Jamf School or Jamf Pro: which is right for you?
Not all schools or educators have the same technical needs. That’s why we offer two solutions to manage Apple education technology: Jamf Pro and Jamf School. Which is right for your school?
Jamf, the standard for Apple device management and security, knows education. We know educators. And we know that not all schools or educators have the same needs.
That’s why we offer two ways for schools to manage their Apple devices: Jamf School and Jamf Pro.
Some schools or districts need a simple, intuitive web-based interface that simplifies device management: deploying, conducting inventory and securing Apple devices.
Some IT departments manage multiple schools and districts or a very large or complex grouping of devices and need more robust and in-depth, more granular management tools.
Both Jamf School and Jamf Pro offer tools specific to teachers, schools, and students. Both offer zero-touch deployment. Both integrate seamlessly with Apple Classroom, endpoint security and content filtering. Both will always support Apple releases and features on day one.
So how do you decide which is right for your school?
Who needs Jamf School?
Jamf School is a purpose-built educational tool known for its simple, fast setup and teacher-specific workflows as well as its teacher, parent and student apps.
Jamf School is best for schools with one IT professional or in which computers are managed by teachers and administrators rather than a full IT department.
Jamf School Apps:
Jamf School Teacher
Combined with Apple Classroom, the Jamf School Teacher app empowers teachers to restrict websites, apps and cameras. Teachers can also communicate directly with students and distribute lessons through their devices.
Jamf School Parent
Parents can restrict device use for specific times throughout the day with Jamf School Parent, as well as receive a notification when a child gets to school or arrives at home.
Jamf School Student
This app empowers students to set up their own devices, communicate with teachers and store documents.
Jamf Assessment
The Jamf Assessment app provides schools with a simple method to administer remote proctoring for high-stakes exams.
Jamf School also offers:
- Drag-and-drop classroom management
- All device information on one dashboard
- Automatic student access to subject-specific materials
- Damaged device tracking
Who needs Jamf Pro?
Jamf Pro is the market leader for schools. It’s known for its ability to scale, robust Mac management capabilities and customization, and unmatched customer support.
If you’re an IT manager, administrator or director: Jamf Pro is ideal for you. Jamf Pro can easily handle multiple schools or an entire district. It’s also a good idea to use Jamf Pro if you have multiple administrators who want to customize workflows or packages.
Jamf Pro offers:
- Unmanaged Mac identification to quickly scan the network and identify any unmanaged Macsand enroll them in to management.
- More detailed device management that goes beyond basic configuration to truly customize devices, including account permissions, custom scripts and full Apple TV support.
- App management and self-service with in-house or outside apps, allowing for a custom app catalog for on-demand user access.
- Security with secure VPN configurations, granular management privileges and automatic patch management functionality.
- Support that is truly robust; available via chat, email or phone during business hours, with Premium Support also available for round-the-clock support.
Let’s study them side-by-side:
| Pro | School | |
|---|---|---|
| In the classroomOffers specific teacher workflows and classroom management tools. | Yes | Yes |
| ReleasesImmediate Apple release support. | Yes | Yes |
| Apple ClassroomSeamless integration with and enhancement of Apple Classroom. | Yes | Yes |
| DeploymentsZero-touch Apple device deployment. | Yes | Yes |
| Hands-on tech supportSupport through chat, phone or email with the ability to buy premium round-the-clock support. | Yes | No |
| Digital tech supportSupport via chat and email with the ability to buy higher levels of assistance. | No | Yes |
| Built for ITBest for an IT administrator or team: some tech skills are required. | Yes | No |
| Built for teachers and administratorsBest for teachers and administrators: advanced or dedicated tech skills are not required. | No | Yes |
| Best for complex environmentsHandles a complex environment with an IT department. | Yes | No |
| Best for simple environmentsMade for simpler requirements and no IT department. | No | Yes |
| CustomizationsYour school is unique, and your Mac management can be, too: customizations are available. | Yes | No |
| Out-of-the-box ready Just plug in and go! | No | Yes |
| Jamf Teacher appFor teachers who manage student devices in the classroom. | No | Yes |
| Jamf Student appStudent access to assigned apps, profiles, and documents. | Yes | Yes |
| Jamf Parent appParent-controlled management of school-issued devices. | Yes | Yes |
| Jamf Safe InternetComprehensive content filtering optimized for education. | Yes | Yes |
Package plans for K-12 education
Jamf offers combination plans for education, including:
- Jamf Education Enhanced: Simple management and security: Jamf School (MDM), Jamf Safe Internet (threat prevention and content filtering). Includes enhanced support.
- Jamf Education Ultimate: Complete package: Jamf School, Jamf Safe Internet, Jamf Protect (Mac endpoint protection), Jamf Connect (identity and authentication management). Enhanced support.
Jamf also offers education pricing for Jamf Pro, and of course any organization or school can take advantage of our Business plan.
Still can’t decide?
Take each for a free test drive! It’s hard to go wrong — regardless of the chosen tool, 96% of Jamf customers renew their contracts every year.
Let us help you get the most out of your Apple devices, and help your students get the most out of their educations.
