Mac in a Windows world – a fad or the reality of modern IT?
Until a few years ago, the Mac was the exception in corporate IT, typically in conjunction with design or graphics tasks. Today, however, the situation is different. With the advent of Apple Silicon, the Mac has become the ideal choice not only for graphic designers, developers or DevOps teams, but also for so-called “Knowledge workers” – i.e. workers who need a reliable, powerful, energy-efficient and secure tool for their daily office work. Many organisations have a growing number of users who are used to using Apple products in their personal lives and expect a similar experience at work. Businesses are beginning to understand the benefits of deploying macOS devices – ease of deployment, security, longer hardware life and/or higher residual value, lower operating and support costs, and increased attractiveness for attracting new employees. The result is the reality of a hybrid IT environment in which Mac devices can coexist seamlessly with Windows.
However, such integration is not without risks. It requires precise technical design, security standards and, above all, respect for the philosophy of Apple users who are more sensitive to user-friendliness, autonomy and productivity. That’s why getting macOS right in a Windows-centric environment is not just a matter of technology, but also of strategy and culture.
macOS Platform Differentiators: why you need to think differently
macOS is not just “another operating system”. Apple designs its products with simplicity, security and user experience in mind. This translates into:
- Tight integration of hardware and software
- Seamless collaboration between different types of Apple devices (Continuity)
- Built-in security features at the Apple Silicon and operating system level (Secure Enclave, Touch ID, System Integrity Protection, Gatekeeper, FileVault…)
- Modern Administration (Apple Business Manager, MDM)
- That’s why Macs need to be managed differently than regular Windows devices. Lack of preparation often leads to frustration for end users who don’t want to give up the benefits of the Apple ecosystem and the freedom they’re used to.
Invisible security: users want protection, but without disrupting the experience
Mac users are typically more sensitive to “unnecessary” security interventions. They hate complex logins, frequent prompts to update, or loss of functionality when new policies are deployed. This is where modern IT must prove that security does not have to be at the expense of user comfort.
This can be achieved by a combination of the following approaches:
- Deployment automation (Automated Device Enrollment combined with MDM) – ensures security and full productivity within minutes of unpacking a device from the box.
- Security configurations built on embedded technologies – a security product that you use on Windows may not work well on a Mac. On the contrary, it can have a negative impact on performance and battery life, and it can also hold you back when you upgrade to a new OS version. Apple integrates security technologies at many levels of the hardware and operating system, you just need to set them up well.
- Extending security with modern frameworks – If you need to deploy additional security features beyond the built-in technologies, make sure these tools use modern Apple extensions and frameworks. You really don’t want tools that use Kernel extensions on your Mac anymore.
- Settings that don’t limit productivity and Apple ecosystem benefits – Many features in Apple’s operating systems can be disabled or restricted using so-called restrictions. Sensitive settings are crucial, for example, for proper collaboration between Apple Watch, iPhone and Mac. If it doesn’t work, users won’t be happy.
- Integration with biometric authentication (Touch ID / Face ID)– Fingerprint instead of password provides Single-Sign On to all corporate applications.
- Increasing user independence – Users will be able to install additional approved applications from the company’s application catalogue themselves.
Steps to successfully integrate macOS into a Windows environment
a) Strategic planning
A Mac may not be right for everyone and may not cover all your current business processes. Start where it makes the most sense and think of macOS device adoption as an opportunity to modernise your environment. Trying to “fit” a Mac to outdated technology will not lead to success.
Investing in Mac adoption can have unexpected benefits. If you’re also considering modern Windows management and abandoning traditional tools like on-premises Microsoft Active Directory, ConfigMgr (SCCM), or Group Policies (GPo), you’ll be surprised how close these concepts are to each other.
So think especially about:
- Network – Mac supports all modern Wi-Fi and VPN standards. Still, it’s a good idea to check your network infrastructure for communication and authentication readiness. For example. replace authentication to Wi-Fi using computer accounts with authentication using client certificates.
- User identities – integration with Microsoft Active Directory is possible, but connecting to Microsoft Entra ID may make much more sense. Putting a Mac on a domain has long been a “best practice”. Instead, make use of biometrics and Single-Sign On extensions instead.
- Application – Microsoft Office is not a problem, nor are modern cloud applications. Kerberos authentication to an intranet built on top of IIS Mac can also be handled without problems. Beware of “legacy” Windows only applications.
- IT support – not only our experience shows that Mac users have less need for support. Still, it’s crucial to train your IT properly and be prepared to provide the same level of service to Windows and macOS users.
b) Choose the right management tool
Without an MDM solution that supports native Apple standards, managing Macs in a Windows environment is problematic. For customers with Microsoft 365 licenses, it may be a good option Microsoft Intunewhich, thanks to Apple Business Manager support and integration with Microsoft Entra ID, enables:
- Secure enrollment
- Enforce device passwords and encrypt data
- Configure the firewall and protection against running malicious code
- Automatic configuration of email accounts, VPN, Wi-Fi, certificates, Single-Sign On extension for integration with on-premises Windows domain and Entra ID
- Install applications
You will also be able to manage Windows, Android and Apple devices well with other Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms such as Omnissa Workspace ONE or Ivanti.
Alternatively, you can use one of the Apple-centric MDM systems – e.g. Mosyle or Jamf Prowhich offer deeper integration and a higher level of customisation for deployments with high demands on functionality, security, compliance with industry standards and recommendations (e.g. CIS benchmarks) and where user experience is key.
c) Integrated security
The introduction of Mac devices into a Windows environment must be accompanied by effective security monitoring. Solutions such as Microsoft Defender XDR extend native macOS features, especially in the area of network security, to provide multi-level protection against phishing and other threats across platforms. Apple-centric solutions then offer custom security products designed exclusively for Apple platforms – e.g. Jamf Protect.
For System4U we can offer our own serviceSecuRadarwhich, in combination with Microsoft tools, provides advanced user behaviour analysis (UEBA), MITRE ATT&CK incident classification and full security monitoring for all devices.
The most common mistakes when integrating Macs into Windows World
- The assumption that Macs don’t need administration– even if it is secure out-of-the-box, without administration it remains a weakness.
- Neglect of IT team training– Administrators need to understand the differences between Windows and macOS.
- Trying to apply the same policies as on Windows– leading to configuration errors and user resistance.
- Failure to consider user sensitivity to UX– Overly restrictive approach will discourage users and increase shadow IT.
Benefits of a properly executed integration
Proper integration brings benefits across the board:
- Increase security without compromising UX– Protect identity, devices and data without impacting the user experience.
- Higher employee satisfaction– Allowing employees to work on their preferred device increases productivity.
- Consistent risk and compliance management– End of exemptions and fulfilment of regulatory requirements e.g. NIS2 Directive.
- Cost savings– Centralized and efficient management and support of all devices saves time and money.
Hybrid environment is the new standard
The Mac is no longer just a “home” platform or the preserve of graphic designers. In the hands of professionals, it’s becoming an integral part of the modern work environment. Corporate IT must respond – not just technically, but culturally. Trust, freedom, user-friendliness and security need not be mutually exclusive. With the right architecture, tools and approach, an environment can be achieved where Windows and Mac work together, not in competition.
