Device management has become a baseline requirement for any Perth business that takes security seriously. But when it comes to choosing between Jamf and Microsoft Intune, the answer isn't one-size-fits-all - it depends on your device mix, your Microsoft 365 usage, and what you actually need to control.
What is MDM and why does your business need it?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) lets your IT team control and secure company devices - laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets - from a central platform. With MDM you can:
- Enforce password policies and screen lock requirements
- Deploy software and apps automatically
- Push security settings and configuration profiles
- Remotely wipe a lost or stolen device
- Block access to company data from unmanaged or non-compliant devices
Without MDM, each device is an island. You can't guarantee company data is protected, you can't respond quickly to a lost device, and you can't enforce security standards across your fleet.
Jamf - built for Apple
Jamf was built from the ground up for Apple devices - macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. It's the gold standard for managing Mac fleets, and no competing platform comes close to its depth of Apple-specific features.
What Jamf does well
- Mac management depth - granular control over macOS settings, preferences, extensions, and security that Intune simply can't match
- Zero-touch deployment - new Macs can be enrolled automatically via Apple Business Manager and shipped directly to staff, already configured
- Apple Business Manager integration - app purchasing, deployment, and volume licensing handled natively
- Self Service portal - staff can install pre-approved apps and run IT tools themselves without calling support
- Patch management for macOS and third-party apps - reliable, granular patching that keeps Macs up to date
Jamf's limitations
- Apple-only - it cannot manage Windows or Android devices
- Higher cost - Jamf Pro is priced for enterprise; Jamf Business Plan is available for smaller teams but adds up per device
- Separate platform from Microsoft 365 - no native integration with Conditional Access without additional configuration
Microsoft Intune - built for Microsoft 365
Intune is Microsoft's cloud-based endpoint management platform, included with Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft 365 E3/E5. It manages Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
What Intune does well
- Tight Microsoft 365 integration - native Conditional Access means only managed, compliant devices can access email, Teams, and SharePoint
- Windows management - excellent for Windows devices with deep policy control via Intune and Group Policy migration tools
- Cross-platform coverage - manage your whole fleet from one console, regardless of device type
- Included in M365 Business Premium - if you're already paying for Business Premium, Intune is part of the licence at no extra cost
- Autopilot for Windows - zero-touch deployment for Windows PCs, similar to Jamf's approach for Macs
Intune's limitations
- Mac management is functional but not deep - many macOS-specific settings require workarounds or custom profiles
- Can require more IT expertise to configure correctly than Jamf's Apple-specific tooling
- Patching third-party apps on Windows works but isn't as seamless as dedicated patching tools
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Jamf | Intune |
|---|---|---|
| Mac management | Excellent | Good |
| Windows management | Not supported | Excellent |
| iOS / Android | iOS only | Both |
| Microsoft 365 integration | Via connector | Native |
| Cost | Per device (additional) | Included in M365 Business Premium |
| Best for | Mac-heavy businesses | Windows or mixed environments |
Which should Perth businesses choose?
Choose Intune if:
- Your team primarily uses Windows PCs
- You're already on Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- You use a mix of Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
- You want a single platform for everything
- Budget is a factor and you don't want another licence cost
Choose Jamf if:
- Your team is primarily or exclusively on Macs
- You need deep macOS policy control and reliable Mac patching
- You use Apple Business Manager for app and device purchasing
- IT efficiency on Apple devices is worth the added licence cost
Use both if:
- You have a significant Mac fleet but also Windows devices and need Microsoft 365 Conditional Access enforced across everything
- Jamf Pro integrates with Intune via Azure AD - Macs get Jamf's management quality while still meeting Intune's compliance requirements for M365 access
For most Perth SMBs on Microsoft 365, Intune is the right starting point - it's already paid for and covers the majority of needs. Jamf becomes the right answer when the business is Apple-first and Mac management quality is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jamf used for?
Jamf is a device management platform built specifically for Apple hardware, Macs, iPhones, and iPads. It gives IT teams detailed control over Apple devices, including app deployment, configuration profiles, and security policies, well beyond what a general-purpose MDM tool typically offers.
What is Microsoft Intune?
Intune is Microsoft's cloud-based device management platform, included with Microsoft 365 Business Premium, that manages Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices from one console. It integrates tightly with Microsoft 365 and Conditional Access, which makes it the natural default for businesses already on that platform.
Can a business use both Jamf and Intune at the same time?
Yes, Jamf can integrate with Intune through Azure AD, letting Macs get Jamf's deeper Apple-specific management while still meeting Intune's Conditional Access requirements for Microsoft 365 access. This setup is fairly common in businesses with a significant Mac fleet alongside Windows devices.
If a business only has a handful of Macs, is Jamf worth the extra cost?
Usually not. For a small number of Macs alongside a mostly Windows environment, Intune's Mac management is generally good enough, and it's already included if you're on Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Jamf's extra depth tends to justify its added licence cost only once Macs make up a significant share of the fleet.
Not sure which MDM is right for your team?
We help Perth businesses set up Intune and Jamf correctly - from enrolment to compliance policies and Conditional Access. We'll recommend the right fit based on your device mix and Microsoft 365 setup.
Talk to us about device management →For related reading, see our guides to SharePoint vs OneDrive: Which Should Perth Businesses Use? and Microsoft Intune for Perth Businesses.