Kandji

In today's digital landscape, managing a fleet of official devices is crucial for small businesses to ensure data security and enhance cybersecurity. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions have become indispensable tools for IT administrators, helping them secure, monitor, and maintain various devices across their organization. 

Kandji is a cloud-based MDM platform designed specifically for Apple devices. It offers a range of features to simplify device management, enhance security, and improve productivity. Kandji outperforms multiple areas, making it an ideal solution for SMBs with specific needs.

If your business primarily uses Apple devices (Macs, iPhones, iPads), Kandji is tailor-made for your ecosystem. Its deep integration with Apple's management frameworks ensures seamless control over your Apple fleet.

Employee Onboarding and Offboarding (Device Provisioning and Deployment)

Kandji enables you to streamline employee device management during onboarding and offboarding.

• Rapid onboarding: Quickly provision new devices for employees, reducing downtime and improving productivity.
• Consistent configurations: Ensure all devices adhere to standardized settings and policies.
• Zero-touch deployment: Minimize IT involvement by automatically configuring devices.

Kandji allows you to preconfigure devices before they reach your employees, saving time and reducing IT overhead during onboarding. You can create predefined configuration templates or "Blueprints" in Kandji that specify desired settings, apps, and security policies. Then, automatically assign the blueprint to a preconfigured role or department. Remote configuration enables devices to install necessary apps, network connections, and security features quickly.

Strict Compliance Requirements

If your business operates in industries with strict compliance requirements (e.g., healthcare, finance), Kandji's robust compliance features and pre-built security blueprints can help you quickly meet regulatory standards. 

• Data protection: Safeguard sensitive company data with features like encryption and password management.  
• Threat prevention: Implement security measures to protect against malware and other threats.
• Compliance enforcement: Ensure adherence to industry regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) and company policies.

Remote Workforce Management

With the rise of remote work, Kandji's comprehensive remote management capabilities make it ideal for businesses with distributed teams.

• Centralized control: Manage and monitor devices from a single console, even for remote workers.
• Policy enforcement: Remotely enforce security policies and application restrictions.  
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve device issues remotely, reducing downtime.

App Distribution and Management

Add Apple's macOS, iOS, and iPadOS apps to your Kandji Library for seamless deployment on employees' devices.

• Centralized app store: Distribute approved apps to employees, ensuring consistency and reducing unauthorized downloads.
• App updates: Automatically update apps to the latest versions, improving security and functionality.  
• App restrictions: Control which apps can be installed and used on company devices.

Inventory and Reporting

Kandji offers comprehensive inventory and reporting features, enabling efficient management and optimization of your Apple device fleet.

• Device tracking: Maintain an accurate inventory of company devices, including location and usage data.  
• Reporting: Generate detailed reports on device usage, compliance, and security incidents.
• Cost management: Track device costs and optimize hardware and software investments.

Support and Troubleshooting

Kandji offers comprehensive and prompt support, as well as troubleshooting features.

• Remote assistance: Provide remote support to employees, reducing the need for in-person help.
• Self-service portal: Empower employees to resolve common issues independently.
• Troubleshooting tools: Diagnose and fix device problems efficiently.

While Kandji excels in many areas, there are situations where alternative MDM solutions might be more appropriate:

• Multi-platform environments: If your business uses a mix of Apple, Windows, and Android devices, you might need a more versatile MDM solution. Options like Microsoft Intune or Omnissa Workspace ONE (formerly Vmware) offer broader platform support.
• Budget constraints: Kandji's feature-rich platform comes at a premium price point. More affordable options like Jamf Now or Mosyle might be worth considering for small businesses or startups with tight budgets.
• Complex enterprise requirements: Large enterprises with intricate management needs might find solutions like Jamf Pro or IBM MaaS360 more suitable due to their extensive customization options and scalability.
• Education-specific needs: For educational institutions, purpose-built MDMs like Apple School Manager in conjunction with Jamf School might offer more tailored features for classroom management.
• Lightweight management needs: Apple's free Business Manager and basic profile management might suffice if you only need basic MDM features for a small number of devices.

