Streamlined application deployment for schools with Jamf School

Jamf is a powerful tool for managing iPhones, Apple TVs, iPads and macOS clients. Apple School Manager’s Books and Apps makes Apple TV, iPhone and iPad application deployment easy.

However, not all applications are available through Books and Apps. What's an admin to do for software deployment?

Let’s talk about two ways to deploy applications unavailable on the App Store to managed macOS devices.

App Installers

App Installers enables educators and Mac admins to stay ahead of the game when deploying and updating third-party apps. Many apps update faster than IT admins can repackage and deploy them. And sometimes it can be difficult for users to know if the apps they're downloading are trustworthy. App Installers helps with both by offering the latest, secure versions of common applications. Jamf ensures these apps are created by credible developers and are up to date.

With nearly 300 titles available, App Installers is a great foundation in software deployment for the Jamf admin. Like the macOS App Store, App Installers can install applications on a managed macOS device and keep each app up to date as new versions are vetted and included in the Jamf App Catalog.

What about user-installed apps?

Jamf’s App Installers will also keep user-installed apps up to date after an admin adds that app to the Mac from the catalog.

For example, if a user installs Google Chrome, an admin can add Google Chrome from the app catalog and Jamf School will keep that application up to date as new versions become available.

What if my apps need extra configuration?

Sometimes you need to do more than just install or update an app. If you need to set restrictions or configurations related to your app, blueprints can help. For instance, say you want to disable access to Math Notes in the Calculator app — set a declaration for this in your blueprint, and declarative device management will ensure this restriction is applied.

How do you deploy apps that aren’t in the App Store or App Installers?

Jamf School still provides a Mac admin the ability to upload the PKG file to the console and deploy them to macOS clients.

But building, testing and deploying PKG files can be time-consuming in an already jam-packed schedule. How can admins deal with that?

Installomator

One of the best things about the Mac admin country is that the community works together to solve problems.

And here again we see brilliant minds creating solutions for application deployment in the form of the Installomator tool.

Installomator is a script that is installed on each computer. With the Jamf School scripting module, Installomator PKG and Jamf Composer (or other package creation tool), admins can install over 800 different software titles.

With the Installomator script installed in /usr/local/Installomator/on each Mac in the admin’s fleet, the Jamf School scripting module takes over.

Jamf School provides the admin with a variety of methods for script execution such as single use or on a schedule. Admins can use simple two-line scripts to install the needed applications, rerunning them every so often to update applications as necessary.

Here is a sample script to install Adobe Connect:

#!/bin/bash

/usr/local/Installomator/Installomator.sh adobeconnect

Installomator is an open-source project. Just like with any other open-source resource, be sure to completely investigate them and ensure the resources meet your organization’s security requirements.

Read more about using Installomator with Jamf School >>

Frequently asked questions

Can I deploy different app sets to teachers, lab machines and students automatically?

Yes, you can deploy different apps to different users with Installomater and your MDM.

Is there a license fee for Installomator, and how often do I need to update the script itself?

Installomator is free to use as an open-source project on GitHub. Installomater is updated semi-frequently with the latest app labels. It is recommended to use the latest version. Watch the repository's releases or its dedicated MacAdmins Slack channel for updates.

Once an app is installed, will Installomator keep it updated forever, or do I need separate scripts?

Installomator does not keep apps updated on its own — it must be executed via scheduled MDM policy.

How do I install Installomator on all existing Macs?

Installomator can be deployed via policy or in the scripts module of your MDM. Read Installomator's documentation for information specific to Jamf School or Jamf Pro.

How does Installomator work with Jamf?

First, download the latest Installomator PKG from its repository. After adding Installmator to your Mac endpoints via policy or scripting module, you can execute your customized script and deploy your apps. Read Installomator's wiki for more info.

Jamf has your back

Jamf for K-12 can help you get nearly any educational app your school needs deployed to your fleet quick as a flash — all while keeping your data secure and students away from harmful content.