A little background on Mac computing
When Apple first introduced Macintosh computers in the mid 1980s, it was a revolutionary concept that allowed end users to implement what is called a Graphic User Interface (GUI) in order to organize their system and file hierarchy. The previous method required a complex method of typing commands into a system prompt which would run applications. The only trick to that was you generally had to know a lot about computers and what you were doing to make it work properly. With a Mac, everything you needed to do was as simple as point and click.
Since then, the GUI has been often imitated, but never replicated the way Apple has done in the last 30 years of computing. Even today, Macs are often the preferred computer system in business, due to their superior graphics cards, their ease of use, and dependability, especially when it comes to virus protection, personal security, and integration with other vital systems such as iPhones, iPads, and cloud computing.
Making Macs work for your business
As a personal computer, Macs are amazing machines. They allow end users to jump right in to projects without too much hassle and almost no peripheral installations to get started, unlike PCs which often require all sorts of extras to be installed and configured when they come out of the box. But what about network and administration management of a large group of Mac computers? To many IT professionals, Macs aren’t as common in a network setting as PCs. One of the reasons for this is cost. PCs are often more cost effective in the short-term, with price tags hundreds of dollars cheaper than Macs.
But what you gain in savings at the front end, you often lose later. The Mac OS on a MacBook or desktop computer communicates seamlessly with the superior Apple tablets and devices such as iPhones. Out in the field, these devices are indispensable. When working with clients who are also using these devices, more and more business are heading towards the Mac side for ease of use, reliability, and convenience. They are also finding out that you do get what you pay for in the long run. Macs typically last longer, with less frequent systems refreshes needed, unlike PCs.
General Technology and Management
Management of your network, systems, and applications has become a crucial factor in managing your business in ways that it didn’t even exist when the first Macintosh computers rolled off the assembly line. Today, data security, system management, operating systems monitoring and maintenance is crucial to running a business. Maybe almost as important as how many widgets you sell and staff room arguments about how coffee is for closers only. Like the walls protecting you from the wind and rain, holding a roof up over the head of your company, data management is what is holding the computing aspect of your company together.
From external security threats such as hackers, viruses, to LAN and WAN connectivity, or maybe even just allowing your staff at home and in the field to communicate effortlessly, you need a cutting edge Mac management solution for your business. One that is not only versatile but easy to use, and as dependable as the Macs you use in your business.
An ideal tool for managing Macs
Real time reports: Reports must be able to be generated on-demand, with live results. When looking out across your network as a whole, your technician should also be able to drill down to find out how individual systems units are being used. From here, they can better determine what the weak points and strengths are in your workforce and act accordingly.
Groups that work: The network is the collection of computers, routers, switches, and cabling and radio signals that tie everything together. Managing how all of these groups of machines are organized is a matter of policy. Key in your ability to manage your systems is the ability to designate users into groups based on needs and access, from departments all the way to end point users.
Here are some ways to show how information management affects different groups of users and their devices. Wherever they are needed, no matter where they are:
- Systems dashboard views polices, all groups of machines and breaks usage down into easy to follow charts.
- Monitoring/services of individual systems units
- Disk space
- OS updates
- Battery charge
- Optimization of storage space
- So much more!
- Remote software installs/modifications
- Restrictions (Limit access to Facebook, or see if Accounting is really using that expensive Adobe suite they begged you to buy!)
- Update software
- Update operating systems, individual programs
- Scheduled updates and automated functions as needed per group or individual
Manage your systems: A good management solution will allow your technicians to use filters to manage and monitor your system on the whole as well as by individual systems. It will also allow you to build groups that affect specified users in the most effective and efficient ways. It should be versatile enough to do the following as well:
- Generate reports of all machines–or just one–in seconds
- Live
- Over time
- Use sets of preassigned commands lists for ease of use
- Manage your security, software diagnostics, notifications, systems updates, and backups
- Schedule automated processes for individuals or groups
Technical support: Remote desktop solutions such as Screen Connect (TM) keeps you connected and in control.
- Remote troubleshooting with logged chat sessions, and complete live diagnostics of their computer.
- Run tests, check available ports, perform system and software metering, and even change/add/delete users from one workstation!
- Set up admin rights for end users.
- Individuals can have the option to install software, run virus checks, diagnostics themselves
Handling your Mac management needs
This sounds like a tall order for a Mac management solution for business, doesn’t it. It is definitely more than you would want to have on your plate. This is why you need to seriously consider outsourcing your information technology management and security to a trusted partner.  Our goal is to provide company owners and executive leaders with the tools and solutions needed to help them manage technology and IT security.
By leveraging our team of experienced and dedicated technicians, you can rest assured that your Mac management needs are going to be taken care of. Outsourcing your general technology management allows you to free up your time and efforts into running your business, rather than wearing another hat. A As a trusted partner, Kraft Technology Group has the latest in training, equipment, and know how to provide you with top level solutions to get the job done right. Just as you would never train yourself to be a surgeon if you needed an operation, or represent yourself in a court of law, you need an expert in technology management. And providing Mac IT services to our clients is what we do best. And that will give you the time and resources to do what you best: running a business.
Contact us today to see what Kraft Technology Group can do for you today!
