Choose Cattle for End-User Device Management

In the world of IT infrastructure and device management, the Pets vs. Cattle analogy has become a guiding principle for handling resources at scale. Originally coined to describe cloud computing, this concept also applies to end-user devices in enterprise environments. Let’s not be fooled, everyone loves their Macbook Pro like it’s their child, but we need to automate the provisioning, deployment, and data handling like they’re cattle.

Pets vs. Cattle

The Pets vs. Cattle theory was popularized in cloud computing to differentiate between traditional IT systems and scalable infrastructure. When I stared in IT and we had all of our servers in a small converted broom closet we needed to make sure everything was humming at all times. Once we moved to cloud computing and configuring our servers with tools like Chef or Ansible we didn’t care as much about an individual server. We need to take this thinking and also apply it to End User computers.

• Pets: These are unique, carefully maintained, and given individual attention. Think of a personal workstation that an IT admin meticulously (and manually) sets up, troubleshoots, and customizes for the user. If it breaks, IT runs over to their desk and fixes it.

• Cattle: These are laptops and desktops that are standardized, easily replaceable, and managed at scale. In cloud computing, cattle are identical virtual machines or containers that can be spun up or replaced instantly. The same context can apply to laptop and desktop devices, this means treating laptops as interchangeable assets.

Traditional Device Management: Treating Laptops Like Pets

Historically, IT teams have managed Devices as pets, focusing on:

• Custom imaging per user or department

• Manual troubleshooting and extensive repairs

• Personalized application installations

• Lengthy replacement and reassignment processes

This approach ensures a tailored experience but comes with significant downsides:

• High support overhead: IT spends excessive time managing individual devices

• Downtime for employees: Waiting for repairs disrupts productivity

• Inconsistent configurations: Custom setups lead to security and compliance risks

Modern Approach: Managing Devices Like Cattle

Organizations are now treating end user devices as cattle, leveraging modern device management strategies to streamline operations:

1. Zero-Touch Deployment

Using tools like Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions (e.g., Jamf, Kandji, or Intune), IT can deploy devices without manual setup. Employees receive a device that automatically configure themselves upon sign-in.

2. Standardized Configurations

Instead of unique setups, IT enforces standard profiles with pre-approved apps, security settings, and policies. This ensures consistency across all devices.And it doesn’t just need to be one standard, create different “Blueprints” for different roles; Engineering needs different tools than Marketing.

3. Automated Provisioning and Replacements

When a device malfunctions, it's wiped and re-enrolled rather than manually repaired. If necessary, employees get a new device with the same profile instantly applied. They sign back into their cloud tools to retrieve their data and they’re off to the races.

4. Cloud-Based Workflows

By leveraging cloud-based storage (iCloud, OneDrive, Google Drive) and identity management (Okta, Azure AD), employees can seamlessly switch devices without losing data or access.

Benefits of the Cattle Approach

Switching from a pets to a cattle model for device management provides several advantages:

• Scalability: Easily manage thousands of devices with minimal IT overhead

• Improved Security: Standardized security policies ensure compliance

• Reduced Downtime: Faster device replacements keep employees productive

• Cost Efficiency: Lower operational costs by reducing hands-on IT intervention

Choose Cattle

The Pets vs. Cattle approach has transformed enterprise device management by prioritizing automation, standardization, and scalability. Organizations adopting this mindset are better equipped to handle growth, security, and employee productivity in an increasingly remote and digital workspace.

Are you still treating your laptops and other devices like pets? It might be time to embrace the cattle philosophy for a modern, efficient IT strategy.