Microsoft Intune vs Jamf Which Delivers Better Device Governance
Comparing Device Governance: Microsoft Intune vs Jamf
Explore how Microsoft Intune and Jamf differ in device governance.
When comparing Microsoft Intune with Jamf for device governance, it’s clear that each has its strengths. Jamf excels at managing Apple devices such as macOS and iOS, making it a preferred choice in schools, hospitals, and large enterprises focused on Apple products. On the other hand, Microsoft Intune is ideal for organizations with a diverse range of devices and is part of Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of cloud-first tools. Many large businesses rely on Intune to manage their device ecosystems effectively. The best option depends on the types of devices your organization uses and its size. Additionally, it’s important to consider how each solution integrates with your existing IT infrastructure. Decision-makers should evaluate their IT environment and specific needs carefully when comparing Microsoft Intune with Jamf for device governance.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Intune can manage many device types. It uses one cloud platform. This helps groups with different devices. It is good for remote workers too.
Jamf works best with Apple devices. It has special features for macOS and iOS. It gives strong security for Apple products.
Companies can use Intune and Jamf together. This helps them manage all devices well. They get broad control and Apple tools.
Intune costs money for each user. It works well with mixed devices. Jamf costs money for each device. It is better for groups that use Apple.
Picking the right tool depends on your devices. It also depends on your business needs and IT setup. Testing both or asking experts helps you choose.
Comparing Microsoft Intune with Jamf for Device Governance
Overview of Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a tool that helps manage many types of devices. It works with Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Linux. You can control all these devices from one place in the cloud. This makes Intune a good pick for companies with lots of different devices.
Intune lets IT teams handle devices, apps, and updates easily. They can add, change, or remove apps on any device. Intune also keeps company data safe with app-level encryption and selective wipe. This means it can protect both work and personal devices.
Intune works well with Microsoft 365, Azure Active Directory, and Microsoft Defender. This helps companies set rules based on device safety, where the device is, and other risks. Employees can use a self-service portal to enroll their own devices and get resources. This saves time for IT teams.
Intune is made for IT teams who need to manage many types of devices. It helps with mobile app management, zero-touch setup, and cloud-based control. Companies with remote or hybrid workers like Intune’s real-time reports and security. It also helps keep work and personal data separate for BYOD policies.
Tip: Intune uses the cloud, so you do not need hardware at your office. This makes it easy to grow and saves money for any size business.
Overview of Jamf
Jamf is made for managing Apple devices like macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. It is built just for Apple products and uses Apple’s newest features.
Jamf has different products for different needs. Jamf Pro is for big companies, Jamf Now is for smaller ones, and Jamf School is for schools. Jamf Connect helps with logins, and Jamf Protect keeps devices safe. Each product helps with things like setting up devices, keeping them safe, and helping teachers in class.
Jamf is best for groups that use mostly Apple devices. It is used by big companies, small businesses, schools, hospitals, banks, and more. Many top companies and schools trust Jamf.
Jamf has special features like Declarative Device Management and Account Driven Device Enrollment. It also protects against network threats. Jamf works with partners like Microsoft and Okta to make cloud and identity management better.
Jamf keeps devices safe without making them hard to use. IT teams like how easy it is to set up and use Jamf. It is great for groups that need special tools, like schools or hospitals.
Note: Jamf only works with Apple devices, so it can offer deep features and new ideas that match Apple’s fast updates and special tools.
Comparing Microsoft Intune with Jamf for Device Governance
When looking at Microsoft Intune and Jamf, companies should think about what devices they use and what they need. Intune is best for places with many types of devices. It lets you set rules and manage everything from one spot. It also works well with Microsoft’s cloud tools, which can save money and make things easier.
Jamf is the best for managing Apple devices. It has special tools and strong security for Apple products. Jamf is a leader for groups that use mostly Apple devices.
