisioning Mac devices is quite different. In a Windows environment, IT either wipes the devices and lays down a captured OS, or uses a thin-provisioning model. With Apple devices, these methods are not easy to achieve and therefore, not desirable. That’s because modern Macs include security features that can prohibit the devices from booting to network volumes or external drives to initiate an imaging process. In addition, some Mac models may include special drivers to help manage parts of the hardware, which can be difficult to capture in a traditional imaging workflow. While it is possible to work around these security features, it is often a multi-step process that is not considered best practice.

To overcome these issues, Apple provides a process that makes Mac provisioning easier, the Device Enrollment Program (DEP). Devices are registered into the program by the Mac reseller, and the company that purchases the Mac devices can access the program using Apple Business Manager, which runs in the cloud. Through Apple Business Manager, IT can register the serial numbers and enroll the devices in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) tool. In the MDM tool, IT sets up configuration profiles, which include the settings for the device as well as the user according to the designated user group. These settings might indicate, for example, which applications users should see on their desktop. The settings can also help devices auto-connect to a secure Wi-Fi access point and designate the level of security access for each user.

When end users boot their device and connect to the internet, their device serial number is picked up by Apple. Apple Business Manager then redirects the device to the organization’s MDM tool so devices can be enrolled into the MDM and automatically receive their designated applications and configuration settings. This Apple provisioning method uses the operating system that is pre-loaded on the , rather than wiping them clean. Because the MDM installs the applications and the settings to the devices via the Apple cloud, end users can start working immediately without IT having to physically touch their laptop.

If preferred, IT has the option to handle the devices, enroll them, and execute the downloads for applications and configuration profiles on behalf of end users. The IT team can then verify that the configurations work before delivering the devices, and employees can log in to start using their machines right away.

2. Securing Devices and Authenticating Users

For Mac security, two-factor authentication is the primary solution. There are two methods that go beyond requiring people to enter their user names and passwords.

• Sending users a code via text message that they have to enter to gain access
• Giving users a thumb drive that they must plug into their devices

Without either the code or the thumb drive, users cannot log in and authenticate their identity.

For user identity services, Active Directory is the primary tool in Windows environments, and it can also be used for Mac laptops added to the network. IT can bind the Mac devices to Active Directory so people can log into their devices with their local user name and password. This set-up is handy when users need to move back-and-forth from an Apple application and a Windows application, such as Microsoft Outlook, which Mac users may rely on for email. With one set of credentials for both systems, end users can work more efficiently.

However, many companies are moving away from this approach because Mac devices often perform better when not joined to Active Directory. Under certain circumstances, there may be password synchronization issues that prevent users from getting into their systems and doing their jobs. This also causes IT to get involved and spend valuable time resolving the issue.

To eliminate this burden, many IT teams use tools like Apple Enterprise Connect and Jamf Connect (formerly known as NoMAD). Both tools eliminate the need for local machines to be directly joined to Active Directory while also tracking account credentials on local machines. Users can log in with a local account rather than the credentials derived from Active Directory. The tools then synchronize the credentials to Active Directory for identity authentication. Apple Enterprise Connect and Jamf Connect also provide some additional features. As examples, an icon in the menu bar indicates how many days until a password expires to simplify the process for end users, and common network shares can be mounted automatically when the Mac devices are connected to the organization’s internal network.

With these advanced tools, when the credentials are changed, either on the local device or in Active Directory, the tools will synchronize the account again. This approach simplifies the login process for end users while still giving IT departments the ability to enforce policies, such as requiring employees to change passwords every three months.

3. Applying Patches and Updates

For applying security patches, OS updates, and updates for frequently-used applications such as Safari and iTunes, IT teams have the option to leverage a free service that Apple provides called Software Update. All Mac devices are directed to the service by default, which runs in the cloud and automatically notifies end users of any patches and updates they need to apply, and prompts them to execute the downloads.

Apple no longer provides an on-premises software update mechanism, but there are alternative solutions that IT departments can use to manage the Apple catalog of software patches and updates.

Available third-party open source update servers include Reposado and Jamf Software’s NetBoot/SUS Appliance. Both operate on-premises and can function on any OS platform, including Apple, Windows, and Linux, utilizing Python code that runs in the background. IT can utilize an MDM platform, such as and AirWatch, to point all Mac devices to the platform in order to control which updates are published to those devices. Managing updates in this manner comes in handy, for example, when Apple releases a security patch. IT can disable the notifications so end users won’t receive a message each time a patch or update is available for download.

