Extension Attributes

Introduction

Extension attributes allow Jamf Pro to store additional inventory information about a device beyond what is collected by default. Their values can be set via API call, or through the Jamf Pro console itself. While Jamf Pro is designed to collect data via its client and MDM components, there are external systems that typically exist in an environment, and those systems may have data that could provide value within Jamf Pro.

Extension attributes serve as the way to get that data into Jamf Pro. They can be used for reporting, grouping, or to initiate tasks on managed devices. They can also be referenced in Managed App Configuration to pass data to managed apps. For more information on extension attributes, see the Jamf Pro Administrator's Guide.

Integrating with Extension Attributes

Jamf Pro administrators are likely familiar with the ability to use a script that runs on managed macOS devices to populate extension attributes. This is a useful function to collect data that resides on managed computers. What is often overlooked is the feature that allows for arbitrary data to be populated within an extension attribute.

This feature becomes extremely powerful when building programmatic integrations with Jamf Pro. It opens up a large range of potential use cases, such as endpoint protection platforms assigning compliance status to managed devices or asset management solutions tracking hardware repair statuses. With these types of additional information, Jamf Pro can be configured to perform a multitude of management tasks, ranging from deployment or removal of apps to enabling access to corporate networks. Continue reading to learn more about how extension attributes can put your data to use within Jamf Pro.