Some companies use both Intune and Jamf together. This way, they get the best of both worlds. Intune manages all devices, and Jamf gives extra help for Apple devices. This helps companies keep all their devices safe and well-managed.
Comparing Microsoft Intune with Jamf for Device Governance helps IT leaders pick what fits their goals, devices, and security needs.
Device Enrollment
Enrollment Methods
Device enrollment is how you start managing devices. It helps keep devices safe and under control. Microsoft Intune and Jamf use different ways to enroll devices.
Microsoft Intune lets you enroll Windows devices in many ways:
You can use Azure Active Directory Join with Auto Enrollment for devices you already have.
Windows Autopilot in User Driven mode is for new devices.
You can also enroll mobile devices like iOS, Android, and macOS directly.
Jamf works best with Apple devices. Jamf Trust uses a zero-touch process after you set up modern management. Users turn on Jamf Trust with Azure AD or another identity provider.
Jamf does not let you enroll Windows devices by itself. It works with Microsoft Intune or Microsoft Endpoint Manager to manage non-Apple devices.
The main difference is easy to see. Intune can enroll many types of devices directly. Jamf focuses on Apple devices and adds more security after enrollment.
Tip: If your company uses many device types, you can use Intune for all devices and Jamf for extra Apple features.
Setup Experience
The setup process matters for both IT teams and users. Intune and Jamf try to make onboarding simple and fast.
Intune gives users one portal to enroll their own devices. IT teams can use Autopilot or Apple DEP to make setup automatic. Jamf makes it easy for Apple users with Account Driven Device Enrollment and Declarative Device Management.
Both tools want to make things easy for users and keep devices safe. Intune is best if you have many kinds of devices. Jamf is great for groups that use mostly Apple products.
Note: A simple setup helps users get started quickly and need less help.
Security and Compliance
Policy Controls
Policy controls are very important for device governance. Microsoft Intune and Jamf both have strong policy tools, but they do things differently. Microsoft Intune works with many types of devices. IT teams can make rules for things like passwords, encryption, and updates. Conditional access policies use Microsoft Entra to let only safe devices reach company data. Intune uses certificates and works with SecureW2 to handle them automatically. Device profiles, like Trusted Certificate Profiles and Wi-Fi Profiles, help keep networks safe. If a device is not allowed anymore, Intune can stop it from connecting.
Jamf is made for Apple devices. It gives app protection and manages macOS, iOS, and other Apple products well. Jamf’s controls keep devices safe but also respect user privacy. Its policy engine makes it easy to manage Apple devices and keeps security rules from bothering users.
Tip: If your company uses both Apple and Windows devices, tools like Josys can help manage everything in one place and make policy rules easier to follow.
Threat Protection
Threat protection keeps devices and data safe. Both Microsoft Intune and Jamf have strong features, but each is best at different things. Jamf has Executive Threat Protection for Apple devices. It checks if devices are safe and looks for threats without taking personal data. Jamf watches for attacks and gives IT teams alerts and details about problems. It can work with Microsoft Intune and Duo to give more control and check device health.
Jamf Protect uses artificial intelligence to study events and data right away. Its hypothesis tool explains security problems and how to fix them. This helps IT teams act fast, even if they are not security experts.
Microsoft Intune uses Microsoft Defender and connects with other Microsoft security tools. It finds threats in real time, fixes problems automatically, and gives reports in one place. Because it uses the cloud, all devices get updates and threat info quickly, no matter where they are.
Note: Both tools help keep devices and data safe. Jamf is best for Apple security, while Intune protects many types of devices together.
Application Management
App Deployment
App deployment is important for device governance. Microsoft Intune and Jamf do this in different ways. This matters most for groups with lots of devices.
Microsoft Intune works with many platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. IT teams can use Intune’s cloud tools to send out apps, update them, and set them up. Intune connects with Microsoft 365, so it is easy to give out Office apps and other business tools. Big companies like that Intune can handle thousands of users at once. The dashboard lets IT teams control which apps go where and when they get updates.