By utilizing an on-premises patch management and update tool, IT can test the patch on different device configurations to make sure it doesn’t break the OS or any of the applications. Once the patch is ready for the machines to install, IT enables the patch through the open source tool. The patch then shows up as available for users to install, and IT can push the patch out through the MDM platform, where users can install it with just a few clicks.

In addition to managing updates, it’s also a good idea to buy extra Apple devices as testing devices. Ideally, IT will want to run machines with hardware specs and software similar to what end users have on their devices. IT can use the test machines to become familiar with user environments, as well as enroll the devices in the MDM platform to test how well the provisioning process and various services work.

Specific services to test include the ability to log into email, utilize VPN services, and access files in shared drives. It’s especially important to test when deploying antivirus software, which can sometimes break the OS and cause machines to have performance issues if not done properly.

Enabling Enterprises to Offer More Choices for End Users

Today’s end users want the freedom to choose when it comes to the desktop environments that they use to do their jobs every day. Increasingly, Mac laptops have been the devices of choice. WEI recommends embracing this trend, while giving your IT team the tools and skills they need to ensure the devices perform at a high level, employees are productive, and digital assets are secure.

If you’re about to bring into your enterprise, or if you’d like to work with a partner who has expertise in managing the devices that are already deployed on your network, we’re here to help. As an Authorized Apple Reseller, We specialize in helping enterprise customers roll out new Mac devices, along with providing ongoing maintenance and support. Many of our customers have already made the transition to a hybrid Windows-Apple environment to improve productivity and enhance the end user experience, and we’re ready to support you as you embark on the same journey.

NEXT STEPS:

Learn more about WEI’s expertise with all things Apple in our Apple Services Brief below.

The post 3 Tips for Deploying Mac Devices in the Enterprise appeared first on IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions.

One of the smartest things a company can do to support their employees is allow them to work from their own customizable devices. Enterprise mobility and flexibility are prized in the workplace, but it also entail a lot of extra work for IT to keep corporate data secure. Fortunately, provides smart ways to manage both corporate data and apps discreetly- seamlessly separating work data from personal data while keeping users informed on how their devices are being managed.

Apple’s unified management framework for enterprise mobility

Apple’s unified management framework for iOS supports both corporate-owned and user-owned, as well as personally-owned, devices. With it, IT can:

• Configure and update settings
• Deploy applications
• Monitor compliance
• Query devices
• Remotely wipe or lock devices

The framework is already built into iOS, allowing devices to be managed with a light touch as well as full control by third-party (MDM) solutions without degrading user experience or compromising employee privacy.

Managing corporate data

With iOS, IT doesn’t have to lock down employee devices. Key technologies control the flow of corporate data between apps and prevent any of it from slipping through the cracks to the user’s personal apps or cloud services.

Managed content

Managed content covers the installation, configuration, management, and removal of App Store and custom in-house apps, accounts, books, and domains.

• Managed Apps: These apps can be from the App Store or custom in-house apps, and are installed over the air using . Managed apps often contain sensitive information and provide more control than apps downloaded by the user. The MDM server can remove managed apps and their associated data on demand, or specify whether they should be removed when the MDM profile is removed. The MDM server can also prevent corporate data from getting backed up to iTunes and iCloud.
• Managed Accounts: MDM gets your users up and running quickly by setting up mail and other accounts automatically. Account payloads can also be pre-populated with a user’s name, email address, and certificate identities for authentication and signing.
• Managed Books: With MDM, books, ePub literature, and PDF documents can be automatically pushed to user devices, so employees always have what they need. When no longer needed, the materials can be removed remotely.
• Managed Domains: Downloads through the Safari browser are considered managed documents if they originate from a managed domain. MDM ensures that downloads from those domains comply with all managed document settings and are managed by default.

Managed distribution

Managed distribution lets IT use the MDM solution or Apple Configurator 2 to manage apps and books purchased from the Apple Business Manager. Users can be prompted when apps are ready to be installed on their device, or they can be silently pushed through without prompting.

Managed app configuration

With managed app configuration, MDM uses the native iOS management framework to configure apps during or after deployment. This allows users to start using them right away without requiring custom setup and demonstrates to IT that corporate data within the apps is being handled securely.

