UAF Technology News

Apple MDM Migration FAQ

November 8, 2024

  • When is this happening?
    • The opt-in period for this migration begins on November 11, giving you the opportunity to transition at your convenience. The mandatory migration date for all designated users is set for November 21, by which all users must have completed the update.  Designated users will see Kandji in their software center at the beginning of the opt-in period, and see a prompt when the mandatory migration period begins.  To ensure the smoothest transition possible please update your Mac devices to macoS Sonoma or higher before migrating to Kandji.
  • Why is this being done?
      • We are migrating from Jamf to Kandji, a modern MDM software for Mac devices, to enhance our ability to keep software and hardware up to date. This transition will significantly reduce device downtime, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience for our users.
  • What is Kandji?
      • Kandji is a comprehensive Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution designed specifically for Mac 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 Mac devices.
  • What devices are affected?
    • Affected
        • Any UA-owned Macintosh computer enrolled in Jamf that can be upgraded to macOS Sonoma (14.x.x) or higher is subject to this migration
        • Certain users will be offered an early adopter option via the Software Center starting November 11, giving you the opportunity to transition at your convenience.
        • The mandatory transition date for all designated users is set for November 21.
        • 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.
        • Unmanaged Macintosh computers may also be managed.  Contact the NTS Service Desk to submit your request.
  • What happens to my files?  Do I need a backup?
      • Your files will remain unmodified.
      • Backups are always a good idea, and are very strongly encouraged before starting this migration process.
  • How do I back up my computer?
  • Will my old applications work?
      • The migration process does not affect your applications in any way.
      • 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 to migrate will vary depending on what operating system you’re currently using and other factors.  Here are some estimates (not all may apply to you)
        • Customer-initiated backup: 15 minutes to 1 hour
        • NTS-initiated backup: 15 minutes to 1 hour
        • Operating System upgrade: 20 to 30 minutes
        • Migration: 5 to 30 minutes (depending on computer and network speed)
        • Account conversion: 5 minutes (converts account to use web-based logins)
  • What will change on my computer?
      • No files or applications are directly changed.
      • Some applications may need to be upgraded in cases where the operating system needs to be upgraded.
      • The migration removes all references and dependencies on Jamf and replaces them with the Kandji equivalents.
      • Kandji will apply configurations and software as needed to meet security requirements and baseline software provisioning.
      • Accounts will be updated to use a web-based authentication system that is much more reliable than the Active Directory logins currently in use.
  • 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 degradation 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 NTS Service Desk (helpdesk@alaska.edu (907-450-8300) to discuss device retirement and new computer purchase options.
  • 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 NTS Service Desk (helpdesk@alaska.edu (907) 450-8300) to discuss purchase options.
  • Do I have to enable FileVault?
      • FileVault may be enabled based on personal preference or departmental requirements, but its use is not mandated under the current UAF standard security configuration.
  • 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 Nanook Technology Services. Does this affect me?
      • Migration is being deferred for most departments with dedicated IT support teams and all remote campuses.  We are actively working with these sub-units to migrate devices while meeting departmental needs.
  • Can my department’s IT technician help me with this?
      • Departmental IT technicians are not yet trained to provide this support.  NTS staff is actively working to provide this training so that distributed technicians can start using this new tool.
  • 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 November 11.  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 NTS intervention to successfully migrate.  If you don’t see the migration tool in Software Center on Nov 11, you aren’t at a remote campus, and you aren’t in a department with dedicated IT support then your computer may be affected.

        There are a few technical factors out of your control that will require NTS to take action before it can be migrated.  If your system is one of those that needs NTS intervention then a technician will contact you and provide more information about the actions needed to migrate your system. 

        The list is long, so it may take some time to get to all of these affected systems.  Contact the NTS Service Desk (helpdesk@alaska.edu (907) 450-8300) if you want to request a particular timeframe for the migration.
      • Yes, if your system can’t be upgraded to macOS Sonoma (14.x.x) or Sequoia (15.x.x).  Contact the NTS Service Desk (helpdesk@alaska.edu (907) 450-8300) to discuss options for a technology refresh.
  • My Apple computer is not currently managed.  Will this affect me?
      • You have a dedicated team of technicians whose goal is to ensure your IT resources meet your needs while transparently providing a secure and reliable tool that you need to get your work done.
      • Kandji is a comprehensive mobile device management (MDM) solution designed specifically for Apple devices.  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 more on your work. With Kandji, you can expect a reliable and secure experience, ensuring that your Mac devices are always in optimal condition.
      • Contact the NTS Service Desk (helpdesk@alaska.edu (907) 450-8300) to learn more about how you can benefit from this new service.
  • 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.  If it’s there then your system is managed. Provide your computer’s serial number to the NTS Service Desk (helpdesk@alaska.edu (907) 450-8300).  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 the NTS Service Desk (helpdesk@alaska.edu (907) 450-8300) 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 in the next phase of this project coming soon. 
  • There was a problem during the migration to Kandji.  How can I get help?
      • The NTS Service Desk (helpdesk@alaska.edu (907) 450-8300) is here to 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.  Kandji is also being made available to departments and campuses which hire distributed technicians.
  • 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 to take several months, 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?