July 2023 Summaries

The PSU MacAdmins Conference 2023, taking place from July 18-21 at Penn State University, offers macOS administrators a unique opportunity to delve into technical sessions covering system security, macOS deployment, configuration management, software delivery, user management, and more. Attendees can learn about the latest macOS tools and technologies, such as Device Management and Munki, and enjoy networking opportunities through the Hallway Track, which encourages informal interactions among peers. The conference also includes recreational activities, such as lawn games and visits to Penn State's Arboretum and Berkey Creamery. Highlights include presentations by experts like Greg Neagle on the development and future of Munki and a session on cross-platform open-source monitoring with Fleet and osquery. Fleet, a sponsor of the event, will be offering swag and engaging with attendees to support the MacAdmin community.

Declarative Device Management (DDM) represents a significant shift in managing Apple's macOS devices, offering enhanced security and streamlined administration. By providing tamper-resistant configurations and facilitating the monitoring of system services and background tasks, DDM ensures uniformity and compliance across devices. It offers an improved mechanism for handling certificates and identities, reducing the need for duplication and management overhead. The redefined software update process simplifies the traditionally challenging task by allowing administrators to specify desired states and automating the rest. DDM also ensures a smooth transition from traditional Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems without disrupting operations. Complemented by Fleet's MDM solution and osquery integration, this approach brings a GitOps-driven platform to Mac admins, enhancing security, control, and efficiency in device management.