Configurator and VPP

[Sheridan]

Hmm, do apple themselves even understand their licensing?

 

We use configurator to push out configuration and apps to some ipads. Having set up a vpp account we obviously want to use this for all apps, free or paid.

 

So why does the configurator not let me add free apps using the vpp account, as 'This apple id is associated with the Volume Purchase Programme for Education' - well I know that, thats why I set it up!

[Foresthippy]

Wherever we've set it up, the VPP ID is used only for purchasing the codes. We then use another normal ID to redeem a code in itunes and import the codes into configurator.

[Sheridan]

This is where I want to strangle apple - we need a vpp login, then another one to download from the apps store to deploy via the Configurator. But then we're not supposed to use the same login for multiple devices!

 

Apple really haven't got over their one device=one user mentality.

[Brent99]

Although it doesn't help you immediately it seems as though apple are looking to address this with the release of OS X server version 5

 

The below is in the Developer Notes for OS X Server 5

 

Profile Manager

• Profile Manager supports new MDM commands and queries as well as Configuration Profile payloads and settings introduced in iOS 9 Beta 1 and OS X v10.11 Developer Beta 1.

iOS and OS X

• Device-based VPP app assignment —You can assign VPP apps to devices instead of a user’s Apple ID. This allows for the installation of VPP apps on iOS devices and Mac computers without configuring an Apple ID or sending an invitation.

• VPP Managed Distribution migration—You can migrate apps already installed on a device from assignment to a user’s Apple ID to assignment to that device without deleting the app or user data.

iOS 9

• App installation improvements—App Store apps can be installed even if the App Store is disabled. This includes newly assigned apps and app updates.

[Brimstone]

This is where I want to strangle apple - we need a vpp login, then another one to download from the apps store to deploy via the Configurator. But then we're not supposed to use the same login for multiple devices!

 

Apple really haven't got over their one device=one user mentality.

 

Apple iD's set up for VPP have to be secure, that is why they can not be used the app store in iTunes. You will need an iTunes Apple iD to download free apps and first redemption code on the spreadsheet.

 

There is nothing different here from other licensing vendors do you suppose you MS, Adobe, Google let you use the same login users and licensing for Office EES licences, Creative Cloud LWA and Goggle Apps, I think not.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Although it doesn't help you immediately it seems as though apple are looking to address this with the release of OS X server version 5

 

The below is in the Developer Notes for OS X Server 5

 

Profile Manager

• Profile Manager supports new MDM commands and queries as well as Configuration Profile payloads and settings introduced in iOS 9 Beta 1 and OS X v10.11 Developer Beta 1.

iOS and OS X

• Device-based VPP app assignment —You can assign VPP apps to devices instead of a user’s Apple ID. This allows for the installation of VPP apps on iOS devices and Mac computers without configuring an Apple ID or sending an invitation.

• VPP Managed Distribution migration—You can migrate apps already installed on a device from assignment to a user’s Apple ID to assignment to that device without deleting the app or user data.

iOS 9

• App installation improvements—App Store apps can be installed even if the App Store is disabled. This includes newly assigned apps and app updates.

 

 

I wouldn't go anywhere near Profile Manager for managing large numbers of iPads

[Brent99]

Yes I agree, I'm not a fan of Profile Manager however with them allowing Device Based VPP through their internal MDM system i image third party MDM solutions will also be able to adopt it.