Apple has updated its iOS mass-deployment configuration and management tool, Configurator, to version 1.3. The free app works with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices, and now offers “significantly improved” reliability, scalability and performance, the ability to cancel scheduled or even in-progress operations, and more. There is a new status view that includes time estimates and error information with recovery suggestions, and administrators can now install apps on devices configured to not allow users to install apps.
Configurator features three workflows to let administrators prepare new iOS devices for immediate distribution, supervise devices that need to maintain a standard configuration, and assign devices to users, according to the company. Adminstrators can update, configure, install apps and data and set limits for as many as 30 devices at a time. It allows devices to be enrolled in third-party mobile-device management solutions, and can be used to personalize devices for specific users.
The free app includes a built-in editor to create and install configuration profiles, the ability to import apps and sync them to new devices (requires membership in the Volume Purchase Program for schools or businesses), can add users automatically via Open Directory or Active Directory, organize supervised devices into custom groups and sync documents between assigned devices and Configurator. Admins can also import and export documents between their Mac and Configurator.
The program requires OS X 10.7.5 (Lion) or later.
