Apple Configurator - iPad deployment tool updated
This week saw the Apple update its iOS Configurator to version 1.0.1. Available to Mac OS X Lion users, it makes it easy for anyone to deploy numbers of iPhone, iPad devices across their business or office with ease. Apple Configurator can be used to quickly configure large numbers of iOS devices with defined settings, apps and data you specify for your employees and staff with a certainty that the same configuration will be applied across all of the devices with efficiency and with ease.
The 1.0.1 update brings a host of minor tweaks like erasing iBooks and iTunes U bookmarks upon the return of a device, as well as fixes for displaying information and importing .ipa enterprise apps.
Originally released in March, Apple Configurator was created as an answer to the iPad and iPhone's success as enterprise solutions and helps organisations prepare, supervise and assign a multitude of devices from one point.
Apple Configurator can be used in several different ways to make configuration profiles and assist in the deployment of iOS devices across your organisation:-
- You can prepare a set of new iOS devices that are configured only once and then deploy to users. Additionally, you can update devices to the latest version of iOS, install configuration profiles and apps, then hand them out.
- You can supervise a set of iOS devices that you want to control and configure on an ongoing basis. Apply a configuration to each device, and then reapply it after each use simply by reconnecting the device back to Apple Configurator (potential use for clients?)
- You can assign supervised devices to specific users in your organisation. Check out a device to a user and restore the user’s backup (including all their data) to that device; then check the device back in and back up the user’s data for later use, possibly on a completely different device.
Redemption codes for multi-use licenses has received a major overhaul to reflect Apple's app recycling policies. In the updated version, redemption codes can be reused if the device that originally downloaded the app is erased by Apple Configurator.
Apple Configurator 1.0.1 can be downloaded through iTunes App Store, more information can be found on Apple's Support Pages.
