IOS MDM Issues

Question

I don't want to sound silly, but I would just like to get a confirmation on a hunch that I have. I've worked with apple computers for some time, but its been awhile since I've had to play with the built in MDM features and it seems to have changed since the last time I used it. Long story short I've got some iPads I'd like to deploy to remote areas, but there are a few issues I'm running into. Keep in mind that I've been trying to, for test purposes, keep all my tinkering sandboxed before doing any kind of official real world release. So the server is currently on a closed local network with self assigned certificates.
Running the server off a 2010 mac mini on 10.9 with an iPad on iOS 7
1. To install 3rd party apps do you HAVE to have a VPP? (Even though I have them selected and setup for the device under the payload settings it doesn't seem to install onto the device)
2. To setup remote management do you HAVE to have Apple Configurator? (Running into an issue with installing the enrollment profile, says it can't contact to the server, so I don't know if its a network issue, or a change in how apple MDM works now)
3. I can't find a compatible version of Apple Config for 10.9, anyone know of one still on the net?
4. So far I've been installing all my profiles via email. In a mass deployment scenario what would you suggest from experience? Once again does that come back to Apple Config?
Suggestions are much appreciated

Answer 1

Hi schaafsmaster,
I manage 2,600 iPads using an MDM. I am very familiar with Apple Configurator, MDMs, VPP, and DEP. I'd be happy to answer your questions:
1. To install 3rd party apps do you HAVE to have a VPP? (Even though I have them selected and setup for the device under the payload settings it doesn't seem to install onto the device)
For Apple Configurator, you do not need VPP for free apps. However for paid apps, yes, you must be signed up for VPP.
2. To setup remote management do you HAVE to have Apple Configurator? (Running into an issue with installing the enrollment profile, says it can't contact to the server, so I don't know if its a network issue, or a change in how apple MDM works now)
No you don't need Apple Configurator (but you can use it if you want). You can use an MDM and either have users enroll through a web portal or via Apple's Device Enrollment Program (DEP) using a Pre-stage enrollment set up in your MDM.
3. I can't find a compatible version of Apple Config for 10.9, anyone know of one still on the net?
I would contact Apple to see if they can provide you with a link. Apple Configurator 1.7 is the only one on the App Store, and I wouldn't trust downloading from a 3rd party site. Call Apple's Enterprise Support at 1-866-752-7753 and let them know your situation.
4. So far I've been installing all my profiles via email. In a mass deployment scenario what would you suggest from experience? Once again does that come back to Apple Config?
We use an MDM to automatically install configuration profiles to our fleet of iPads. Given your description of wanting to manage devices in remote locations, I would highly recommend using an MDM for OTA management. That way you can make changes on the fly and deploy them wirelessly without having to use Apple Configurator which requires a physical connection.
There are many MDM's out there that offer many of the same features. Robert offered the Enterprise iOS link that offers a good overview of most of the major players http://www.enterpriseios.com/wiki/Comparison_MDM_Providers .
I would also strongly recommend you sign up for VPP MD for use with DEP. Here's a quick reference guide to DEP: https://www.apple.com/ipad/business/docs/DEP_Business_Guide_EN_Feb14.pdf .
Here are some other useful links that you may find helpful:
https://www.apple.com/support/business-education/
https://www.apple.com/business/docs/iOS_Enterprise_Deployment_Overview.pdf
https://www.apple.com/ipad/business/it/deployment.html
Let me know if you have other questions. Hope this helps. Good luck!!
~Joe