Jamf is made for Apple devices. Jamf Now makes it quick and easy to set up iPhones, iPads, and Macs. IT teams can send company email, protect data, and install apps without much work. Jamf is simple for small and medium businesses to use. For bigger groups that use only Apple, Jamf Pro has more advanced ways to set up and manage apps.
Tip: If your group uses many types of devices, Intune is a good choice. If you use mostly Apple, Jamf is simple and powerful.
App Security
App security keeps company data safe on every device. Both Microsoft Intune and Jamf have strong security, but they do it in their own way.
Microsoft Intune uses app wrapping, app-level PINs, and role-based access. It works with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to find threats and fix them fast. Intune uses zero-trust security, conditional access, and multi-factor login. These steps help stop data leaks and meet rules like GDPR and HIPAA. Big companies say Intune helps them manage threats and lowers security problems.
Jamf keeps Apple apps safe by checking rules and watching for problems with Jamf Protect. It works with Okta Identity Threat Protection to add more safety, like logging out if there is a risk. Jamf uses Zero Trust by always checking if devices and users are safe. Schools like the University of Glasgow use Jamf to make security better and help more people use Apple devices.
Note: Both tools keep apps safe. Intune is best for many device types. Jamf is best for Apple and gives a smooth user experience.
Device Support
Platform Coverage
Device support is very important for device governance. Microsoft Intune and Jamf help with different devices. Intune works with many types of devices. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and Linux. This makes Intune good for groups with lots of device types.
Jamf is made for Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs. Jamf also works with Android 11 and newer. It can connect with Intune for mobile threat defense on iOS/iPadOS 15.6 and up. This lets Jamf tell Intune about device threats. Then, Intune can use this to set rules and keep apps safe on all devices.
Tip: You can use Jamf and Intune together for better sign-in and access on macOS. The Microsoft Enterprise SSO plug-in needs macOS 10.15 or newer. Devices must be managed by both Jamf Pro and Intune.
Platform Coverage Highlights:
Microsoft Intune:
Works with Windows, macOS (OS X 10.12+), iOS, iPadOS, Android, Linux
Connects with Jamf Pro for better macOS management
Jamf:
Focuses on Apple devices (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS)
Connects with Intune for rules and threat info
Management Depth
Management depth shows how much control IT teams have. Jamf gives strong Apple management. It has features like Apple DEP, zero-touch setup, and Apple Business Manager. Jamf lets you use Gatekeeper and FileVault for security. It also gives detailed reports for Apple devices.
Microsoft Intune manages many device types in one place. IT teams use a single console for fast setup. It works with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD. Intune lets you set security rules for all devices. It also gives big reports for many device types.
Note: Jamf is best for places with lots of Apple devices. Intune is better for groups with many kinds of devices.
Integration
IT Ecosystem
Many groups need device management that fits their IT systems. Jamf and Microsoft Intune both connect well, but they help in different ways. Jamf Pro is the main tool for Apple devices. It sends device health and compliance data to Microsoft Intune. Intune uses this data to set Conditional Access rules with Azure AD. This makes sure only safe devices can use protected apps in Microsoft 365. This setup helps keep security strong and protects user identities.
Jamf and Microsoft made many links to join Apple device management with Microsoft 365 and Apple Business Manager. Jamf tools are in the Azure Marketplace, so buying them is easy and they work well with Azure. Jamf also connects with Microsoft Sentinel for security data. Jamf Connect works with Microsoft Entra ID for one login. This lets groups manage both Apple and Windows devices together. It helps bring Apple and Microsoft systems closer.
Tip: Using Jamf and Intune together lets IT teams use Jamf’s special Apple features and Intune’s control for all devices.
Third-Party Services
Jamf and Intune both work with other services to make device management and security better. Jamf Pro is known for great Mac management. It has advanced tools like FileVault, configuration profiles, and DEP workflows. Intune is best for iPads and non-Apple devices. It gives one place to manage updates and vendor support.
