Using Apple Configurator

Hi everyone,
We have approx. 2000 iPad/iPhone, and I had to prepare them all one by one. I'm now tired of doing this and I would like to prepare them as fast as possible, using Apple Configurator.
Each iPad/iPhone is enrolled on our MDM (MobileIron). But to allow the enrollement, I have many steps to do before :
1. Update iOS
2. Transfer our company wallpaper
3. Pass the first settings screens (Language, Wifi, General Terms of Use etc.)
4. Change wallpaper + activate lockscreen code (for MDM)
5. Create an Apple ID (to assist user but especially to install Mobile Iron app via AppStore)
6. Install 6 different app from Appstore (free ones, no Volum Purchase)
7. Enroll user via MobileIron app
As I know, steps 1 to 4 are possible via Apple Configurator, but I don't know if profiles will be installed or not.
Step 5 is avoidable (I guess) but it's mainly to help users and to keep control on accounts.
Step 6 is THE part I would like to avoid, but I can't find how it's possible to install apps without and Apple ID.
Step 7 is not avoidable.
Anyone has an idea ?
Thanks
Steven

Hi Steven,
There are many ways to deploy iPads, and no one way is "the right way." They all have their pros and cons and are dependent on your deployment scenario. I've never used MobileIron, but I have used other MDMs and have streamlined a process that works well for us in our school district. Some MDM's have the ability to create enrollment profiles that could be installed using Apple Configurator (which would get rid of your Step 7 for enrolling into the MDM). Some MDMs also offer MDM enrollment by logging in to a website and downloading an enrollment profile wirelessly, which would also get rid of Step 7 for you. Regarding Step 6… with Apple Configurator you can install apps using one Apple ID (not requiring the end user to enter an Apple ID or password), but this requires the iPad(s) to be plugged in via USB to the provisioning computer. While app installation is technically possible wirelessly without Apple IDs, it requires an unsupported workaround that may or may not be possible with your MDM. Check with the MobileIron folks to see if they are aware of any workarounds and  potential caveats.
A way to accomplish Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 would be to create an "image" of one iPad and restoring that image on all of your other iPads. This can be done with iTunes by creating an encrypted backup (which holds passwords and many other customized settings) and restoring it to each of your iPads. You can also use Apple Configurator to create a backup and restore that backup to each of your iPads. You can install configuration profiles with Apple Configurator as well as apps so that may save you some steps too (can't install configuration profiles with iTunes). You can also use your MDM to install configuration profiles once they are enrolled.
Our process starts with restoring an encrypted backup using iTunes, which also includes the installation of a few basic apps. This takes care of Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6. For staff members, we have them enroll into our MDM using a bookmark/webclip that we include in our encrypted backup. They log in and install the enrollment profile onto their iPads wirelessly through the website. For students, we install an enrollment profile using Apple Configurator. This takes care of Step 7. For Step 5, we give staff members the instructions listed on this page: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2534 . We are also able to deploy apps after deploying using a customized app store, a feature that our MDM provider has available.
Depending on the tools you have (MDM) and ownership model you choose I'm sure you will find the deployment process that will be most efficient for you and your users.
Hope this helps!
~Joe
PS. Here's a link to the iOS 6 Education Deployment Guide which covers Apple Configurator and more: http://images.apple.com/education/docs/ios_6_education_deployment_guide.pdf . There's also some excellent videos and tutorials on the left side of this page: http://www.apple.com/education/resources/information-technology.html . Good luck with your deployment!!

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