IBM Data Shift

Overview

IBM Data Shift is a native macOS application designed to streamline the migration of user data from an old Mac to a new Mac. Built with SwiftUI, it provides an intuitive, guided experience for transferring files, applications, preferences, and settings over a direct peer-to-peer network connection.

As seen on

JNUC 2024 Session 1077
University of Utah, MacAdmins Meeting, June 2025

Key Features

🚀 Seamless Data Migration

• Transfer user files, applications, preferences, and settings between Macs
• Support for both Wi-Fi and Thunderbolt direct connections
• Automatic peer-to-peer network discovery using Bonjour (DNS-SD)
• Real-time progress tracking with time estimation

🔒 Enterprise-Ready

• Integration with Jamf Pro for managed environments
• MDM enrollment verification and environment detection
• Automated inventory updates post-migration
• Configurable via MDM profiles (UserDefaults)

⚙️ Highly Customizable

• Extensive configuration options through UserDefaults
• Custom branding support (organization name, icons, colors)
• Configurable file inclusion/exclusion rules
• Flexible duplicate file handling policies
• Optional Terms & Conditions acceptance flow

📊 Advanced File Management

• Intelligent file discovery with customizable filters
• Support for symbolic links preservation
• Duplicate file detection and handling
• Optional migration report generation
• Memory-optimized for large data transfers

🌍 Localization Support

• Multi-language support via Localizable.xcstrings
• Accessible UI with comprehensive VoiceOver support

System Requirements

• macOS: 12.0 (Monterey) or later
• Swift: 5.9.0 or later
• Xcode: 14.0 or later (for building from source)
• Network: Wi-Fi or Thunderbolt connection between devices
• Permissions: Full Disk Access required for complete data migration

How It Works

1. Device Discovery: Launch the app on both the source (old) and destination (new) Mac
2. Connection: Devices automatically discover each other over the local network
3. Verification: Secure pairing with verification code
4. Configuration: Choose migration options (Lite, Complete, or Advanced)
5. Transfer: Files are transferred directly between devices with real-time progress
6. Completion: Optional post-migration steps (Apple ID verification, Jamf recon, device restart)

Installation

Pre-built Release

Download the latest release from the Releases page.

Building from Source

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/IBM/mac-ibm-migration-tool.git
cd mac-ibm-migration-tool

2. Open the project in Xcode:

open migrator.xcodeproj

3. Build and run:
   • Select the migrator scheme
   • Choose your target device
   • Press Cmd + R to build and run

Configuration

IBM Data Shift can be extensively configured via MDM profiles or local UserDefaults. Key configuration options include:

Basic Settings

• orgName: Organization name for branding (default: "IBM")
• networkServiceIdentifier: Bonjour service identifier (default: "_migrator")
• skipMDMCheck: Skip device management verification (default: false)

Migration Behavior

• duplicateFilesHandlingPolicy: How to handle duplicate files (skip, replace, move)
• backupPath: Path for duplicate file backups (default: "~/Desktop/Migration.Backup")
• skipDeviceReboot: Skip post-migration reboot prompt (default: false)
• generateReport: Generate migration report on desktop (default: false)

File Filtering

• excludedPathsList: Array of paths to exclude from migration
• allowedPathsList: Array of paths to explicitly include
• excludedFileExtensions: Array of file extensions to skip
• excludedFilePrefixes: Array of file name prefixes to skip

Jamf Integration

• mdmEnvironments: Array of managed environments with server URLs and recon policy IDs
• skipJamfRecon: Skip Jamf inventory update (default: false)
• jamfReconMethod: Method for running recon (selfServicePolicy or binary)
• storePath: Path to Jamf Self Service app

UI Customization

• welcomePageIcon: Custom icon for welcome page
• browserPageIcon: Custom icon for browser page
• setupPageIcon: Custom icon for setup page
• Custom icons available for all app pages

For detailed configuration options, check project's wiki.

Usage

For End Users

1. Prepare both Macs:

   • Ensure both devices have Wifi ON or connected via Thunderbolt
   • Grant Full Disk Access to the app when prompted
   • Keep both devices powered and awake during migration

2. Launch the app on both the source and destination Mac

3. Follow the guided workflow:

   • Device discovery and pairing
   • Migration option selection
   • File transfer with progress tracking
   • Post-migration steps (if configured)

For Administrators

Deploy the app via your MDM solution with a configuration profile containing your desired settings. Example profile keys:

<key>orgName</key>
<string>Your Organization</string>
<key>skipMDMCheck</key>
<false/>
<key>duplicateFilesHandlingPolicy</key>
<string>move</string>

See the wiki for detailed deployment guides and configuration examples.

Architecture

The app is built with a modular architecture:

• SwiftUI Views: Modern, declarative UI components
• Network Layer: Custom protocol over Network.framework for peer-to-peer communication
• Migration Controller: Orchestrates the file transfer process
• Device Management: Integration with macOS MDM APIs
• Logging: Comprehensive logging system with configurable verbosity

Key components:

• MigrationController.swift: Core migration logic
• NetworkBrowser.swift: Device discovery
• NetworkServer.swift: Server-side networking
• NetworkConnection.swift: Client-side networking
• AppContext.swift: Centralized configuration management

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see our Contributing Guidelines for details on:

• Code of conduct
• Development workflow
• Pull request process
• Coding standards

Quick Start for Contributors

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Make your changes
4. Run tests and SwiftLint
5. Commit your changes (git commit -am 'Add amazing feature')
6. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
7. Open a Pull Request

Security

For security concerns, please see our Security Policy.

Changelog

See CHANGELOG.md for a detailed history of changes and releases.

Support

• Issues: Report bugs or request features via GitHub Issues
• Community: Join the #mac-ibm-open-source channel in the MacAdmins Slack
• Maintainers: See MAINTAINERS.md for contact information

License

This project is licensed under the Apache License 2.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

All source files must include the following copyright and license header:

//
// © Copyright IBM Corp. 2023, 2025
// SPDX-License-Identifier: Apache2.0
//

Acknowledgments

• Built by the Mac@IBM team
• Powered by Apple's Network.framework for peer-to-peer connectivity
• Designed for enterprise macOS environments

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Note: This tool is specifically designed for macOS environments and requires appropriate permissions for full functionality. Always test in a non-production environment before deploying to end users.