Let me introduce you to Nia Christair, a true authority in the realm of mobile technology and enterprise solutions. With a robust background in mobile gaming, app development, and device hardware design, Nia has been at the forefront of shaping how businesses manage their mobile ecosystems. Today, we’re diving into the recent transformation of a major player in device management, now known as Iru, as it expands beyond Apple to embrace Windows and Android platforms. Our conversation with Nia explores the motivations behind this rebranding, the growing trend of Apple adoption in enterprises, the challenges of cross-platform management, and the innovative features that are redefining IT and security workflows.
Can you explain what led to the decision to rebrand from Kandji to Iru, and what this new name signifies for the company’s future?
Absolutely. The shift to Iru represents a broader vision for the company, moving beyond just Apple device management to a more inclusive approach that covers Windows and Android as well. The name Iru reflects a unified, innovative platform that aims to simplify and streamline IT and security across diverse environments. It’s about creating a cohesive experience for businesses, no matter what devices they use, while still maintaining a strong commitment to Apple users. The rebranding signals a step into the future, where cross-platform integration and AI-driven solutions are at the core of what we do.
What were the driving forces behind expanding Iru’s offerings to include Windows and Android alongside Apple?
The expansion was largely driven by customer feedback and market trends. Many of our clients were already using separate tools for managing non-Apple devices, and they expressed a strong desire for a single, unified solution. We also noticed a significant shift in enterprise environments, where the mix of devices is becoming more diverse. Supporting multiple platforms aligns with our goal of reducing complexity for IT teams and providing a seamless management experience, regardless of the hardware in use.
How does Iru plan to maintain its strong focus on Apple device management while catering to other platforms?
Our commitment to Apple remains rock-solid. We’ve built our reputation on delivering top-tier management and security for Apple devices, and that won’t change. We’re ensuring that Apple-specific features and support continue to be best-in-class by dedicating resources to innovate in that space. At the same time, we’ve designed the platform to be flexible, so users who only manage Apple devices can easily customize their experience without distractions from other platform features. It’s all about balance and giving each customer exactly what they need.
You’ve observed a significant increase in Apple device usage in businesses. What do you think is fueling this trend?
It’s been fascinating to watch. A few years ago, maybe 20 to 30% of a company’s workforce might have used Macs, but now we’re seeing that number climb to 50 or 60%. I think a big driver is employee preference—people love the user-friendly design and reliability of Apple products. Plus, businesses are recognizing that Macs often integrate well with creative and development workflows, which are critical in today’s economy. Security and ease of management also play a huge role, as Apple devices tend to have fewer vulnerabilities when properly managed. I believe this trend will keep growing as more companies prioritize flexibility and employee satisfaction.
Many of your customers have been using different tools for managing Windows and Android devices. What challenges do they face with this approach, and how does Iru address them?
Using multiple tools creates a fragmented experience for IT teams. They’re constantly switching between consoles, dealing with inconsistent data, and struggling to maintain a unified security posture. It’s inefficient and prone to errors—think dropped handoffs or miscommunications between teams. Iru tackles this by offering a single platform where everything is integrated. From device management to security and compliance, our solution provides a shared context across all platforms, so IT can work faster and smarter without juggling disparate systems.
Can you walk us through the core components of the Iru platform and how they work together?
Sure, the Iru platform is built around a few key pillars that are unified by what we call the Iru Context Model—a dynamic map of users, devices, apps, policies, and events. This model feeds into everything we do. We’ve got Workforce Identity for secure, password-free access; Endpoint Management for onboarding and policy control across Apple, Windows, and Android; Endpoint Detection and Response for threat containment; Vulnerability Management for risk visibility; and Compliance Automation to simplify audits. On top of that, Iru AI analyzes this context to provide insights, automate tasks, and tailor controls. It’s all about making complex processes intuitive and efficient for IT teams.
How does the Workforce Identity feature enhance security for businesses, and why is it important?
Workforce Identity is a game-changer for security. It uses hardware-backed passkeys, which are tied to a user’s device and far more secure than traditional passwords because they can’t be phished or stolen easily. We also offer context-aware access, meaning the system evaluates factors like location or device status before granting entry to apps or data. This reduces risk by ensuring that only the right people access resources under the right conditions. For businesses, it means tighter security without burdening employees with cumbersome processes.
When it comes to Endpoint Management, how does Iru handle the complexity of supporting multiple platforms with a single agent?
It’s definitely a challenge, but we’ve designed a lightweight endpoint agent that works uniformly across Apple, Windows, and Android. This agent handles everything from onboarding to updates and policy enforcement, so IT teams don’t need to manage separate tools for each platform. The benefit is huge—it simplifies deployment and reduces overhead. Instead of wrestling with different systems, IT can focus on strategy and problem-solving, knowing that the underlying tech is consistent and reliable.
Looking ahead, what’s your forecast for the future of cross-platform device management in enterprises?
I think we’re heading toward even greater convergence. As businesses continue to adopt mixed-device environments, the demand for unified platforms like Iru will only grow. We’ll see more AI-driven automation, where systems don’t just manage devices but proactively solve issues before they arise. Security and compliance will become even more intertwined with device management, breaking down old silos between IT teams. Ultimately, the future is about simplicity—tools that let lean teams do more with less effort, while keeping everything secure and scalable.
