What is JAMF?

JAMF is an Apple-specific management tool that helps Franklin College OIT provide a high level of service to our clients.  This tool has many features, but they collectively fall into three major areas:

1. Patch management and App self-service: installing and updating software

2. Deployment: automating the configuration of new devices to our standards

3. Mobile Device Management (MDM) - configure permissions for common apps and security settings that comply with Board of Regents policy and industry best practices for security  

Why is Franklin OIT utilizing JAMF?

Inventory

JAMF maintains an up-to-date inventory of hardware and software for each Apple device enrolled in JAMF.  Franklin OIT can utilize this data to make informed decisions on Apple devices.

Remote Assistance 

JAMF provides remote assistance tools that allow Franklin OIT to provide timely, interactive assistance upon request. Franklin OIT will affirm you would like remote assistance through your ticket first and schedule it for a convenient time. When you are logged into a device, JAMF Remote assistance requires you to be present and accept the remote control session before OIT can see or interact with your screen.

Patch Management

As software developers release security or feature updates for their software, it is critical that Franklin OIT provides a mechanism for timely updates. Keeping your computer up-to-date reduces the risk of unplanned downtime, data loss, data theft, or malicious software infections. JAMF handles software updates for a wide variety of popular apps, and will silently perform updates for apps that are not in use as new updates become available. In cases where an app that needs an update is in use, a notification to close the app is presented, but JAMF will never unilaterally close an app that is in use to apply updates.

What devices will JAMF be used on?

JAMF is only for devices that run macOS or iOS.

Will JAMF allow Franklin OIT to monitor my activity or view my files?

JAMF does not provide access to your files or browsing activity.  JAMF allows Franklin OIT to view your system event logs and collects inventory information about your filesystem, hardware, and installed applications.  These tools allow Franklin OIT professionals to better understand and diagnose problems you experience with your computer. JAMF provides IT professionals with a better method of delivering the services we routinely employ to provide a professional and non-intrusive customer service experience.

Who can use this tool?

Only a specific subset of Franklin OIT personnel in positions of trust who are trained and authorized to do so.

Does JAMF comply with Franklin or UGA policies regarding sensitive or secure information stored on my computer?

JAMF is an industry-standard platform for managing Apple devices and is widely used by units at UGA and the USG.  The platform has been vetted by UGA's Information Security office for compliance and you can view their certifications here.  JAMF is a critical security tool that helps us meet security standards set by the USG End Security task force.

Will JAMF slow down my computer?

No. JAMF, as a management platform, does not have an agent installed which would use your computer's resources.  Through policy and configuration files, it can launch other applications like the Mac App Store or Software Update in system preferences when there are updates available, but you are still in control of when these updates are applied.

Can I install software or updates myself through JAMF?

Yes, Franklin OIT leverages JAMF’s Self Service+ application to provide you with a way to install and update software. 

What if the software I want isn't in the JAMF Self-Service portal?

You may request for the software to be made available by submitting a ticket to http://helpdesk.franklin.uga.edu.  Please allow at least 10 business days for the software to be reviewed and tested.  Please note that not all software can be added to the Self Service+ catalog and some licensing restrictions may prevent us from distributing a particular title.

Are JAMF services available on my personal laptop?

Unfortunately, our license only covers UGA-owned devices that are managed by Franklin OIT.

Can I use JAMF off-campus?

Yes!  As long as you have a connection to the Internet, JAMF will work no matter where you are.

What data does JAMF collect?

• Hardware information

• Software information including app catalog, installation logs, version numbers, and usage statistics

• Operating System information

• Computer boot times

• User account names, login statistics, and group membership

• FileVault backup keys (if enabled)

• IP address

• Installed printers

What data does JAMF not collect?

• Saved passwords

• Web browsing data, such as sites visited

• User data statistics (filenames, sync-data, modification dates, etc.)

• Camera/microphone usage information

Please note: this FAQ is only an overview of Franklin OIT's implementation of JAMF.  If you have questions or concerns about details that aren't covered here, please submit a help desk ticket at http://helpdesk.franklin.uga.edu or call our help desk at 706-542-9900.