Apple MDM Migration FAQ

Overview

When is this happening?

  • The opt-in period for this migration begins on March 31, 2025, giving you the opportunity to complete these steps at your convenience.  You will see Kandji in the Software Center at the beginning of the opt-in period.
    • TIP: Update your computer to the most recent operating system for the smoothest migration experience.
  • The mandatory migration date for all Mac computers is set for April 4, 2025. You will see a prompt when the mandatory migration period begins.

Why is this being done?

  • We are migrating from Jamf to Kandji, a modern MDM software for Apple devices, to support our ability to keep software and hardware up to date and secure. This transition will significantly reduce device downtime because of computer or software issues for our users.

What is Kandji?

  • Kandji is a comprehensive Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution designed specifically for Apple devices. It offers advanced features for managing and securing your devices, providing better control over updates and configurations. This will help us maintain a high standard of performance and security across all our Apple devices.

What devices are impacted?

  • Any UA-owned Apple device enrolled in Jamf that can be upgraded to macOS Sonoma (14.x.x) or higher.
  • Certain users will be offered an early opt-in via the Software Center starting March 31, 2025, giving you the opportunity to transition at your convenience.
  • The mandatory transition date for Mac users is set for April 4, 2025.
  • Designated users will see Kandji in their software center at the beginning of the opt-in period, and will see a prompt when the mandatory migration period begins.
  • Contact your IT service desk to submit a request for help or questions.

What happens to my files? 

  • Your files will not be affected.

Do I need to backup?

  • Backups are always a good idea, and are very strongly encouraged before starting this migration process.

Will my old applications/software work?

  • The migration process does not affect your applications/software.
  • Upgrading your operating system might require some applications to be upgraded as well.  For example, Microsoft Office 2019 is not supported on macOS Sonoma or higher, so Microsoft 365 will need to be installed after upgrading the operating system.

How long will the process take?

  • The actual time needed will vary depending on several factors.  Here are some estimates (not all may apply to you)
    • Customer-initiated backup: 15 minutes to 1 hour
    • IT-initiated backup: 15 minutes to 1 hour
    • Operating System upgrade: 20 to 30 minutes
    • Migration: 5 to 30 minutes or more (depending on computer and network speed)

What will change on my computer?

  • No files or applications/software are directly changed.
  • Some applications/software may need to be upgraded in cases where the operating system needs to be upgraded.
  • The migration removes all Jamf references and settings replaces them with the Kandji equivalents including any special settings (i.e. HIPAA restrictions if applicable).
  • Kandji will apply configurations and software as needed to meet security requirements.
  • You will use your full UA email (not only username) and password to log into your computer so it may look slightly different than before.

What does Kandji do for me?

  • Migrating to Kandji will help us keep your devices running smoothly with the latest updates and security patches. This will minimize downtime and disruptions, allowing you to focus on your work instead of managing your computer. With Kandji, you can expect a reliable and secure experience, ensuring your Mac devices are always in optimal condition.

Will this slow down my computer?

  • No. There should be no performance impacts when migrating from Jamf to Kandji.

Do I have to upgrade my computer?

  • For the smoothest transition computers should be running macOS Sonoma (14.x.x) or Sequoia (15.x.x) before starting the migration.

I have an older computer.  What are my options?

  • As long as your computer supports running macOS Sonoma (14.x.x) or Sequoia (15.x.x), then you can enroll it in Kandji.  
  • Contact the your IT service desk to discuss new computer purchase options if needed.

My device isn’t supported.  What can I do?

  • If your computer can’t run macOS Sonoma (14.x.x) or Sequoia (15.x.x), then it may be excluded from Kandji and we will work with you to create a device retirement plan. 
  • Contact the your IT service desk to discuss purchase options.

Do I turn off FileVault first?

  • Yes. If you are using FileVault, you will want to turn it off before you begin the migration or you will risk losing files or locking your machine. You can choose to have ITS Field Services complete your migration if you do not want to turn off FileVault.

What is FileVault?

  • If you have a Mac with Apple silicon or an Apple T2 Security Chip, your data is encrypted automatically. FileVault provides further protection by requiring your login password to see your data. See How does FileVault work on a Mac? for more information.

My device isn't normally serviced by campus IT. Does this affect me?

  • We are working with all units even if your computer isn't normally serviced by campus IT. We will continue working with all impacted users and departments throughout this process.

Can my department’s IT technician help me with this?

  • Departmental IT technicians are not yet trained to provide this support.

Will I need to do anything to make the switch to Kandji?

  • Yes, if you want to opt-in when the migration tool becomes available on March 26, 2025. You’ll need to open Software Center on your computer and select the migration tool.
  • No, if you want to migrate after the opt-in period then just wait and you’ll be notified when the automatic migration is ready to happen.
  • Yes, if your system needs IT support to successfully migrate. If you don’t see the migration tool in Software Center on March 26, 2025, you aren’t at a remote campus, and you aren’t in a department with dedicated IT support then your computer may be affected.
  • If your system is one of those that needs extra or special IT support, a technician will contact you and provide more information.  
  • Yes, if your system can’t be upgraded to macOS Sonoma (14.x.x) or Sequoia (15.x.x).  Contact your IT service desk to discuss options for a technology refresh.

My Apple computer is not currently managed in Jamf. Will this affect me?

  • Yes. All university owned equipment needs to be managed by the university. More information will be shared soon for those not currently managed in Jamf.

Is my computer managed?

  • Good question. If your Apple computer is enrolled in Jamf or Kandji then it’s managed. The easiest way to determine this is to look in the Applications folder for Software Center.  A "Software Center" means your system is managed. 
  • You can also provide your computer’s serial number to your IT service desk. They can look it up and tell you for sure.

I use my personal device for work. Can I enroll in Kandji?

  • No. Kandji is strictly for UA-owned devices.

My personal device is in Jamf. Can I also use Kandji?

  • No. Contact your IT service desk and they will help you remove your personally-owned device from University management.

What about iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Apple Watch, or Vision Pro?

  • These devices will be migrated or have been migrated already in other phases of this project. 

There was a problem during the migration to Kandji. How can I get help?

  • Contact your IT service desk for help. If something went wrong then we can help you get back on track.

Will this cost my department anything?

  • No. There are no purchases, enrollment fees, per-machine fees, per-user fees, or subscriptions passed on to departments or end users for the use of Kandji.  In fact, this modern management system may save your department money by automating installation of common software such as Microsoft Office and Google Drive, making additional software available via Self Service, managing security settings, and installing required software such as Alertus. This means less time a person needs to provide direct maintenance on a machine and less downtime for you.

Will this cost me anything?

  • No. There is no cost passed on to end users.

What happens if I don’t migrate?

  • All devices currently enrolled in Jamf will eventually be migrated to Kandji. We are expecting this phase of the migration may take some time, so please be patient.  If your computer hasn’t yet migrated then it is still covered by Jamf.  

I have a different question. How do I get more information?

Need additional help or have issues

For support, requests may be submitted anytime for Support for Issues with University Computers.

For immediate assistance please review the Contact Us page.

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