Main Highlights:
- Apple Business Essentials is a subscription-based business management platform that aids in the day-to-day operations of an accessibility-focused service.
- They offer monthly plans starting at $2.99 per device for employees who use one or more devices and a more expensive plan that covers multiple appliances and includes additional cloud storage.
- AppleCare+ will include 24/7 phone support, access to training, and on-site repairs by Apple-trained technicians when it is fully launched in spring 2022.
- Verge spokespeople spoke with Oumar Sall, Vox Media’s senior vice president of information technology, who noted that it might be advantageous for startups during periods of rapid growth.
- Additionally, there is the issue of data exporting if a business wishes to discontinue its use of iCloud, endpoint security management, and any other problems that may arise.
In keeping with Apple’s recent shift toward selling services, it’s a subscription package targeted at small businesses with three different plans, a move that’s been anticipated since Apple acquired Fleetsmith’s device management platform a little over a year ago.
What are Apple’s Business Essentials?
Apple’s Business Essentials are designed to provide a subscription-based platform for managing a business, assisting in the day-to-day operations of an accessibility-focused service. There is, however, a significant caveat here, and it would be detrimental to the service, as it would create barriers to the Fleetsmith feature. Business Essentials is a platform that enables individuals to start growing their networks and remotely managing an entire business’s operations.
Key Features:
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Collections save you time- With Collections, you can do everything at once, whether you want to set up a device for a new employee, share an app with the entire marketing team, or change password settings for everyone.
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Smart user groups make setup automatic- You can create a smart user group based on criteria such as location, role, or team. After that, assign Collections to that group so they may configure their devices. When you import users from Microsoft Azure Active Directory, they get their apps and settings instantly when they join the group.
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New and existing devices are easy to configure- Employees may sign in to set up right away, whether they’re in the same building as you or elsewhere. Employees can also quickly enroll and set up existing devices by logging in.
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See everything in one place- Keep track of everything on your devices, from app licensing to storage space to repair requests. Sort by location, team, or platform, and act if necessary.
They offer plans starting at $2.99 per device per month that cover employees who use a single device, multiple devices, or a more expensive plan that covers multiple appliances and adds additional cloud storage. AppleCare+ will include 24/7 phone support, access to training, and on-site repairs by Apple-trained technicians when it is fully launched in spring 2022.
As with many other device management platforms, it streamlines the onboarding process, preinstalled apps, and management of security settings such as FileVault disk encryption and Activation Lock device security in the event of a loss or theft. Additionally, a new Business Essentials app is available for iOS, iPad, and macOS, unifying all of the various settings.
Apple’s program is advantageous for startups: Vox Media
Vox Media’s senior vice president of information technology, Oumar Sall, noted that it might be advantageous for startups during periods of rapid growth. It can assist businesses in quickly integrating new employees, even if the rest of the network is not yet fully formed. Additionally, it may benefit schools if Apple’s current School Manager system is incompatible with their needs.
Additionally, Apple sells it directly. However, it is unlikely to challenge industry leaders, as it is currently limited in terms of employee support and is not available across multiple platforms. Data exporting is an issue if a business wishes to depart from iCloud, endpoint security management, and any other subsequent problems.
Jamf is also one of those companies managing devices on behalf of various clients, including Vox Media. Dean Hager, CEO of Jamf, stated on a Friday earnings call following Apple’s announcement that he expects the service to complement Apple’s built-in management tools, which Jamf also relies on upon without directly competing with many of Jamf’s features.
Suppose Business Essentials helps small businesses and startups accelerate adoption. In that case, it lays the groundwork for future purchases of Apple devices and services, even if they eventually migrate to more on-premises support or a different provider entirely.
