What\u2019s more, 35% of respondents in that same survey expect their macOS usage to increase (with only 8% expecting it to decrease). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Windows, while still in the majority, is no longer the only device in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that organizations and managed service providers (MSPs) that have been focusing on Windows-exclusive environments for a long time are facing the reality that they must be capable of supporting multi-OS environments. As Macs become more common in workplaces, businesses are recognizing the need to integrate Mac management alongside their Windows infrastructure. Moreover, companies with flexible device policies like BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)<\/a> expect comprehensive management not just across all platforms, but across multiple use cases as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As an MSP, will you see this as a challenge or seize it as an opportunity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article we\u2019ll dive into why MSPs should consider offering Mac management<\/a> services and how JumpCloud can help meet this growing demand for seamless cross-OS support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we go any further into the challenges and solutions, it\u2019s critical to understand the reason why Mac management has become a need<\/em> rather than a nice-to-have offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 82%<\/em><\/strong><\/a> of organizations work with a BYOD program.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Employees want the freedom to use their own devices for work tasks. This typically means that if you aren\u2019t directly managing a fleet of different operating systems, employees will look for BYOD and Choose Your Own Device (CYOD) policies that allow them to work from the device they are most comfortable with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As more and more employers offer CYOD policies and with employees often preferring Macs for their reliability and ease of use, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments, MSPs need to be able to manage them just as effectively as they manage Windows PCs or risk losing business as their clients grow and expand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Historically, Windows dominated the IT ecosystem. Many tools, including most RMM solutions<\/a>, are built primarily with Windows in mind, offering support for patching, monitoring, and automating Windows devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most popular examples to the traditional focus on Windows are Active Directory and SCCM, which don\u2019t play well with Macs. As an MSP, ignoring the need to manage Macs in client environments and adopting tools that focus solely on Windows devices leaves the door open for attackers to exploit as well as blindspots in IT as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With data privacy regulations such as HIPAA, CCPA, and GDPR, businesses face increasing pressure to protect sensitive information across all devices. Macs used in BYOD or Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled (COPE)<\/a> frameworks pose unique challenges for ensuring compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without the ability to manage Macs effectively, MSPs risk leaving clients exposed to compliance failures and potential data breaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n The MSP Compliance Quickstart Guide <\/p>\n \n Learn how to become a knowledgeable resource, whether you\u2019re getting started today or just preparing for the future. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n IT is a multi-platform world and MSPs are often expected to manage devices running on different operating systems seamlessly. The problem is macOS and Windows do not always integrate smoothly with one another \u2014 just like oil and water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This causes productivity bottlenecks for users and management headaches for MSPs due to issues like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This challenge is further compounded by the fact that many IT teams are more comfortable managing Windows, leaving macOS support underdeveloped. For MSPs to thrive, they need solutions supporting both platforms, ensuring that all devices \u2014 from Windows devices to Macs \u2014 are managed with the same level of care and precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The more value you offer, the happier your clients, and the greater your revenue opportunities.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Many MSPs still focus primarily on Windows environments, creating the need for MSPs with efficient macOS support. The rise of Macs in workplaces, particularly in SMEs and BYOD environments opens up opportunities for MSPs to address this need. By expanding your services to cover Macs, you broaden your client base to include businesses that might have otherwise looked elsewhere for cross-OS device management support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the client perspective, having Mac management service in your hand brings an opportunity to prove that you offer higher value on top of the base tech services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most MSPs offer basic Windows device management services and expect the end user to follow their device policies. However, there\u2019s one critical thing to remember here: Employees will find a way to use the devices they want if you don\u2019t offer them the choice.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being able to discover shadow IT<\/a> devices and applications that are unauthorized and unknown to IT teams makes you stand out in the eyes of your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With traditional RMM tools lacking macOS support, MSPs can encounter inefficiencies with Mac management, often requiring manual intervention. By using a solution that covers all operating systems, you reduce these support gaps, save time, and improve service delivery \u2014 all while ensuring that client devices are always secure and up to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s clear that as an MSP, being able to manage multiple operating systems can get you ahead of the game. If you have decided to implement Mac management to your offerings, your next steps should be understanding what you need to look for in a Mac management solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Top of mind Mac management capabilities are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Managing devices goes beyond just basic device support; it demands robust control over identity, access, and security. With employees using multiple operating systems, accessing sensitive company data, MSPs need to ensure that only the right individuals have access to the right resources, at the right time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n JumpCloud helps MSPs secure and centrally manage company-owned macOS devices<\/a>, and company-owned and BYOD iOS and iPadOS devices. With JumpCloud\u2019s Multi-Tenant Portal<\/a>, you can manage identities, access, and devices across all platforms in a single place. Whether you need single sign-on (SSO), password manager<\/a>, MFA, IAM, access, and device management, JumpCloud provides that, helping you cut down on tool sprawl and reduce costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/smeittrends-q324-device-usage-1024x513.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy MSPs Can\u2019t Ignore Mac Management Anymore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. BYOD Policies and Employee Preference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Traditional Focus on Windows Devices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
3. Compliance and Security Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
![\"JumpCloud\"](\"https:\/\/jumpcloud.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/202302-RES-ComplianceCampaign-MSP-704x420-Featured-aspect-ratio-160-110.png\")
\n <\/div>\n 4. The Need for Cross-Platform Compatibility and Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n
Mac Management as a Strategic Advantage for MSPs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Increased Service Value and Revenue Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Device Management Beyond The Basic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Reduced Support Gaps and Improved Service Delivery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Embracing Mac Management: Key Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How JumpCloud Simplifies Mac Management for MSPs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n