How to test MDM workflows using a VM

Scaleway’s hosted Mac mini with UTM as a hypervisor provides a unique and powerful platform for testing and validating Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions.

This documentation guide is designed to help you get started with testing MDM automation and deployment workflows on a Scaleway Mac mini with UTM. It provides step-by-step instructions for enrolling a VM in an MDM server, testing MDM commands and deployment, and manually installing configuration profiles. The documentation is suitable for MDM administrators, developers, or QA engineers.

By following this guide, you will be able to create a robust and isolated testing environment for your MDM solution, allowing you to validate its functionality, performance, and scalability.

Before you startLink to this anchor

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• An SSH key
• A Mac mini
• VNC access to your Mac
• Installed UTM and created a virtual machine (VM)
• An MDM server (such as microMDM, Jamf, InTune, or other MDM provider) configured and ready for use

MDM enrollmentLink to this anchor

1. Install and configure your MDM server according to the provider’s documentation.
2. Create an enrollment profile from your MDM solution.
3. On your VM, navigate to System Settings > General > Device Management.
4. Complete the enrollment process specific to your MDM provider to connect your VM to your MDM server.

Testing MDM commands and deploymentLink to this anchor

1. Use your MDM’s admin console to push configurations and commands to the enrolled VM.
2. Verify that MDM commands are properly received and executed on the VM.
3. Test software deployment, configuration profiles, and policies to ensure they are working as expected.
4. Simulate real-world device management scenarios to ensure your MDM setup is working correctly.

Manual configuration profile installation (optional)Link to this anchor

If needed, you can manually install a configuration profile on your VM:

1. Download your configuration profile (.mobileconfig file) from your MDM provider.
2. On your VM, go to System Settings > General > Device Management.
3. Click the ”+” button and select your profile.
4. Follow the prompts to install and activate the profile.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully enroll your VM in your MDM server and test MDM commands and deployment.