3 Ways Apple’s Free Configurator App is Silently Changing the Business Landscape
When iOS 7 was released near the end of 2013, the media was been abuzz with updates on the new business features, including per app VPN, expanded Mobile Device Management (MDM) potential and third-party app security. However, very little attention has been paid to Apple’s free Configurator app. This Mac-only software is scalable from small business to enterprise use, allowing IT departments to exert greater control over in-house technology and loaner devices. The Configurator app update allows you to leverage the true security potential of iOS 7.
What’s New with Configurator?
Apple has provided a succinct list of changes on the Mac App Store page for Configurator. Some processes have been streamlined, such as batch third-party MDM software enrollment for mobile devices. However, the most exciting additions are the iOS 7 options. Configurator users can now use “managed open-in” to define how apps share document information. Previous versions of Configurator allowed users to limit app installation, but this is the first time we’re seeing control over “open-in” behavior. Administrators can also lock devices to specific AirPlay and AirPrint connections, so that you cannot send media or documents to unauthorized Apple TVs and printers.
The Configurator updates let you alter system settings such as font display, Notification Center visibility and Control Center access. The font option gives administrators an interesting level of stylistic freedom, allowing users to break away from the default font options of iOS 6 and earlier systems. When it comes to device lock screens, administrators can enable or disable Control Center and Notification Center access, depending on your organizations usage and security needs.
Practical Business Usage
Apple’s Configurator utility was built to administer batches of mobile devices, including all current models of iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad. Heavyweights like SAP AG are jumping on board with the new iOS 7 for business features. SAP VP Anthony Reynolds stated, “The changes Apple is implementing in iOS 7 directly align with our goal of enhancing, securing and simplifying the end-user experience. SAP will help customers build beautiful mobile apps and securely use iOS devices in mission-critical business environments.”
Think of how many iOS apps allow you to open document attachments in other software, such as iBooks, GoodReader, the iWork suite and other viewing apps. This can pose as a major security risk to organizations, since third-party apps can leak or damage information. Configurator’s “managed open-in” allows companies restrict document sharing to approved third-party apps and secure apps.
Previous iOS and Configurator versions lacked AirPlay and AirPrint hardware restrictions, meaning that employees could accidentally or intentionally leak information to nearby printers and television screens outside of your office. Just imagine your company’s financial documents being printed off in a neighboring company’s office, and you can just imagine the types of trouble these connections pose. But IT administrators can now clamp down on approved printers and Apple TVs, making it safe for companies to use wireless protocols like AirPrint and AirPlay.
Configurator Limitations
Some offices have Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments, where you use a personal device for work. For example, might have your home automation apps, personal photos, and your company email account on the same device. Configurator is not an ideal candidate for managing devices in BYOD environments, since your technology is not stored at a centralized location. Third-party MDM solutions take the spotlight in BYOD environments, since you can administer profiles and deploy content wirelessly.
Offices that need to manage in-house or loaner technology can use Apple’s free Configurator app alone, or in conjunction with MDM software, to take advantage of the newest business features in iOS 7. More enterprise options are on the horizon, such as Volume Purchasing Program license management and Caching Server 2 support. So far no release date has been revealed for these features, which are simply marked as “Coming Soon.” Apple continues to keep enterprise organizations on the edge of their seats.
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