[ipad] iOS 9 - VPP device assignment

[Network_Boy]

We currently use Meraki as our iPad MDM. We have 180 iPads, but we can continue to use Meraki for free as we had it before they changed their licensing to only allow 100 devices for free.

 

Anyhoo - I wanted to try out the new iOS9 feature of VPP device assignment with Meraki, so that I could silently push apps to our shared student iPads without an Apple ID. However, I have now realised that you can only do this with a fully paid licensed Meraki Systems Manager account.

 

Firstly, does anyone know how much it costs for the fully paid up Meraki version that allows you to do this? Secondly, does anyone know if there is a freeware way to do this, other than Meraki? Thanks gang.

[Brimstone]

No Freeware way to do this, and although I can't give yo confirmed prices for the paid for version I know that is one of the most expensive!

[fredbayker]

What if you had two accounts with a 100 devices each. Just a thought that's all...

[dloudon96]

Brimstone - I said that to Meraki on the phone and they said that both the account would get deleted as you're not allowed to do it and it goes against their regulations.

[biz]

We have quite a few more iOS devices that the 100 device limit, so in March I asked for a quote for licences. I didn't ask for the price of a 1 year licence, but for 3 years they came in at around £6.50 per device per year and if we're willing to sign up for 5 years it is around £5.90 per device per year.

 

As yet the powers that be have not decided on how we're going to move forwards.

[Network_Boy]

Blimey - that seems quite expensive on the face of it. I guess I won't know for sure until I get in some quotes for other MDM solutions.

[Brimstone]

Blimey - that seems quite expensive on the face of it. I guess I won't know for sure until I get in some quotes for other MDM solutions.

 

 

Expensive.......?

 

So you've invested in devices that cost around £300 each and you don't feel you should be investing in a good MDM solution for them? A good MDM solution is critical to make projects like this a success.

[robsonma]

Yes we have had a couple of quotes and they have come back at £5-£6 per device, if you had 2 Meraki accounts this would not work, as your Volume Purchase apple id could only be used under one Mareki account.

we have had meraki and still use Meraki, Lightspeed and Air Watch and Casper, only just had demo's.

i again had the same reaction it was quite expensive per device per year.

[SpaceInvader83]

Yes we have had a couple of quotes and they have come back at £5-£6 per device, if you had 2 Meraki accounts this would not work, as your Volume Purchase apple id could only be used under one Mareki account.

we have had meraki and still use Meraki, Lightspeed and Air Watch and Casper, only just had demo's.

i again had the same reaction it was quite expensive per device per year.

 

I use our VPP ID over 2 different Meraki accounts no problems (Following a Primary moving onto site with half an existing Meraki setup)