Last October, we shared an article from the VMware blog introducing the concept of easy onboarding using the combination of Microsoft AutoPilot and VMware’s Workspace ONE for devices running Windows 10. To simplify the onboarding process even further, a Dell and VMware partnership now makes it possible for devices to be delivered straight from the factory to the end user with AirWatch Auto Enrollment enabled upon first use.
Made available with the rollout of AirWatch 9.2, this exciting new feature does wonders for streamlining the IT oversight of mobile device usage in the workplace. It eliminates manual configuration of PCs, and allows companies to drop-ship devices that auto-configure upon first boot straight to the end user. This modern deployment system makes it easier than ever for workers using new devices to be productive from day one while freeing IT from the high-touch PC set up traditionally required.
Once a user powers on a Dell device for the first time and enters their corporate credentials, Workspace ONE configures the device over the air with all of the corporate policies, firmware-level and security settings, and applications that the user needs to do their job based on their role in the organization.
To get started, simply follow these steps as recommended by VMware:
- Purchase devices from Dell, specifying that these devices Use Provisioning by VMware AirWatch.After purchase, record the devices’ serial numbers.
- Enable Auto-Enrollment in the AirWatch console and register the device serial numbers.
- Dell Custom Factory Image (CFI) provisions the device and ships it out to the end user.
- On first boot, the device checks with AirWatch, enters into provisioning mode and brands the device.
- End user authenticates and completes out-of-box enrollment.
- Profiles and apps push down to the device. Policies can be forced on the device before the end user’s first log on.
Using Workspace ONE, an integrated platform powered by AirWatch unified endpoint management (UEM) technology, in tandem with the cloud-based provisioning and configuration, organizations will benefit from the continued management of the device. This includes for patching, security and policy updates, and additional applications distributed from IT or through the self-service app catalog with single sign-on into any native, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or remote application.
The Dell and VMware partnership is just another way VWware is working to seamlessly transition businesses into the mobile-cloud era while addressing three key priorities: 1) cost containment, 2) better user experience with decreased IT shadow and 3) strengthened security.
Windows 10 Provisioning is a free service from Dell and requires a Workspace ONE or AirWatch license. The service works across Active Directory and Azure Active Directory environments and does not require any additional licensing.
If your organization is considering the purchase of Dell devices and is either actively enrolled in AirWatch or considering this critical step in discovering meaningful mobility, contact our team of experts for assistance.
