Do I have to use the self-service catalog or can I install apps myself?

On a managed device, IT may restrict what you can install outside the catalog. Even if you can download apps directly, using the catalog is preferred because IT has vetted those apps for security and compatibility, and they'll be automatically updated. Installing software outside the catalog may flag your device as non-compliant.

Is the software in the catalog free?

To you, yes. Your organization handles the licensing. You don't need to worry about license keys or subscriptions for software installed through the catalog.

Why can't I find [specific app] in the catalog?

It probably hasn't been approved and packaged by IT yet. Submit a request through your IT ticketing system. The app may not be available due to licensing costs, security concerns, or because there's an approved alternative already in the catalog.

Do self-service apps auto-update?

Usually, yes. IT can push updates through the same management system that installed the app. Some organizations let you choose when to update through the self-service portal, while others push updates automatically. Critical security patches are almost always automatic.

Self-Service Software Catalogs

Most organizations that manage devices provide a self-service catalog – an app where you can browse and install IT-approved software without submitting a ticket. Instead of waiting for IT to remote in and install Chrome or Zoom for you, you open the catalog and click Install. The specific app depends on what your organization uses, but the concept is the same everywhere.

Common self-service platforms

Jamf Self Service – Used on Macs managed by Jamf. Look for it in your Applications folder or search with Spotlight (Cmd + Space, type "Self Service")
Company Portal – Microsoft's self-service app for devices managed by Intune. Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. On Windows, search for "Company Portal" in the Start menu
Software Center – Used on Windows devices managed by Microsoft SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager). Search for "Software Center" in the Start menu
Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub – VMware's self-service app, sometimes called just "Hub." Works across platforms

If you don't know which one your organization uses, check your Applications folder (Mac) or Start menu (Windows) for any of these names, or ask IT.

Finding and installing software

The process is similar across all self-service catalogs:

Open your organization's self-service app
Browse categories or use the search bar to find what you need
Click Install (or Get) next to the app
Wait for the installation to complete – most apps install within a few minutes
The app appears in your Applications folder (Mac) or Start menu (Windows)

Some things to know:

Installations happen in the background. You can close the self-service app after clicking Install. The download and installation will continue.
Some apps require a restart. Security tools and system-level software may need a reboot to finish. The catalog usually tells you.
Apps may be pre-approved or require manager approval. Some software installs immediately, while others go into an approval queue. You'll see the status in the catalog.
Updates are often handled automatically. Once you install an app through the catalog, IT can push updates to it without you doing anything.

What's available

IT decides what goes in the catalog. Typical offerings include:

Productivity apps – Microsoft Office, Google Workspace apps, Slack, Zoom, Teams
Browsers – Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Security tools – VPN clients, antivirus, endpoint protection
Utilities – Printers, Wi-Fi configuration, VPN profiles
Developer tools – IDEs, Git clients, Docker (at some organizations)

The catalog only shows software your organization has licensed and approved. You won't find every app here – just the ones IT has vetted and packaged.

Requesting software not in the catalog

If you need an app that isn't listed:

Check if there's a request form. Some self-service portals have a "Request Software" or "Can't find what you need?" link. Use it.
Submit an IT ticket. If there's no built-in request option, open a ticket with IT explaining what software you need and why. Include the app name, what you'll use it for, and a link to the vendor's website.
Be specific about the business need. IT evaluates requests based on licensing costs, security risks, and whether an already-approved alternative exists. "I need Adobe Illustrator for creating marketing materials" is better than "I want Illustrator."
Expect some lead time. IT needs to evaluate, license, package, and test software before adding it. This can take days to weeks depending on the organization.

Troubleshooting

The catalog is empty or says "No apps available": Your device may not have checked in recently. Connect to your organization's network (or VPN), restart the self-service app, and wait a moment. If it stays empty, contact IT.
Installation stuck or failed: Close the self-service app, reopen it, and try again. If it keeps failing, check your internet connection and available disk space. Persistent failures usually mean IT needs to look at the package on their end.
App disappeared from the catalog: IT may have removed or replaced it. Check for a newer version under a different name, or ask IT what happened.

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