14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has posted a new version of its iPhone Configuration Utility for Mac OS X and Windows, the tool that allows administrators to create, maintain, encrypt, and install configuration profiles, track and install provisioning profiles and authorized applications, as well as capture device information, including console logs.
Over its Support area, Apple weighs in on configuration profiles explaining that these XML files contain “device security policies, VPN configuration information, Wi-Fi settings, APN settings, Exchange account settings, mail settings, and certificates that permit iPhone and iPod touch to work with your enterprise systems.” The Mac maker then directs users to the Enterprise iPhone Support area of its web site, where it offers more information on how to integrate iOS devices with enterprise systems.
There, users can download the Enterprise Deployment Guide, access the iPhone Discussions forums with a focus on the Enterprise, download the latest versions of iPhone Configuration Utility for Mac and Windows, and learn how to handle Exchange ActiveSync.
Download iPhone Configuration Utility for Mac (Free)
Download iPhone Configuration Utility for Windows (Free)
Upon introducing iOS 4 to the world, Apple touted the software as enterprise-ready thanks to the addition of several new features and enhanced security. “iOS 4 works with Microsoft Exchange and standards-based servers to deliver over-the-air push email, calendar, and contacts,” Apple said. “iOS 4 protects your data by encrypting information in three separate areas: in transmission, at rest on the device, and when backed up to iTunes. You can securely access private corporate networks through industry-standard VPN protocols. And companies can easily deploy iPhone across an enterprise using configuration profiles,” the company added.
Apple ranks highest among both consumer and business smartphone owners, according to J.D. Power, a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors across a variety of industries, including market research, automotive forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence, and customer satisfaction.