Apple devices are powerful tools for productivity and employee retention. However, simply handing an employee a MacBook or iPad is not the same as integrating it into a professional, secure environment. Without the right management framework, these devices can become islands of data that are difficult for IT to support and nearly impossible to recover if an employee departs.
At Net Friends, we believe the experience of using an Apple device for work should be as seamless as using one at home, but with the rigorous security and oversight that your business demands. To unlock the full potential of the Apple ecosystem, Net Friends focuses on three core pillars:
- Deployment: Using Zero-Touch deployment to get a device from the box to the employee’s hands with zero IT intervention.
- Identity: Managing Managed Apple IDs to ensure data stays safe while streamlining the login experience.
- Security: Creating a continuous feedback loop where devices stay secure, encrypted, and compliant with company and industry standards.
By aligning these three areas, your organization can fully integrate Apple hardware into your broader tech ecosystem, ensuring your team has the tools they love and the security you need.
Device Deployment
Your new Apple device should go from the shrink-wrap to your hands without IT ever needing to touch it. This zero-touch philosophy is made possible through the deep integration between Apple’s infrastructure and our management platform.
To achieve a true zero-touch experience, we leverage automated device enrollment. This process bridges the gap between procurement and management using Apple Business Manager (ABM).
- Profile Creation: To set this up, we create profiles for your employees. For example, Marketing devices are set-up with specific tools and access, while Finance has a different set of tools and access. These profiles are loaded into ABM, and when a device is purchased, the correct profile can be identified and then applied to the device prior to sending the device out.
- Device Management: By enrolling devices through this automated path, they are automatically configured so that Net Friends can ensure that your device receives automatic updates. This also allows you to ensure that the device adheres to your company policies regarding adding apps, etc.
- Procurement Flexibility: We offer flexible procurement through two seamless paths: (1) you can purchase devices directly via your Apple Business Manager (ABM) account for instant, over-the-air configuration upon Wi-Fi connection, or (2) leverage our concierge service where we handle the purchasing, registration, and shipping for you. Either way, every device arrives fully provisioned and ready for immediate use the moment it leaves the box.
- Curated App Store: Beyond hardware, we leverage ABM to centralize software procurement, allowing us to deploy apps directly to devices without requiring personal Apple IDs. This feeds into a branded Curated Company App Store, a self-service portal where employees can download pre-approved, licensed tools on demand.
Whether devices arrive via our concierge service or direct purchase, they are properly provisioned ensuring your organization retains full control over licenses and security.
Identity
Identity is the connective tissue of the Apple ecosystem. In an enterprise environment, how you handle Apple IDs determines whether your data is secure and whether your hardware remains a reusable asset or becomes a brick upon an employee's departure.
To maintain professional standards, we utilize Managed Apple IDs. Unlike personal accounts, these are owned and controlled by your organization.
- Corporate Control: You can reset passwords, manage app access, and disable accounts instantly if an employee leaves.
- Federation: We can link ABM to your existing identity provider (like Microsoft Entra ID or Google Workspace). This means employees sign in to their Mac or iPad using their standard company email and password.
A significant issue with Apple management occurs when a Personal Apple ID is used on a corporate device that is not properly enrolled in ABM. This triggers Activation Lock, a security feature that ties the hardware to a specific user's personal credentials.
Net Friends Pro-Tip: Enroll every device in ABM on day one. It’s the only way to guarantee corporate ownership.
If an employee leaves the company and their personal Apple ID is still signed in, the device remains locked to their personal account. Without their specific password, the device cannot be wiped or repurposed. To avoid this, we work with businesses to ensure that all devices are enrolled in ABM. This eliminates the risk of lost hardware and data.
Security
At Net Friends, we provide the same enterprise-grade protection for your Apple devices as we do for your PCs. We secure your environment through two powerful layers of defense:
- EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response): Deployed on every Net Friends managed device, this is an evolution of antivirus. It monitors suspicious behavior in real-time to catch threats before they can take hold.
- NetSafe MDR (Managed Detection and Response): For the next level of security, NetSafe MDR adds a proactive layer of 24x7 protection. While the tools detect the threats, our expert security team actively monitors and responds to them around the clock, ensuring your business stays safe while you sleep.
Our security tools do not replace Apple’s built-in security; they build on top of them. The encryption tools are still active, providing a base layer of security.
Apple Device Integration
Integrating Apple devices into a business environment shouldn't feel like a compromise between user experience and corporate security. Net Friends transforms Apple hardware from standalone gadgets into managed enterprise assets.
If you need help integrating your Apple devices, book a meeting with one of our IT Experts.
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At Net Friends, we believe in the power of human expertise. While we leverage AI to enhance our content and processes, all blog posts are written and edited by our knowledgeable staff. You can trust you are getting insights directly from our team.