What is the MDM protocol?

The Apple MDM protocol is a Device Management API created by Apple to allow MDM vendors to communicate with Apple devices, change settings, enable controls, move data, and more. IT admins use an MDM vendor's software to execute commands that Apple has made available in their protocol. For Mac management, MDM vendors can create a macOS agent, which can augment Apple's MDM framework with their own software and extend IT's capabilities beyond the MDM protocol.