Co-Authored By Simone Martorelli and Jonathan Krauer
At the Jamf Nation User Conference this year, the Mac@IBM team presented a new solution that’s set to transform Mac device migrations in the enterprise: IBM Data Shift. Developed in response to the unique challenges of managing large-scale Mac deployments, it provides a user-friendly, secure, and efficient method to migrate data on managed devices—bridging gaps left by traditional migration tools.
Why Traditional Migration Solutions Don’t Fit Enterprise Needs
When it comes to Mac migrations, enterprises encounter complexities that personal device users typically don’t face. Managed Device Environments, for instance, have high security standards and stringent configuration needs that general migration tools aren’t designed to meet. While Apple’s Migration Assistant is well-suited for a personal environment, it may lead to headaches in a managed setting. Some of the main challenges include:
- Post-Setup Migration Issues: it often disrupts essential connections to Jamf Pro, requiring complex remediation efforts to restore communication.
- MDM and Configuration Conflicts: it frequently creates a new user account that isn’t MDM-compatible, complicating deployment of managed configurations.
- Time-Consuming Processes: standard migration processes can be lengthy, leaving users with delayed access to their devices until the transfer completes.
Given these challenges, the Mac@IBM team sought a solution that would provide a streamlined, scalable migration process that is enterprise-ready from start to finish.
Developing IBM Data Shift
IBM Data Shift was created with one goal in mind: to deliver an efficient, future-proof migration experience that meets the demands of managed environments. IBM Data Shift allows the Mac@IBM team to maintain a seamless migration experience while preserving critical management connections and configurations. Here’s how it works:
- Device Pairing and Connection: IBM Data Shift operates on both the old and new devices, pairing them securely via Wi-Fi or Thunderbolt connection, using TLS-PSK encryption to ensure data security.
- Flexible Migration Options: users can select a “Lite” option, migrating only documents and desktop folders, or a “Complete” migration that includes the user folder, applications, and selected preferences. Additionally, an advanced option allows users to hand-pick specific files and applications.
- Real-Time Guidance During Migration: the IBM Data Shift app ensures both the source and destination devices stay awake, displays estimated time for completion, and advises against file interactions during the transfer—providing a seamless experience for users.
- Flexible Post-Migration Steps: IBM Data Shift is designed with the intent to accommodate workflows specific to each organization. Post-migration options include a device reboot, an optional Apple ID login for iCloud syncing, and a Jamf Inventory Update.
This customizable and efficient migration approach helps the Mac@IBM program maintain device integrity, reduce downtime, and optimize the migration experience for our users.
Native at its Core
Built entirely in Swift, IBM Data Shift leverages SwiftUI, Combine, and Apple’s Network Framework. Secure pairing and communication between devices are handled through TLS-PSK. It doesn’t use any third-party libraries. This focus on native Apple technologies not only enhances security but also ensures long-term compatibility and fewer unexpected issues. IBM Data Shift is compatible with macOS 12 and later.
A Resource for the Mac Admins Community
As part of our commitment to the open-source community, IBM Data Shift is freely available on GitHub. This not only provides full access to the code for customization but also welcomes community contributions and feedback. The Mac@IBM program’s approach to IBM Data Shift mirrors the company’s broader open-source philosophy, empowering Mac admins to adapt the tool to their unique environments.
If you are interested in using the tool but don’t have access to resources needed to build and sign the app, please watch for updates to the project’s Github page. A precompiled version of IBM Data Shift will be available soon for those who prefer a ready-to-deploy solution.
Looking Ahead
The Mac@IBM program is dedicated to ongoing improvements for IBM Data Shift. Future enhancements we’re working on include more comprehensive data integrity checks, advanced configuration options, and features to prevent user interference during migrations.
Get Started with IBM Data Shift
We invite the MacAdmins community to explore IBM Data Shift on GitHub, where it’s ready for your testing, feedback, and collaboration. By participating in this project, you can help us create a more streamlined, enterprise-friendly migration solution. Your feedback, insights and requests are invaluable in helping us refine and expand this tool to better serve the Mac community at large.
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