Managing thousands of devices across a university campus is never straightforward. Between deployment, patching, and day-to-day support, IT teams are constantly balancing efficiency with security. At Munster Technological University (MTU), with campuses in Cork and Kerry, the challenge was clear: how to support more than 4,600 devices, including over 650 Macs, without overwhelming IT resources.
University: Munster Technological University (MTU)
Type: Multi-Campus University (Cork & Kerry)
Device Estate: 4,000+ Windows devices, 650+ Macs
IT Management Tools: Jamf Pro, Apple School Manager, Windows management platform
A Long History with Mac
Macs are not new at MTU. For well over a decade, the university has relied on them in creative disciplines such as Music, Art & Design, and Media. In the early years, the IT team used Casper Suite and imaging to manage deployments. Today, that approach has evolved into Jamf Pro with Apple School Manager, delivering zero-touch deployment from the moment a device is switched on.
This maturity with Mac has had a wider influence too. Many of the workflows pioneered on the Mac side, from patch management to streamlined app deployment, have gone on to shape how Windows devices are managed at MTU.
Security Done Differently
For years, patching Macs depended on email reminders that were often ignored. Compliance was low, and the security team knew something had to change. By adopting a more proactive approach with Jamf Pro and the SUPERMAN patching tool, updates now appear as regular on-screen prompts that can’t be overlooked.
The results speak for themselves: update compliance rose by around 60% compared with the old email-based method. The new prompts are clear and consistent, meaning staff are fully aware of what’s required and engaged in keeping their devices up to date. As a result, Macs are patched quickly and reliably, a major win for the security team.
Browser updates have been another standout. Macs at MTU were receiving automated browser patches long before Windows devices, leading leadership to conclude that all platforms should follow the Mac example.
A Shift for the IT Team
Automation hasn’t just improved security, it’s transformed the IT team’s role. Where once they spent hours firefighting the same issues on individual devices, they now put solutions in place at scale. That shift has freed up time for more strategic projects, from refining deployment workflows to improving the overall user experience.
As one IT team member put it:
"If you have to do something more than twice, it’s time to find another solution.”
Cost and Lifecycle
There’s no denying that Macs cost more upfront. But at MTU, they stay in service for seven years or more, thanks to Apple’s long-term security support. Combined with lower support demand, fast redeployment through Jamf, and fewer technical issues overall, the total cost of ownership compares favourably, if not better, than PCs.
For the IT team, that longevity reduces pressure on refresh planning and helps meet sustainability goals by cutting down on churn.
Staff and Student Experience
In the creative faculties, Macs remain the first choice for staff. Elsewhere across the university, more staff are requesting Macs when their devices are due for refresh. Part of that comes from the wider Apple ecosystem - staff who use iPhones or iPads often want the same seamless experience on their work computer.
Once set up, Macs generate fewer support tickets, and users describe them as more reliable day to day. MTU’s first-boot process, which staff can complete themselves, has also impressed, giving users the sense of being up and running in minutes without waiting on IT.
Key Takeaways – MTU & Mac
- 15+ years of Mac leadership - from Casper imaging to Jamf Pro zero-touch
- 60% increase in patch compliance with proactive update prompts
- 6+ year device lifecycle supported by Apple’s long-term security updates
- Lower support demand - fewer tickets and fast redeployment
- From firefighting to strategy - IT now focuses on long-term improvements
- Platform-first approach - Macs managed with Mac-specific tools, setting the model for Windows too
- Staff demand Macs - strong user preference and ecosystem alignment
Looking Ahead
For MTU, Macs have never been an afterthought. From the early days of Casper through to Jamf Pro and Apple School Manager, they have been managed with discipline and care. Today, Macs are not only integrated seamlessly but have become a catalyst for raising standards across the entire university estate.
What began as a creative-faculty requirement has now expanded far wider. Staff across departments are increasingly requesting Macs as their preferred device, reflecting both confidence in the platform and familiarity with the wider Apple ecosystem. MTU’s experience shows that with the right platform, Macs don’t just fit into a mixed IT environment, they set the benchmark and raise the bar for everyone.