Groups can use Jamf and Intune together for the best mix in places with many device types. Jamf can handle Apple devices, and Intune can manage Windows and others. This combo supports Conditional Access and keeps devices in line with rules using Azure AD. IT teams get better reports and security by using Jamf Protect, Microsoft Sentinel, and Power BI. Single sign-on and password sync with Entra ID make things easier for users. App protection rules limit app access if a device is at risk.
Jamf Pro checks if Mac devices follow rules and tells Intune.
Data from Jamf and Intune together helps set Conditional Access rules.
This teamwork makes resources safer and gives better reports to leaders.
Note: Using Jamf and Intune together gives groups more choices, stronger security, and better reports, especially when they have both Apple and non-Apple devices.
User Experience
Admin Console
IT administrators use the management console to watch over devices. They set rules and fix problems. Jamf and Microsoft Intune give different experiences.
Jamf’s admin console has strong controls for Apple devices. Administrators can use smart groups to automate jobs. Extension attributes help with special tasks. The console lets teams set up workflows like delayed OS updates. It also helps with FileVault security. Teams can give different roles to people. This makes work easier for groups that use Apple devices.
Microsoft Intune’s console works with many device types. It uses one dashboard for everything. Intune is good for managing lots of devices. But its macOS features are not as strong. Setting rules and making workflows for Apple devices is harder. The way admin roles work is less flexible. This can slow down big teams.
Tip: If your group uses many device types, Intune’s dashboard is helpful. If you use mostly Apple, Jamf’s controls are better.
End-User Impact
End-user experience affects how well people work. Jamf and Intune change this in different ways.
Jamf uses Apple’s Device Enrollment Program to set up devices automatically.
Users get Wi-Fi, apps, and settings without doing it themselves.
The self-service portal lets users add approved apps on their own.
Jamf’s Apple tools give quick access and keep devices safe.
Jamf works with Microsoft tools like Azure Active Directory for easy login.
Intune manages iPads and other devices well. But its macOS setup can be slow. Users might wait longer for updates and have less choice. Moving from Jamf to Intune means setting up devices again. This can slow down work.
The University of Glasgow uses both Jamf and Intune. Jamf Pro handles Apple devices with strong workflows. Intune manages other device types. This mix helps staff and students work on the devices they like.
Easy device setup and quick access to resources help users work better and ask IT for help less often.
Pricing
Cost Structure
The way Microsoft Intune and Jamf charge money is different. Microsoft Intune asks for money for each user. Jamf asks for money for each device. This difference can change how much you pay as your company gets bigger.
Jamf Business: $13.65/device/month (annual billing)
Jamf Enterprise: Custom pricing | - Plan 1: $8/user/month
Plan 2 (add-on): $4/user/month
Intune Suite (add-on): $10/user/month | | Target Organization Size| Medium and large companies | Suitable for organizations of varying sizes | | Device Focus | Apple devices only (macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS)| Broad endpoint management, integrates with Microsoft ecosystem | | Suitability Notes | Ideal for Apple-centric organizations | Cost-effective and scalable, especially for Microsoft product users | | Trial Availability | Free trial available | 30-day free trial |
Jamf starts at $4 for each device every month with Jamf Now. The first three devices are free. Jamf Business costs $13.65 for each device every month. You pay once a year for Jamf Business. Jamf Enterprise has special prices for big companies. Microsoft Intune starts at $8 for each user every month for Plan 1. You can buy extra features with add-ons. Both Jamf and Intune let you try them for free before you buy.
Tip: If your company has lots of users and different devices, Intune’s per-user price may be easier to plan for. If you use mostly Apple devices, Jamf’s per-device plans may save money.
Scalability
Jamf and Microsoft Intune can help small and big companies. But they do it in different ways.
Jamf Pro works for small businesses and huge companies with many Apple devices. It helps manage devices, apps, and keeps track of everything. It checks if devices follow rules and makes setup easy. Jamf Pro works with Apple Business Manager and SSO tools to help big companies work faster.