Kandji offers a robust Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution specifically designed for Apple devices. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started with Kandji's device management:

• Sign Up for a Trial: Visit Kandji's website and sign up for their 14-day free trial. It allows you to explore the platform's features before committing.
• Initial Setup:
  • Log in to your Kandji account and complete the initial setup wizard.
  • Connect your Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager account to Kandji.
  • Set up your organization's details and create administrator accounts.
• Configure Blueprints: Kandji uses "blueprints" to manage device settings and policies. Start by creating blueprints for different device groups or departments in your organization.
• Add Devices:
  • For new devices, use Automated Device Enrollment (formerly DEP) to add them to Kandji when first activated automatically.
  • You can manually enroll existing devices using a provided enrollment link or QR code.
• Deploy Apps and Configurations:
  • Use Kandji's library to add common business apps to your blueprints.
  • Configure settings like Wi-Fi, email, and VPN for automatic deployment.
• Set Up Compliance and Security Policies:
  • Implement password policies, disk encryption requirements, and other security measures.
  • Configure compliance checks to ensure devices meet your organization's standards.
• Train Your Team: Familiarize your IT staff (if any) and end users with the basics of Kandji, including how to use the self-service portal for app installation.
• Monitor and Maintain: Regularly check the Kandji dashboard for device status, compliance issues, and available updates.

Remember, Kandji's focus on Apple devices means a streamlined setup process for organizations primarily using Macs, iPhones, and iPads. However, you'll need a separate solution if you have non-Apple devices in your fleet.

Transitioning to Kandji's device management from another solution can seem daunting, but Kandji aims to make the process as smooth as possible:

Data Migration

Kandji offers tools to help migrate your data from existing systems:

• Export Your Data: From your current MDM tool, export your device inventory, user assignments, and policy configurations.
• Use Kandji's Import Tools: Kandji provides import tools that can handle CSV files or direct integrations with some popular MDM solutions.
• Validate Your Data: After import, verify that you correctly migrated all your device information, user assignments, and policies.

Policy and Configuration Migration

Recreate your existing policies and configurations in Kandji:

• Review your current device policies and recreate them in Kandji's blueprint interface.
• Set up app deployments to match your current configurations.
• Configure compliance and security settings to align with your existing standards.

Gradual Rollout

Consider a phased approach to migration:

• Start with a pilot group to test Kandji's device management features.
• Address any issues or necessary adjustments identified during the pilot.
• Gradually roll out to larger groups of devices, potentially segmented by department or device type.
• If necessary, maintain parallel systems during the transition to ensure no disruption to your operations.

Employee Communication and Training

Ensure a smooth transition for your employees:

• Communicate the change clearly, explaining the benefits and any actions required from employees.
• Provide training materials or sessions, particularly for employees using BYOD setups.
• Set up a support system to address any issues or questions during the transition.

Kandji's device management solution integrates well with a wide range of tools, enhancing its functionality:

• Identity Providers: Kandji integrates with significant identity providers like Okta, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), allowing for streamlined user authentication and access management.
• Productivity Suites: Kandji works seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, allowing for easy deployment and management of these essential productivity tools.
• Communication Tools: Integrations with platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams allow for seamless communication and notifications related to device management.

While Kandji offers broad compatibility within the Apple ecosystem, there are some areas where integration might be challenging:

• Non-Apple Operating Systems: Kandji is designed exclusively for Apple devices, so it won't be able to manage Windows or Android devices. You will need a separate MDM solution for non-Apple devices if you have a mixed-device environment.
• Legacy Software: Older applications or those requiring deep system access might not be compatible with Kandji's device management approach. You may need to maintain separate workflows for such software.
• Certain VPN Solutions: While Kandji supports many VPN configurations, some specialized or proprietary VPN solutions might not be fully compatible. In these cases, you may need to explore alternative deployment methods.
• Complex Active Directory Setups: While Kandji can integrate with Azure AD, organizations with intricate on-premise Active Directory configurations might face some limitations. You might need to simplify your AD structure or maintain parallel systems.

Kandji offers a robust, user-friendly MDM solution that can significantly simplify device management for small businesses, especially those heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem. Its focus on automation, security, and compliance makes it an attractive option for organizations looking to streamline their IT operations.

We recommend taking advantage of Kandji's free trial to evaluate its features and compatibility with your environment thoroughly. Remember, the right MDM solution should meet your current needs and support your business as it grows and evolves.