Quick Summary
By integrating Apple Business Manager with Mobile Device Management, businesses can easily oversee their devices and ensure none go astray. Shepherd for Apple and Shepherd for Mobile, pair seamlessly with Apple Business Manager, making the deployment and management of Apple IT hardware effortless for small to medium-sized enterprise’s (SME’s).
Understanding Apple Business Manager
Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a web-based portal that facilitates the remote bulk deployment of Apple devices, apps, and content. This platform allows businesses to efficiently deploy and manage all Apple hardware across their organisation.
Key features of ABM include:
- Auto Deployment of Apple Apps: Remote installation of Apple applications
- Device Registration: Ensures devices are registered as business products with Apple
- Auto-Enrollment in MDM: Seamless integration with MDM systems like Shepherd
- Device Inventory: Maintains a record of all devices and their serial numbers with Apple
- Managed Apple IDs: Enables oversight of employee Apple IDs
- Volume Purchase Program (VPP): Allows bulk purchasing and distribution of apps
- Device Override: Useful for handling locked devices when staff leave abruptly
These features enhance security and provide a comprehensive overview of your Apple inventory.
ABM is designed to work in tandem with software like Shepherd MDM to offer granular control over your Apple hardware.
What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) helps businesses control how devices within their IT infrastructure are used. With MDM, you can:
- Control app installations
- Manage data movement across your network
- Wipe data from lost devices
Introducing Shepherd MDM
Shepherd is a cutting-edge MDM system, with three solutions tailored to your device estate.
| Shepherd Solution | Device Estate |
| Shepherd for Apple | MacOS and iOS Devices |
| Shepherd for Mobile | iPhones & iPads |
| Shepherd Fusion | Mixed estate of devices: Apple, Windows, Android, ChromeOS, Linux |
At just £1.95 per user per week with Shepherd for Apple offers robust security features and a wide range of functions, making it perfect for smaller companies.
Shepherd’s full feature list includes:
- Asset Management
- Dashboards and Reports
- User and Client Management
- Profile Management and Deployment
- Automated Device Enrolment (ADE) Support
- Hardware Inventory
- Self Service Catalog
- Apple Apps and Books Support
- Scheduled or On-Demand Maintenance
- Real-time Device Monitoring & Alerting
- Screen Sharing
- Instant Remote Command Execution
- Real-time Communication
- Live Device Shell
- 100% Cloud Architecture
- Direct Command Line Access
- Integrated Remote Control
- Active Monitoring with Automated Remediation
- Dynamic Peer-to-Peer LANCache Software Distribution
- Live Script Execution
- Up-to-the-minute Software Inventory & Status
The Benefits of Using ABM and Shepherd Together
Combining Apple Business Manager with Shepherd MDM provides a comprehensive solution for purchasing, deploying, and managing Apple devices.
While ABM handles bulk orders, device registration, and deployment, Shepherd ensures you can track and control device usage effectively.
Without MDM software, you may miss out on some features, here’s a handy comparison to show you.
Shepherd for Apple’s affordability (£1.95 per user per week) and rich feature set make it one of the most cost-effective Apple MDM solutions on the market.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Business Manager simplifies the purchasing, deployment, and registration of Apple devices across your organisation.
- Shepherd MDM extends ABM’s capabilities by providing advanced device management, monitoring, security, and automation tools.
- Together, ABM and Shepherd deliver a streamlined, zero-touch deployment experience for Macs, iPhones, and iPads.
- Shepherd provides powerful features including remote access, real-time monitoring, compliance support, software management, and automated remediation.
- With pricing starting from just £1.95 per user per week, Shepherd for Apple offers a cost-effective MDM solution for SMEs looking to strengthen their Apple device management strategy.
- Businesses using both ABM and Shepherd benefit from improved security, simplified administration, and greater visibility across their Apple estate.
FAQs
What is Apple Business Manager?
Apple Business Manager (ABM) is Apple’s web-based platform for organisations to purchase, deploy, and manage Apple devices, applications, and accounts at scale.
Do I need an MDM solution if I already have Apple Business Manager?
Yes. While ABM helps with device procurement, registration, and deployment, it requires an MDM solution such as Shepherd to apply policies, manage users, monitor devices, and enforce security settings.
What is zero-touch deployment?
Zero-touch deployment allows devices to be configured automatically when switched on for the first time, without requiring IT teams to manually set them up.
Can lost or stolen devices be managed remotely?
Yes. Combined with Apple Business Manager, Shepherd allows administrators to locate, lock, or erase managed devices remotely to help protect corporate data.
Ready to simplify Apple device management?
Whether you’re deploying your first MacBook or managing hundreds of Apple devices across your organisation, Shepherd and Apple Business Manager provide a powerful combination for secure, efficient device management.
From zero-touch deployment and automated enrolment to real-time monitoring and compliance support, Shepherd helps you get more value from your Apple estate while reducing the burden on your IT team.
Speak to a specialist to discuss your requirements and find the right Shepherd solution for your organisation.
Steve Hill has been a cornerstone of HardSoft since 2005, bringing two decades of experience in leasing Apple devices and delivering tailored tech solutions to businesses across the UK. As HardSoft’s go-to expert in cybersecurity, Steve specialises in Sophos and Barracuda software, helping clients safeguard their operations with confidence. Steve’s passion for tech, teamwork, and trusted solutions makes him a valued voice on the HardSoft blog.
LinkedIn: Steve Hill
Email: steve@hardsoftcomputers.co.uk
Tel: 0204 566 8856