Case Study: Transforming Into a Mac-Only Organization with Advisory
The Challenge
A security-minded firm operated in a hybrid device environment that included both Macs and PCs. While functional, this setup created inefficiencies in management, support, and compliance. They wanted to:
- Transition to a Mac-only environment for a more streamlined, secure, and user-friendly ecosystem.
- Provision and deploy new Macs while supporting users migrating from Windows to macOS.
- Implement a modern Apple-centric Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution to ensure compliance and security.
- Establish Zero-Touch Deployment to eliminate manual provisioning for new hires.
Why Mac-Only Was the Strategic Choice
For this firm, the decision to standardize on Apple hardware wasn’t just about aesthetics or user preference—it was a business decision driven by:
- Security & Compliance – macOS provides built-in security features like FileVault encryption, Gatekeeper, and XProtect, which reduce risk and simplify compliance requirements.
- Operational Efficiency – Managing one unified platform reduces IT overhead, accelerates troubleshooting, and streamlines software deployment.
- User Experience – A large portion of their workforce was already familiar with Apple devices, making the transition smoother and improving productivity.
- Longevity & ROI – Macs generally have longer lifespans and higher resale values, maximizing hardware investment.
By committing to a Mac-only environment, the firm positioned itself for stronger security, more predictable IT management, and a consistent user experience company-wide.
Our Approach
Advisory Solutions partnered with the firm to design and execute a phased Apple adoption strategy.
- Building the Foundation with Jamf Pro
We deployed a brand-new Jamf Pro instance tailored to the firm’s compliance and operational needs. Key configurations included:
- Security & Compliance – Enforced FileVault encryption with escrowed recovery keys.
- Application Deployment & Patching – Automated installation and updates for core business applications.
- Apple Business Manager Integration – Linked Jamf with ABM for Zero-Touch Deployment capabilities.
- Migrating to Mac-Only
With the Jamf environment live, we:
- Enrolled all existing Macs into Jamf for centralized management.
- Procured and deployed new Macs to replace PCs in the field.
- Leveraged ABM for direct shipping and automatic enrollment—users received devices ready to use, without IT intervention.
- Supporting the Transition
While most employees transitioned to macOS seamlessly, our team provided one-on-one support for users adjusting from Windows workflows. We ensured productivity remained high throughout the migration.
The Results
Today, the firm operates as a fully Mac-only organization, supported by:
- A secure, compliance-ready Jamf Pro environment.
- Automated onboarding and offboarding via Zero-Touch Deployment.
- Reduced IT overhead from streamlined Apple device management.
- A consistent, user-friendly macOS experience across the company.
By partnering with Advisory Solutions, the firm not only modernized its IT environment but also maximized the value of its Apple investment—ensuring a secure, scalable, and future-ready infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Apple in Enterprise
The enterprise IT landscape is shifting rapidly, with Apple devices no longer seen as niche but as strategic assets. Organizations are recognizing that Apple’s hardware, paired with modern management tools like Jamf, can deliver unmatched security, lower total cost of ownership, and happier end users.
For businesses like this firm, moving to a Mac-only environment wasn’t just about solving today’s challenges—it was about building a foundation for the future. As Apple continues to innovate in both hardware and software, the benefits for security-conscious, growth-oriented organizations will only increase.
