Configuration profiles are XML files that contain device security policies, VPN configuration information, Wi-Fi settings, APN settings, Exchange account settings, mail settings, and certificates that permit iPhone and iPod touch to work with your enterprise systems.
For instructions on how to use iPhone Configuration Utility, see the iPhone and iPod touch Enterprise Deployment Guide, available for downloading at http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/enterprise/
More info and download link (6.94 MB) here.
Apple also released iPhone Configuration Utility 2.2 for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. More info here.
There is also an iPhoto update, which is sure to be along any minute now.
Is this what business can use instead of iTunes?
I’d love to move to iPhones and Macs for work, and as I’m related to the boss, I think I could talk him into it if the phones were business secure and setup specifically for our office. Is this the solution I’ve been waiting for? Would someone tech savvy please break it down for me?
@Want to Switch
Read this first:
For instructions on how to use iPhone Configuration Utility, see the iPhone and iPod touch Enterprise Deployment Guide, available for downloading at http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/enterprise/
@Spark
That was the article above word for word. Thanks for the very valuable help.
@Anyone Else
Does anyone know anything beyond what is in the article? I’m sorry I’m not “in the know” enough to understand it without an interpreter, but I’d really appreciate help understanding what this will actually allow me to do as a small business manager with a love for Macs/iPhones and little to no tech support.
@Want to switch:
in short, yes, this is what you are looking for.
This utility allows you to setup iPhones in whatever way you, as an administrator, choose to.
For example, on a regular iPhone, your passcode lock is made up of four numbers. With this utility it can be an actual password (and may be synced with, say, your active directory password).
You can remote wipe the phone.
You can setup a VPN to your office.
These settings you come up with cannot be changed by the user and can either be exactly the same for everyone or setup differently for groups (such as sales) or individuals (such as the CEO).
You can dictate what apps are viewed, if they can or cannot install apps, setup parental controls, what calendars they have access to, whether they can use the camera or take screenshots…
Basically you control just about everything about the iPhone.
I’m trying to think of whether my favorite crackberry users have any arguments left.
Can’t think of any that haven’t now been toppled.
@WanttoSwitch
my suggestion, if you have an Apple Store near you is to go to your store’s website and schedule a Business Consultation. The Business Partners in the store are there just because businesses have different issues and needs. S/he should be able to help answer your questions and map out a plan if you decide to make the switch.
@ragarcia and scubaboy
Thank you, that was exactly the kind of info I needed. I didn’t know they had dedicated business consultants either, so thank you again. I love Apple!