Apple extends Enterprise support for iOS 5 devices

Oct 14, 2011 10:01 GMT  ·  By

Apple has released iPhone Configuration Utility 3.4 for Mac OS X and Windows. The utility lets you manage and integrate iPhones in Enterprise systems.

Apple spawned iPhone Configuration Utility to enable IT administrators to create, maintain, encrypt, and install configuration profiles on iPhones in their organization.

Their boss might also tell them to track and install provisioning profiles and authorized applications on staff iPhones, as well as capture device information (e.g.: console logs), and they can employ the utility for that too.

Apple also explains a bit about how iPhone Configuration Utility works, but nothing about the purpose of updating the software to version 3.4.

“Configuration profiles are XML files that 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 company says.

Luckily, we know Apple recently released iOS 5 and that’s basically the main reason why the iPhone Configration utility got updated as well.

Now that it’s supported under with iOS 5, IT admins can download the 14 MB package on their Mac or Windows machines and re-enable compatibility.

Supported Languages include Deutsch, English, Français, Chinese, Español, Italiano, and Nederlands, according to Apple.

System requirements include Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, Windows 7, and .NET 3.5 SP1.

Those interested in deploying iPhone in the Enterprise can visit Apple here to learn how to integrate iOS devices with their enterprise systems. This includes mail, calendaring and VPN, as well as instructions on how to create and distribute custom configuration profiles and applications.

As an additional note, Apple reveals that iOS 5 devices integrate with Microsoft Exchange 2003, 2007, and 2010, and they can communicate directly with a Microsoft Exchange Server via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (EAS).

Download iPhone Configuration Utility for Mac OS X (Free)

Download iPhone Configuration Utility for Windows (Free)