Managed data flow

MDM solutions provide specific features that enable corporate data to be managed at such a level that none of it leaks out to the user’s personal apps and .

• Managed Open In: Open In management keeps attachments or documents originating from managed sources from opening in unmanaged destinations, and vice versa
• Managed Extensions: App extensions give third-party developers a way to provide functionality to other apps, or even to key systems built into iOS like Notification Center, which enables new business workflows between apps

Managed security

When a device is managed, an MDM server can perform a variety of administrative tasks to ensure corporate data is kept secure without compromising enterprise mobility. This includes changing configuration settings automatically without user interaction, performing an iOS update on , locking or wiping a device remotely, or clearing the password lock so users can reset forgotten passwords.

With iOS 9.3 or later, your MDM solution can place a device in Lost Mode remotely. This locks the device and allows a message with a phone number displayed on the Lock screen. Supervised devices can also be located if they are lost or stolen because MDM remotely queries their location the last time they were online.

Contact WEI about corporate data management solutions today

Apple’s unified management framework in iOS gives your enterprise the best of both worlds. IT is able to configure, manage, and secure devices, as well as control corporate data, while users enjoy enterprise mobility on the devices they love to use. Contact WEI today to learn how we can help your design a custom corporate data management solution.

The post Tips for Managing Corporate Data on Apple iOS appeared first on IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions.

The digital workplace is in, and the days of Windows’ dominance and employees working from a single, stationary device are out. This new strategy champions flexible, employee-centric technology, and processes to aid productivity and unlock the potential of individual employees, teams, and organizations.

It also means that enterprises must adapt to these new types of connections, and are expanding to include new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) which is emerging as the best way to secure information, handle growing complex threats, and evolve productivity tools. But despite that, still face a challenging future as they work to find ways to keep the digital workplace strategy successful.

5 Critical Requirements For A Successful Digital Workplace

The increased use of company-owned and personally-owned devices to access company information and conduct business has led to the development of a set of requirements that will help companies plan and implement their digital workplace strategy.

1. Putting Employee Experience First

Building a strong design culture around the employee experience is critical to meet the demands of business, as well as the ability to keep corporate data secure. If teams and individuals believe that IT gets in the way and slows them down, they are more likely to avoid adopting the digital workplace tools and services designed to protect them.

IT must design and deliver the productivity experience employees will use, taking into account the devices and form factors employees use throughout the day, and the locations they will be working from.

2. Delivery Of Applications – Anytime, Anywhere

Any application, anytime, anywhere. It’s a big ask that doesn’t just mean accommodating the latest and greatest technologies of the digital workplace, but also the 12-year-old Windows app, internally developed Java-based apps, and old Excel apps with outdated macros. You can’t deliver an employee experience if you can’t deliver all of the applications they need to get their job done – and without that, employees will go back to fending for themselves and avoiding IT for new apps.

3. Device Management

Device management has been extended to every device operating system: Windows, , Chrome, Android, iOS, and flavors of embedded Linux. There is no question that, in the near future, every enterprise-managed or personally-owned device accessing corporate data will be connected to a management platform.

Device management is a necessary requirement for the digital workplace. It’s the only way to deliver consistent experiences in a perimeter-less work environment by having real-time context of the devices used to access the apps and data employees need to do their best work. Device management helps secure access management so there is only one app and one place to go. It also ensures unified endpoint management for a consistently great user experience that is also highly secure.

4. Manage Experience And Security

So far, each of these requirements has built off the previous one. Start with the employee experience that extends across all devices and locations, then ensure that all their apps are accounted for, and leverage modern device management to make sure you can deliver and protect those apps across all endpoints and locations.

However, IT can’t proactively drive a successful employee experience in the digital workplace if they can’t measure the adoption of it. This is where insights come in. Scour your data for patterns and trends, identify potential gaps in experience of security, and make recommendations for future changes.

5. Automate To Succeed At Any Scale

As the digital workplace expands, expect managing the user experience and security to become more complex. To be able to handle the scale, automation is critical – from onboarding a new employee or device to deploying apps, releasing , or automating remediation steps to assure an employee’s device is compliant with policy. All of this must be possible without generating help tickets that require manual action.

Automation assures that operational costs are minimized, while removing gaps that could result from inconsistently applying security policies or leaving devices in non-compliant states for too long.

