Meeting Bart Reardon: the innovator behind swiftDialog and its integration with Jamf

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Bart Reardon, a name that’s been buzzing around in the tech circles, especially among those of us who are passionate about Apple device management. For those who might not be familiar, Bart is the brilliant mind behind swiftDialog, a tool that’s been making waves for its seamless integration and approach in the MacAdmin space.

Bart’s journey into the world of software development and his creation of swiftDialog is nothing short of inspiring. He’s the kind of developer who doesn't just code — he crafts solutions. His approach to problem solving is a testament to his deep understanding of the needs of IT administrators and end users alike.

Bart has worked for the Australia Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)­ for over 22 years. Bart currently works for CSIRO’s desktop infrastructure team and leads development for the Mac and Linux Desktop standard operating environments, managing 1200+ macOS workstations using Jamf, Munki and other open-source tools. He has contributed to Munki, macOS LAPS, Nudge and Outset open-source projects, as well as developed swiftDialog in SwiftUI and released as open source to the MacAdmins community.

The genesis of swiftDialog

The idea for SwiftDialog came from a simple yet profound need: to enhance user interaction during device management processes. In Bart's words, he wanted to create “a bridge between IT and end users, making the communication during software installations, updates and configurations as smooth and informative as possible.”

swiftDialog allows IT admins to present informative dialogues to users, guiding them through various processes without feeling like they are in the dark. Whether it’s a pop-up notification about an impending update or a detailed message during a software installation, swiftDialog provides a customizable and user-friendly interface.

Integration with Jamf

What really sets swiftDialog apart is its integration with Jamf. Bart saw the potential for swiftDialog to enhance Jamf’s already robust capabilities, making it easier for IT teams to manage devices while keeping users informed every step of the way.

This integration means that IT admins using Jamf can deploy swiftDialog to communicate directly with end users. Imagine being able to send a friendly reminder about a required update or a heads-up about a new application installation — all customized to fit your organization’s tone and style. It’s a game-changer for maintaining transparency and trust between IT departments and their users.

Why it matters

In today’s fast-paced tech environment, clear and effective communication is key. Bart’s creation addresses a critical gap in the user experience during IT processes. With its integration into Jamf, swiftDialog ensures that users are never left wondering what’s happening with their devices. This level of clarity not only enhances user satisfaction but also reduces the number of support tickets and the overall workload for IT teams.

Final thoughts

Meeting Bart, attending one of his workshops and learning about swiftDialog has been a highlight. His passion for creating tools that genuinely improve user experience and streamline IT processes is evident in every aspect of swiftDialog. If you’re in the Apple device management space, swiftDialog is definitely something you’ll want to check out. It’s a testament to how thoughtful innovation can drive better communication and efficiency in tech.

Kudos to Bart for his outstanding work — we’re all excited to see what he comes up with next!

Until next time,

Nadia Te