Managed Software Center is a software deployment tool for macOS. Managed Software Center is where UM macOS users can obtain campus-licensed and campus-approved software such as Microsoft Office, SPSS, EndNote, and more. In addition to being a self-service tool that allows users to install software on-demand without administrative credentials, the tool is also used by UM IT to install mandatory software in our environment, including macOS software updates from Apple.
The Managed Software Center comes pre-installed and configured on UM IT managed macOS endpoints.
Getting Started
Installing software using Managed Software Center
If Managed Software Center is not already in the macOS Dock, navigate to the “Applications” folder and open the “Managed Software Center” application.
Managed Software Center includes several software categories. Browse to or search for the software to be installed. Click the “Install” button next to the application to start the installation process.
An “Install requested” message will appear, indicating that the installation has started.
To view the progress of an installation, click the “Updates” button at the top of the Managed Software Center window.
- If you have updates pending, you will need to click the “Update All” button to proceed with the installation of new software.
Installing updated through Managed Software Center
If Managed Software Center is not already in the macOS Dock, navigate to the “Applications” folder and open the “Managed Software Center” application.
Select the “Updates” button from the toolbar at the top of the Managed Software Center window.
All available updates will be displayed, including any pending software installations. Save any work you have open, then click the “Update All” button.
- You may be asked to quit any open applications to apply the updates. Some updates may require you to restart your computer.
Update Notifications
The Managed Software Center will notify you when updates are available for your device. These notifications may interrupt your workflow while doing presentations. Should this be problematic we recommend going into the Mac Notification Center and setting "Do Not Disturb" while presenting. This will prevent any Apple notification from interrupting your work. Once a Managed Software Center update is available you will have 3 days to install it before the Do Not Disturb setting will no longer work for update notifications.
Getting Help
UM IT manages the infrastructure supporting the Managed Software Center and is responsible for updating the software and updates in the Managed Software Center. If you have questions or if there is software not already in Managed Software Center, contact UM IT Help for assistance.