Comments for Apple Releases New iPhone Configuration Utility for Enterprise

Apple Releases New iPhone Configuration Utility for Enterprise

2008-09-21T17:46:20Z

Back in July Apple released a handful of tools for enterprises looking to deploy iPhones to their organization. One of the tools released was the Web Configuration Utility for Windows and Mac OS. This allows enterprises to easily create, sign and distribute configuration profiles using a web browser.

Now, Apple has released another tool to extend the functionality, allowing enterprises to access logs and install apps on iPhones as well as configure them.

]]> iPhone Configuration Utility 1.0 for Mac OS X

The iPhone Configuration Utility is available exclusively for enterprises running Mac OS X. Enterprises can use any of the three tools to create a configuration file and email or post the file to a web site. The file is in XML format and can be installed onto the company's iPhones with the following settings pre-configured:

Device security policies
VPN configuration information
Wi-Fi settings, APN settings
Exchange account settings
Mail settings
Certificates that permit iPhone and iPod touch devices to work with your enterprise systems

The difference between the tools is that the iPhone Configuration Web Utilities allow enterprises to create config files while the iPhone Configuration Utility for Max OS X allows enterprises to also access logs and install apps on iPhones.

Breaking Ground in the Enterprise Market

Unfortunately, Apple is choosing to limit their reach within enterprises by only allowing the Configuration Utility to work on enterprises running Mac OS X. There is a relatively small number of enterprises running their OS when compared with those running Windows operating systems. However, we're hopeful that Apple will soon release the same functionality for enterprises running Windows. All of these tools are available for free in the Enterprise Support section of the Apple's website. For more information on integrating iPhones within your enterprise, we recommend checking out the Enterprise Deployment Guide (Third Edition)(PDF).

Comment from Apple on 2008-09-22

2008-09-22T12:36:53Z

I'm not really a fan of apple but i like how their progressing. I wonder what they will do next.

Comment from Informed dumbass on 2008-09-21

2008-09-22T03:14:55Z

Or maybe "Informed" should read the article.

Comment from Informed on 2008-09-21

2008-09-22T03:12:31Z

Is it really that tough to Google before you post misinformed articles? Apple provides Web-based versions of the utility for non-Mac users to generate profiles as seen at http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/enterprise/

Comment from the NextsteveJobs on 2008-09-21

2008-09-22T00:56:27Z

I think it's better to take baby steps and support those who've supported you; then to try to please everyone at once and screw the whole thing up- like the MobileMe launch.

Comment from Constable Odo on 2008-09-21

2008-09-22T00:43:54Z

Seems to me that the process of administrating iPhones in large numbers is going to be fairly difficult compared to how the BlackBerry is managed. I'm wondering if syncing with iTunes is still necessary for each user. With the BlackBerry everything is managed over a wireless connection if I'm not mistaken.

I'm still happy that Apple is making some attempt to get the iPhone up and running in the enterprise. Maybe the iPhone is worth the extra effort IT managers will have to deal with.