Microsoft Intune is a cloud service that can manage iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices. It helps set up devices, send out apps, and update them from one place. It works with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD for strong security and rules. Big companies can use it for thousands of devices.
When picking a tool, think about what devices you have, how many people use them, and what other systems you need to connect. Both Jamf and Intune have prices that can change as your company grows. They both help companies manage devices as they get bigger.
Hybrid Use Cases
Combining Jamf and Intune
Many big companies use both Jamf and Microsoft Intune together. This helps them manage different devices in one place. Using both tools gives IT teams a single view of all their devices. They do not have to switch between different tools as much. This makes their work easier and more correct.
With both tools, device management can happen by itself. Things like starting, leaving, locking, or retiring devices can happen automatically. These actions use real-time information from both Jamf and Intune. Managing licenses and apps also gets better. By looking at all app lists and device use, companies can find unused licenses. They can also spot apps that are not allowed.
Security and following rules get stronger too. Intune gives real-time data about device safety. Jamf adds special controls for Apple devices. Together, they help make sure rules are followed and unsafe devices are blocked. This helps companies get ready for audits. The biggest benefit is support for many device types. Jamf is great for Apple devices. Intune works with Windows and other devices. Using both lets companies manage all their devices well.
Tip: The hybrid way lets IT teams make detailed rules for users and devices. It also gives full reports, which helps keep devices safe and managed.
Real-World Scenarios
Some companies use Jamf Pro with Microsoft Intune by using the Jamf Cloud Connector. This lets many Jamf Pro setups connect to one Azure AD account. It helps check if devices follow company rules. In real life, some teams had problems when the same device was added to more than one Jamf Pro. This caused conflicts. Deleting old device records from Azure AD fixed these problems.
Moving from the old Intune connector to the Jamf Cloud Connector is easy. Jamf helps companies link many Jamf Cloud setups to one Azure AD account. When switching, users might see a sign-in box from JamfAAD. They need to sign in to finish. The Jamf Cloud Connector makes setup easier. But Jamf and Azure admins must work together.
This hybrid plan is helpful for companies with both Apple and Windows devices. It is also good for places with strict rules. Using both tools together helps IT teams work better and manage all devices in one system.
Companies should pick their device governance tool by looking at what devices they use and what their business needs. The table below shows which groups get the most from each platform:
People making choices should:
Decide what their business wants and what devices they have before picking a tool.
Try out the tools with a small group to see if they work well and follow rules.
Work with experts to set up the tools and connect them to current IT systems.
Making sure device governance matches business goals helps keep devices safe, lets companies grow, and makes work easier. Testing both tools or asking specialists for advice can help companies pick the best option when comparing Microsoft Intune with Jamf for device governance.
FAQ
1. Which solution supports more device types?
Microsoft Intune works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Jamf is made for Apple devices like macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS. Intune is best if you have many kinds of devices. Jamf is better if you only use Apple products.
Tip: Pick Intune for lots of device types. Use Jamf if you only have Apple devices.
2. Can organizations use Jamf and Intune together?
Yes, many companies use both Jamf and Intune. Jamf takes care of Apple devices. Intune manages all kinds of devices. Using both helps with rules, access, and reports.
3. Which platform offers better security controls?
Intune has security rules for all device types. Jamf gives strong protection for Apple devices. Both can check if devices are safe and block threats. The best one depends on what devices you use and how much security you need.
4. How do pricing models differ?
Jamf makes you pay for each device. Intune makes you pay for each user. Jamf is good for groups that use only Apple. Intune is better for companies with many users and different devices.
Note: Count your devices and users before you choose.
5. Which solution is easier for IT teams to manage?
Jamf is great for Apple and has smart groups and easy steps. Intune lets you control all devices from one place. Jamf makes Apple jobs simple. Intune is good for managing many device types at once.