Using Apple devices in a Microsoft-based office environment

Both Apple and Microsoft have long mastered compatibility. Being a Mac user in a Microsoft environment doesn’t significantly complicate things, and both companies are known for building reliable products.

Some workplaces even allow employees to choose their own devices. For example, I currently work with a MacBook Air because I appreciate its reliability and user interface. I do most of my work in Google Docs, which can be accessed through my Google email account, regardless of the hardware I use.

For IT workers, setting up a Mac laptop for an employee requires most of the same steps as implementing mobile device management and updating software on a PC – with some noticeable differences. Here are some ways to eliminate potential operating system incompatibilities.

Many work packages are cross-platform

Many of the applications that Mac and PC users may want to use for work are compatible with each other. You can easily access Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 on your Mac or PC. Apple also offers its own productivity apps like Calendar, although these are less likely to be used across the office.

“On Mac computers, Microsoft uses a native Apple package file (.pkg) for installation,” Ben Greiner, an Apple consultant and development advisor at MDM Addigy, wrote in an email to TechRepublic. “These apps are also available in the Apple App Store, making it easy to use Apps & Books to deploy to any Apple device.”

Employees can use Outlook for Mac along with the rest of Microsoft 365. Even in a Mac-based business ecosystem, Microsoft 365 productivity software can run smoothly. Microsoft combines Intune and Entra ID with Enterprise Mobility + Security, which is available in Microsoft 365 (Office) for iOS and Android.

Apple Mail can also be used for business accounts, although it is not as popular as the Microsoft and Google equivalents.

Guidance for IT teams integrating Apple devices with mobile device management

Mobile device management allows administrators to push updates and apps to all employees’ laptops, tablets and work phones, whether they use Macs or PCs. Many third-party mobile device management services run on Mac or PC computers.

Apple provides its own MDM Business Manager portal, which connects to third-party MDM solutions and allows IT administrators to purchase and distribute software in bulk. For example, Apple Business Manager and Microsoft Entra ID can be linked together, allowing employees to use the same password and ID for both Apple ID and Microsoft 365 accounts.

An Apple Business Essentials subscription includes MDM, as well as backup services and a customer support line specifically for business users. Apple Business Essentials also helps you coordinate your Apple TV, Apple Watch when paired with your iPhone, and Apple Vision Pro devices.

“An important tip is to configure Outlook for Mac preferences using a configuration profile,” Greiner said. “This allows IT teams to pre-configure settings such as only allowing corporate mailboxes, blocking access from unauthorized domains, and disabling Do Not Forward.”

Mirroring or remote desktops can be used to switch between operating systems if necessary. For example, employees can run a Windows virtual machine on a MacBook if the company needs to use Windows in certain circumstances or for specific tasks.

Greiner offered additional tips for IT teams integrating Apple devices with MDM:

• If your organization uses Microsoft Conditional Access policies, make sure your MDM solution integrates with them to enforce device compliance and allow only secure devices to access corporate resources.
• Avoid deploying multiple versions of M365 on your Mac as conflicts may occur.
• Before deployment, assign an M365 license to each user. Otherwise, the applications will be installed, but the user will not be able to activate and use them.
• Avoid customizing your application package before or after deployment, as removing unnecessary language files may cause problems. Instead, use configuration profiles to set preferences in the app.

Employees’ choice of device often depends on who in the office environment makes decisions about the technology used. If you make these decisions, remember the rationale and principles behind them.

SEE: Microsoft Intune is just one of many options for managing your own and third-party mobile devices.

Challenges and solutions to using Apple devices in a Microsoft environment

If employees are Apple users at home, they’re probably familiar with the appropriate power cables and ports, as well as the differences

File type compatibility can be a challenge, but it can be easily solved. If employees use applications such as Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, or Apple Keynote, they should double-check the file type before sending documents to co-workers. Make sure the file type can be read on any device.

Greiner wrote that employees can take several small steps to help onboard Mac users in a Microsoft-centric environment.

“Assuming the IT team has deployed the applications correctly – using a solution using Apple’s MDM platform – users should log in and activate the suite using their Microsoft 365 username, password, and multi-factor authentication,” he explained. “Additionally, open communication with IT regarding any issues encountered during use can help resolve them early and improve the overall team experience.”