How To Deploy Managed IT Services In A Mixed Mac And Windows Environment

Windows was the only operating system used in most organizations until recently. The mac operating system has gained popularity, and now people use them in more places. This occurrence has led to a hybrid environment whereby both mac and windows operating systems are used in a single setting together.  

Working with Windows and Mac operating systems in the same environment can be challenging due to varying factors. Because of this, many organizations now use managed IT services such as Spectrumwise Managed IT in a hybrid environment. Such third-party IT services give businesses the technological support they need, all while saving them money, time, and effort.   

This article provides the challenges faced in a mixed Windows and Mac environment and how you can deploy managed IT services in the said environment.  

Challenges Encountered In A Mixed Mac And Windows Environment 

You have reasons why you’re using both Mac and Windows operating systems. Maybe it’s because of its benefits, or you wanted to experience using different operating systems and see which one’s better. Unfortunately, there are cons to having a mixed mac and windows environment. The following are some of the disadvantages:  

• It may be costly because of how mac devices are expensive.  
• You may experience compatibility issues as there’s a chance some of the tools or programs you use aren’t compatible with both systems.  
• Apple devices work best when used personally, meaning it’ll be challenging to manage them centrally.  
• It’s challenging to standardize both Windows and Mac, and 
• It isn’t easy to audit in such a mixed environment. 

Despite these cons, there are ways you can make your experience easier. As stated, managed IT services can help you with such technological tasks. Moreover, Kenny Riley with Velocity IT suggests that hiring a professionally managed IT service provider is the best way to ensure your organization’s technology runs smoothly in this hybrid environment. However, the process of deploying managed IT services in a mixed environment requires proper planning and consideration. Here’s how you can deploy managed IT services in a mixed mac and windows environment:    

1. Firstly, You Need To Have An Apple Management Application 

Running a business or organization requires devices that are centrally managed. As mentioned earlier, mac operating systems or apple devices are meant to be used personally. It makes it challenging to manage them centrally. However, it’s possible to handle them centrally with the help of some tools. Examples of these tools are mobile device management (MDM) applications and Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM).  

An MDM application is essential in deploying managed IT services because of its functions. Apart from its ability to be used on both mac and windows, other functions of an MDM include:  

• Automatically updating the devices that are using the mac operating system 
• Controlling which updates are fit for the systems 
• Troubleshooting issues whenever they happen in the devices 
• Tracking the status and location of your devices 
• Faster initiations of Airplay sessions which makes it possible to push enterprise applications to Mac  

Additionally, you should add an apple MDM  to a mixed environment because it reduces the chances of your systems being hacked. Hackers prefer to prey on a combined Mac and Windows environment because of its unstable security. Fortunately, using an MDM will increase safety as it monitors the activities of the systems.   

2. Next, Have A Group Policy 

Just like how an MDM is implemented to deal with mac operating system devices, a group policy is used to manage a windows operating system. In case you’re unfamiliar with a group policy, it’s a windows feature that gives admins control over user accounts and computers in a windows environment.  

It would be best if you had a group policy when deploying managed IT services in a mixed Windows and Mac environment because of the following:  

• It increases security. As previously stated, it’s easy to hack a mixed mac and windows environment because of the unstable security. However, with a group policy, an admin can determine the structure of passwords you’ll be using. For example, to have a more secure password, the admin can decide that all passwords should have eight or more characters, including a symbol and uppercase. 
• It helps in standardizing devices. Having your business or organization grow is probably among your goals. A company’s growth may lead to employing more staff who need to have their devices standardized. With the help of a group policy, it’s easier to standardize new employees’ devices by adding them to your company’s system domain. 
• It automatically updates devices registered on the system, similar to MDM.  

3. Lastly, Implement Programs That Support Both Mac And Windows Systems 

If you’re using a windows operating system, the applications you use should be windows-compatible. On the other hand, a mac operating system works with mac-compatible applications. Therefore, if you’re using a mixed mac and windows environment, you must implement programs that support both operating systems. Open-source programs are the ones that are primarily compatible with both systems. Moreover, such programs aid in applying the same security patches on all devices in a system. 

Factors To Consider Before Deploying Managed IT Services 

Before you deploy managed IT services, here are some factors you should put into consideration: 

• The number of devices you want to deploy in a mixed Windows and Mac environment – If you have to deploy many devices, chances are it’ll be challenging. Also, the type of devices to deploy matters. Mac devices are easier to deploy in a mixed environment because of the sailable software toolset.  
• The kind of access needed – The type of access required depends on the operating system you will integrate into a hybrid environment. You need to have answers to a question such as, ‘Why does a Windows user need to access a mac operating system?’ The vice versa is also a question that would help you make the right decision concerning the type of access.  
• The programs or tools used in your organization – As stated above, windows work with windows-compatible programs, and a mac operating system works with mac-compatible programs. When you want to deploy managed IT services, you have to check whether the programs you have are compatible with the two operating systems. It will help you determine how many changes you must make to implement other compatible programs.  

Summing It Up! 

In earlier days, Windows was the most used operating system. However, with time, the mac operating system gained popularity, and its use started increasing. Due to the availability of these two operating systems, some organizations end up using both. This situation lead to the creation of a mixed mac and windows environment. 

It’s not easy to manage such an environment, which is why you should consider having managed IT services. Consider using this article if you decide to deploy managed IT services in your company for a hybrid environment. Good luck!