Microsoft SCCM Is Only the Second-Best Solution for Managing Multiple Platforms. Here is Why.

For a long time, Microsoft systems enjoyed a monopoly in many organizations. But this tide has turned. The burgeoning popularity that Apple® computers have experienced with private users is finding its match in an ever-rising number of MacBook®, iMac®, and Mac mini® computers in the corporate environment. Users of those professionally employed Mac devices may praise their usability, sleekness, and stability, but many in IT still view this development with reservations. If there’s one thing that managing inconsistent networks turns out to be, it’s more work.

This holds true even if a platform as powerful as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is used for managing all the hardware and software inside an organization. Originally designed for administering pure PC environments, this solution has grown to be capable of managing Mac to some degree as well. But unfortunately, this comes with quite a number of shortcomings.

There is no automatic enrollment of Mac computers.
Compliance settings cannot be distributed through OS X® profiles.
Device encryption cannot be enabled or managed on Mac.
Patch management is limited.
There is no support for remote control of Mac from the console. Administrators cannot lock or wipe Mac computers remotely.

This list is by no means complete, but it illustrates that while Microsoft SCCM may be adequate for managing inconsistent PC/Mac environments, it is by no means an optimal solution. A truly sound approach can be realized easily and cost-effectively by simply complementing Microsoft SCCM with a powerful plug-in. Read this paper to learn all about this plug-in, Parallels® Mac Management for Microsoft® SCCM.