MacOS Applications
Overview
Pckgr now supports macOS application deployments through a strategic collaboration with Installomator, allowing customers to manage their macOS fleet seamlessly alongside their primary Windows fleet. This document explains the deployment process, design considerations, and limitations of deploying macOS applications through Pckgr.
Deployment Process
When deploying a macOS application from Pckgr, a shell script is created and sent to Intune. This script manages the installation of the application on the target Mac device. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
Preparation: Ensure the target Mac device is enrolled in Intune and is connected to the network.
Deploy the Shell Script:
In collaboration with Installomator, we have chosen to deploy applications using the Shell script section in Intune. This decision was made to avoid the complexities of packaging applications as
.pkgfiles, which added unnecessary complications without any significant benefits.The shell script is designed to check for dependencies, including Installomator, which is essential for application deployment.
If Installomator is not already installed, the script will download and install it, leveraging Installomator’s capabilities to ensure seamless integration.
Application Installation:
Once Installomator is set up, the script proceeds to deploy the latest version of the selected application.
The application is installed using Installomator's standard procedure, ensuring the app is ready to use on the device.
Application Updates
Pckgr continuously monitors your deployed applications for new updates. When an update is detected, an automated workflow is triggered to update the current version of the application in Intune. Once a Mac device checks in with Intune, the latest update is installed automatically. Additionally, the updated version will be reflected in the device's status within Intune.
Design Considerations
While Pckgr primarily focuses on Windows deployments, the addition of macOS support is tailored to meet the needs of customers with mixed fleets. Here are some design considerations to keep in mind:
Integration with Installomator and Intune:
Our collaboration with Installomator enhances the deployment process, allowing Pckgr to offer a streamlined solution that leverages Intune's capabilities.
The deployment scripts minimize manual intervention, providing an automated solution for application updates.
Simplicity and Efficiency:
macOS deployments are intentionally simplified due to the typically smaller scale of macOS devices in a fleet.
By using the Shell script section in Intune, we reduce complexity and enhance efficiency, aligning with Pckgr’s overall mission.
Limitations
While Pckgr offers robust macOS deployment capabilities, there are some limitations to consider:
Latest Version Only:
Only the latest version of an application can be deployed. This ensures devices have the most up-to-date software but may not suit environments requiring specific application versions.
No Uninstall Capability:
The current implementation is focused on deployment and updates. Uninstall capabilities are not included, so additional steps may be required for app removal.
No Customization:
Applications are deployed "as is," without the ability to customize settings or configurations. This may limit deployment options for applications that require specific configurations.
No Company Portal
Applications will not be available in the Company Portal. This is a feature we still would have missed out on even if deploying as a PKG or DMG as it only applies to line of business applications.
Best Practices
Monitoring and Reporting:
Use Intune's reporting features to monitor deployments and ensure successful application installations across devices.
Testing:
Test deployments on a small number of devices before rolling out to the entire fleet to identify any potential issues.
Conclusion
The addition of macOS deployment capabilities in Pckgr enhances its flexibility and utility, especially for organizations with diverse device ecosystems. Through our collaboration with Installomator and strategic use of Intune's Shell script section, we provide a simple and effective solution for managing macOS applications, ensuring devices remain up-to-date with minimal intervention.
Additional Resources
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