Mobil+Device+Managment

Mobil Device Management (MDM) MDM is software that secures, monitors, manages, and supports mobile devices within an business or educational institution. By controlling and protecting the data and configuration settings for all mobile devices in the network, MDM can reduce support costs and business risks. The intent of MDM is to optimize the functionality and security of a mobile communications network while minimizing cost and downtime (From: [|Wikipedia]). //**When deciding which MDM service to support in your institution, there are 3 major things to consider (When discussing iPads):**//
 * 1) Is there an educational discount?
 * 2) Does the MDM System integrate with Apple's VPP? Only necessary if you plan on giving the software to the students. -chris
 * 3) You need an MDM System if you are using the Layered or Institutional Deployment Models (See the iPad Deployment Models page for more information). Actually Apple Configurator is needed, which is technically not an MDM. The MDM can complement Configurator by wirelessly pushing settings. -chris

//**Options:**//
 * Profile Manager 2 (Apple's version of MDM):
 * Advantages:
 * Can support up to 5,000 Devices
 * You can use the same interface to push out profiles to iOS devices and macs (IT Benefit)
 * Profile based Management
 * Over the Air Updates
 * Cost- Free?
 * Disadvantages:
 * Does not support VPP
 * JAMF Casper
 * March 22nd Meeting to discuss this option UPDATE:
 * Looks a lot like Apple's Profile Manager
 * Same management capabilities as Profile Manager, as it uses the same Framework of options
 * It provides the ability to create Smart Groups which allows you to keep an eye on your devices, i.e. Which devices have Cydia installed (jailbreak store), which devices have not checked in within the past 48 hours? Emails can be sent based on these triggers
 * When devices are enrolled a full inventory is collected; basic reports can be generated. Customization of reports or fields collected is not currently supported
 * Supports VPP code importing. NOTE: Any apps deployed by any MDM send the user to the iTunes store for redemption. Thus the iTunes account in use becomes the owner of the app, i.e. the student would then own the app.

//**What to keep in mind when using an MDM System:**//
 * Students can essentially "Turn Off" the profile, and jail break the iPad. If they do this, we can have the iPad setup so that they automatically lose several important features, including:
 * Wireless Internet Passwords
 * All apps that the institution has paid for will 'disappear' from the students iPad