Jamf School or Jamf Pro: which is right for you?

Are you wondering how to choose between Jamf School and Jamf Pro?

It's a common question. Both offer excellent management capabilities for Mac, Apple TV, iPad and iPhone. Both have integrations to extend their abilities — including with security solutions. And both are designed with Apple in mind. So where do you begin?

Many admins associate Jamf School solely with iPad deployments, which makes sense, as this is a common device choice. Since iPads don't leverage macOS features, they assume that Jamf School can't handle a Mac deployment. This isn't the case. Lots of schools will have no issues managing iPad, Mac and more with Jamf School.

Long story short, you should start with Jamf School, and reach for Jamf Pro if you can't quite meet specific requirements. Jamf School is purpose-built for education, improving the experience for admins, teachers, students and parents with built-in features and apps. It helps convert device management to safe, secure and enriching classroom experiences.

Let's talk a bit about what each platform can do.

Key capabilities

Let's summarize some capabilities for each platform.

Device management

• Jamf Pro: MDM framework
• Jamf School: MDM framework

Scripting and additional configurations

• Jamf Pro: macOS agent
• Jamf School: scripting module

Non-App Store app distribution

• Jamf Pro: distribution point via the Jamf Cloud Distribution Service and App Installers
• Jamf School: App Installers

Self-service portal

• Jamf Pro: Self Service+
• Jamf School: resources within Jamf Student and Jamf Teacher apps

Integrations

• Jamf Pro: both Jamf and third-party integrations
• Jamf School: third-party integrations

Where should I start?

Both Jamf School and Jamf Pro have excellent management capabilities. Both add unique value to your device deployment. So which should you pick?

Start with Jamf School.

Jamf School is simple to use and powerful — especially helpful for schools with a small IT team. It offers unique features that are great for schools, like:

• Administrator accounts based on location, grade level, school or other parameters
• Optimized shared iPad implementation
• Integration with Jamf Safe Internet: content filtering built for schools
• Apps designed to empower teachers, students and parents

This means you get robust device management that extends into the classroom. With workflows that simplify management and security, IT admins efficiently keep students safe. Since teachers get control of their students' device configurations, devices become tools instead of distractions. This helps students stay on task and learn the way they want to learn. And once devices go home, parents regain control of their student's device. Everyone wins.

Complex workflows may require Jamf Pro.

For many schools, Jamf School gets the job done. There are a few applications where Jamf Pro may be better. Consider Jamf Pro if your IT workflows include:

• Integrations with device compliance or conditional access
• Enterprise workflows, particularly with certificates for Wi-Fi or VPN
• Certain API automations, like a custom front end for example

If you aren't sure, contact us.