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

Ensure you have the appropriate license for BigFix MCM and BigFix Mobile.
  • 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.
Resources:

Enable MCM and Mobile sites

From BigFix Console, in the Licence Overview Dashboard, navigate to the BigFix Mobile domain and enable the following sites:
  • BigFix Mobile Client Management
  • BigFix Modern Client Management

Credential Requirements

Ensure that the following credentials are available and valid:

Firewall and network Requirements

For complete details on firewall requirements, refer to Firewall port requirements

System Requirements for MDM Server

  • The target computer, where the MDM server will be installed, must meet the following specifications:

    • Operating System: RHEL 8 or RHEL 9
      Note: 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).

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.

  • 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.