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What is Declarative Device Management (DDM)?

Declarative Device Management (DDM) is Apple’s modern framework for managing Apple devices, introduced to provide a more efficient, scalable, and responsive approach to device management compared to traditional MDM (Mobile Device Management). DDM enables devices to take a more active role in their own management by evaluating conditions and applying configurations locally, rather than relying solely on server-driven commands.

Why Do You Need DDM?

Section titled “Why Do You Need DDM?”
  • Efficiency: DDM reduces the need for constant communication between the device and the management server. Devices can react to changes and apply configurations immediately, improving responsiveness and reducing network traffic.
  • Scalability: By shifting logic and evaluation to the device, DDM allows organizations to manage large fleets of Apple devices more effectively.
  • Reliability: Devices can enforce compliance and configuration even when offline, ensuring that security and policy requirements are always met.
  • Security: DDM supports more granular and secure management of settings, profiles, and compliance checks, aligning with Apple’s latest security and privacy standards.

The Old Way: Traditional MDM

Section titled “The Old Way: Traditional MDM”

Before DDM, Apple devices were managed using Mobile Device Management (MDM), a server-driven approach where the management server dictated all device configurations, compliance checks, and actions. In this model:

  • The server sends commands and configuration profiles to the device.
  • The device passively waits for instructions and reports back its status.
  • Any change or compliance check requires a round-trip to the server.
  • Devices are less responsive to changes when offline or between server check-ins.

Limitations of Traditional MDM:

  • Latency: Devices may not react instantly to policy changes or compliance issues, especially if they are offline or have infrequent check-ins.
  • Scalability: As organizations grow, the server becomes a bottleneck, handling all logic and state for every device.
  • Reliability: Devices cannot enforce or adapt policies without server communication.
  • Limited Autonomy: Devices are unable to make decisions or enforce compliance on their own.

Why Apple is Shifting to DDM

Section titled “Why Apple is Shifting to DDM”

Apple is moving away from traditional MDM because modern device fleets require:

  • Real-time responsiveness: Devices should react to changes and enforce policies immediately, even when offline.
  • Distributed logic: Offloading evaluation and compliance to the device itself reduces server load and increases scalability.
  • Better user experience: Devices can provide instant feedback and adapt to user or environment changes without waiting for server instructions.
  • Enhanced security and privacy: DDM enables more granular, secure, and privacy-respecting management.