Prerequisites and requirements
Before installing BigFix MCM and BigFix Mobile, verify that your system meets all prerequisites, including hardware specifications, network configurations, database requirements, and container runtime setup. Proper preparation ensures a seamless installation and optimal performance.
License Requirements
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You can manage Windows and macOS laptops using MDM APIs with the following licenses:
- BigFix MCM
- BigFix Lifecycle
- BigFix Compliance
- BigFix Mobile license is mandatory to manage mobile devices.
Core Component Requirements
- BigFix Root Server: The BigFix Root Server should be installed on Windows Server or Linux.
- BigFix Console: The BigFix Console should be installed on a Windows machine to interact with the BigFix infrastructure
- BigFix WebUI: The BigFix WebUI should be installed on the BigFix Root Server.
- BigFix Client: The BigFix Client version 10.0.10 or later must be installed on the machine where BigFix Plugin Portal will be installed.
- BigFix Plugin Portal: The BigFix Plugin Portal can be installed either on the same RHEL machine where BigFix MCM Server will be installed or on a different Windows machine.
- Watch the video Installing BigFix Server
- Refer the documentation at BigFix Server Installation Guide
- For minimum hardware requirements, refer to the BigFix Capacity Planning documentation.
- For further details and latest information about deployment and management of BigFix, refer to BigFix Technical Documents.
Enable MCM and Mobile sites
- BigFix Mobile Client Management
- BigFix Modern Client Management
Credential Requirements
Ensure that the following credentials are available and valid:
- Managing certificates and keys for MDM server installation
- Apple Push Notification certificates for Apple
- WNS Credentials for Windows
- Google Enterprise Credentials for Android
Firewall and network Requirements
For complete details on firewall requirements, refer to Firewall port requirements
System Requirements for MDM Server
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The target computer, where the MDM server will be installed, must meet the following specifications:
- Operating System: RHEL 8 or RHEL 9Note: RHEL 7 is no longer supported as it has reached the end of maintenance support.
- CPU: Minimum 4 cores, 8 cores (recommended)
- Memory: Minimum 8 GB , 16 GB (recommended)
- Storage: Minimum 32 GB, 64 GB (recommended)
For more information, refer to the BigFix Capacity Planning Guide, Section 3.10: BigFix Modern Client Management (MCM).
- Operating System: RHEL 8 or RHEL 9
Software Requirements for MDM Server
- Curl package
The curl package is required for outbound URL checks and is usually pre-installed. If missing, install it.
To check if curl is installed, run:
curl --version
- Container Runtime Requirements
- Ensure Podman is installed
- Install Podman Compose
For detailed instructions for preparing the container runtime environment on RHEL 8 or RHEL 9 refer to Preparing Container Runtime Environment.
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The BigFix MDM server is typically deployed in the DMZ. Hence, appropriate security measures must be applied to the OS, firewall configuration, and system accounts.
Next Steps
Once all prerequisites are met, follow the installation instructions Installing MDM services to complete the setup.