The Digital Workplace Is Here to Stay

Implementing and maintaining an employee-focused digital workplace is critical to supporting new business initiatives and fostering better ways to connect people with data. IT leaders need to lead the charge toward a more efficient, user friendly, and secure digital environment. Contact WEI today to learn how we can help your enterprise incorporate the five requirements outlined here.

A video you might be interested in…

In this episode of Real Tech with WEI, Chief Architect, Dave Fafel, talks about mobile device management (MDM) solutions and the role they play in managing enterprise devices, from laptops to smartphones to mobile scanners.

The post 5 Key Elements Of A Digital Workplace Strategy appeared first on IT Solutions Provider - IT Consulting - Technology Solutions.

The digital revolution is changing the way businesses operate and how people work. Employees desire flexibility and the option to work anytime from anywhere from the devices that they prefer. With freedom of choice, employees have more control over their work experience, resulting in higher job satisfaction and increased productivity. Enterprises report that the majority of their . Apple helps companies empower their employees through personalized, optimized work environments. With the Apple Business Manager solution, setup and support of Apple devices is simple and seamless. It has become easier and more cost-effective than ever to give your employees the freedom to choose.

Improving Productivity

Employees often perform better in a personalized work environment. Productivity increases when employees can use the devices and applications that they prefer. Apple supports core business apps and services, like and . Many industry and workflow-specific legacy apps have also been modernized for compatibility with Apple devices. However, employees are not limited only to essential business apps using Apple devices. Self-service tools allow users to install personal productivity apps and other tools that can help them maximize their performance. With Apple’s advanced security architecture, devices can be used for both personal and business needs.

Reducing Demands on IT

Downtime is also reduced when employees use devices that they are familiar with. Many employees already own personal Apple devices and know-how to troubleshoot issues. When staff members can provide their own tech support, it increases productivity throughout the enterprise. Minor issues do not result in hours of downtime, and IT is free to focus on business goals. The addition of further encourages self-support and self-sufficiency. An AppleCare integrated help desk shifts the goal of tech support. Instead of IT professionals fixing every tech issue, employees are taught to investigate, and problem solve. AppleCare also provides support for IT staff to ensure that Apple devices are efficiently integrated and supported.

Attracting Top Talent

Studies show that employees are more productive, efficient, and satisfied when empowered to use the devices that they prefer. The vast majority prefer Apple products. Freedom of choice gives your company an edge in recruiting and keeping top talent. With Apple, your employees will have the tools they need to maximize productivity and innovation.

Apple Business Manager

In the past, devices were purchased in bulk from a single manufacturer to ensure compatibility and easy management. It was impractical for IT to support numerous devices with different requirements. However, technology has advanced, and it is now much easier to manage a variety of devices. Apple Business Manager is designed to work with your mobile device management (MDM) solution. Apple Business Manager simplifies every aspect of Apple device deployment and management.

Automated Deployment – Devices can be automatically enrolled in your MDM solution during setup, eliminating the need for manual configuration.

Content Management – IT can purchase and distribute apps, individually or in bulk, and manage licenses for all users.

Configuration – Accounts, security, apps, and data can be configured over-the-air for each device.

Managed Updates – IT can delay or push updates to devices to ensure constant, effective security.

Security and Control – IT can remotely supervise devices and impose extra restrictions or security solutions.

Apple devices maximize security and privacy for both work-related and personal data. All Apple products have a secure management framework built-in, and every app is verified before launch. Granular management tools give IT valuable insight without sacrificing employee privacy. IT can access the settings and information necessary to keep corporate data secure, but personal data is restricted. This separation helps protect company data and ensures employee privacy.

Employees prefer a modern work experience built on flexibility and personalization. The ability to choose the devices that they prefer is a key element of this new work environment. Freedom of choice generates increased productivity, innovation, and job satisfaction. Surveys show that Apple products are the top choice for the majority of employees. enables enterprises to seamlessly deploy and manage Apple devices. With Apple Business Manager, IT can remotely support and configure devices, apps, and accounts. Apple’s strong security framework ensures that both corporate and personal data remain secure. Apple Business Manager is a streamlined, comprehensive solution to help you provide your employees with freedom of choice.

NEXT STEPS: Discover tips for success in order to deploy Apple devices the right way by downloading our white paper titles “Success Tips for Integrating Apple in the Enterprise”

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