Elevating Identity in Higher Ed: What Jamf’s Acquisition of Identity Automation Means for Colleges and Universities
Managing digital identities isn’t just a technical challenge in higher education—it's foundational for academic success and institutional security. With Jamf’s recent acquisition of Identity Automation, colleges and universities now have access to an integrated, future-ready solution that brings together best-in-class Apple device management with a flexible, education-centric identity and access management (IAM) platform purpose-built for higher education.
A New Era of Seamless Identity and Device Management
Higher education institutions serve a wide spectrum of users—students, faculty, adjuncts, researchers, alumni, and external collaborators—across sprawling, often decentralized environments. Managing identity across such a diverse ecosystem requires a solution that’s flexible, secure, and purpose-built for the complexities of academia. That’s exactly where Identity Automation’s RapidIdentity excels.
Now, with the backing and integration of Jamf—an industry leader in Apple device management—RapidIdentity is part of a powerful end-to-end platform that allows institutions to align and manage user identities, regardless of device or location.
What This Means for Higher Ed Institutions
Faster ROI for Complex Identity Programs
Unlike traditional IAM systems designed for corporate environments, RapidIdentity is purpose-built for education. It provides quick wins through faster provisioning, seamless onboarding, and intelligent policy automation—enabling universities to demonstrate value immediately and secure internal buy-in for longer-term governance initiatives.
Cross-Platform, Multi-Device Flexibility
While Jamf is Apple-first, its acquisition of Identity Automation is about more than just Apple. RapidIdentity’s vendor-neutral architecture means that institutions can continue to manage users and identities across mixed-device environments—including Windows and Chrome—without disruption.
Scalable Identity Management for Distributed Campuses
Whether your institution is a single campus or a statewide system, RapidIdentity’s architecture supports centralized control with localized flexibility. From managing complex roles with multiple affiliations to synchronizing data across disparate systems, RapidIdentity ensures operational efficiency and policy consistency across the board.
Modern Security, Simplified
RapidIdentity’s built-in MFA, flexible SSO, and native support for both modern and legacy systems help universities modernize their security postures without overhauling existing infrastructure. Jamf’s MDM and zero-touch deployment further reduces IT burden while enhancing user experience and security.
Preserve Investments, Future-Proof Your Stack
From student information systems (SIS) to enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, higher ed institutions have already invested heavily in their technology ecosystems. RapidIdentity’s ability to seamlessly integrate and adapt—whether ingesting or exporting identity data—means institutions can protect those investments while remaining agile for future needs.
Effortless Apple Experience—If You Want It
For institutions that are deeply invested in Apple technologies, the combined power of Jamf and RapidIdentity delivers a best-in-class experience for managing Macs, iPads, and Apple TVs at scale. But for those using other platforms or vendors, nothing changes—RapidIdentity remains fully functional and platform-neutral.
Identity at the Core of Academic Innovation
With the merger of Jamf and Identity Automation, higher education institutions no longer have to choose between seamless identity management and powerful device management. This strategic union brings identity to the forefront of digital transformation—empowering universities to deliver secure, personalized, and frictionless experiences for every learner, educator, and staff member.
Welcome to the future of higher education IT—where identity follows the learner, security supports openness, and technology just works.
