I'm transitioning from Surface tablets to iPads, primarily for viewing frequently updated DWG maps. My main question is whether there's an MDM that allows me to push these maps directly to all devices. It seems like Apple has some restrictions in place for this basic feature. I'm looking for a solution that would enable me to manage a shared folder in the 'Files' app where I can easily update and remove maps as they change. I'm not too familiar with Apple's ecosystem at the moment since our current iPads are assigned to individual accounts and used for specific jobs.
5 Answers
Workspace ONE has a Content Locker feature that might work for your needs. Just keep in mind that pushing files directly into the native Files app isn’t supported by Apple.
Consider using a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Dropbox. You can host your DWG maps there and sync them to the iPads instead of dealing with MDM limitations. Just make sure your mapping app can access those files smoothly!
Jamf Pro and Jamf School are good options. They might help you push out files as needed. Also, if you want to go the extra mile, signup for the Apple Business Manager (ABM) so your devices can be enrolled more easily — it simplifies the setup a lot!
We already have ABM set up, but if we can’t deploy the files we need, we might reconsider the iPads completely since that's the core of our use.
If you want a simple method, push a web clip to a cloud storage location that all devices can access. This way, you can manage one central place for all file updates. It’s neat and can be managed via MDM!
I’ve found that Manage Engine's MDM can actually deploy various file types to both iOS and macOS. You might want to check their settings further. It could be a game changer for your setup!
I looked into it, too, but I thought it was only for macOS. Maybe I missed something?
OneDrive is a bit of a hassle for this since it doesn’t work well with the app we’re using. The Files app, however, is much easier for our needs.