# The Progression of Apple Device Administration in Educational and Business Sectors
The realm of technology within education and enterprise has experienced a remarkable shift over the last ten years, especially following the launch and widespread use of Apple devices. The iPad, notably, has transformed the ways in which students engage in learning and how organizations function. Yet, overseeing these devices at scale has posed distinct challenges, prompting the creation of more advanced management solutions.
## The Initial Phase: Obstacles with iPad Rollout
Prior to the debut of the iPad, Apple had already made its mark in K-12 education, mainly through the use of MacBook carts for learning. The iPad, retailing at $499, ignited a mobility transformation, becoming favored by both learners and educators. Nonetheless, the early enthusiasm was tempered by the operational hurdles encountered by IT teams responsible for device management.
Apple’s device management framework was still developing, and the company found it difficult to keep up with the swift uptake of its offerings. The launch of the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) in 2011 sought to simplify app distribution for educational institutions, but its execution was unwieldy. IT teams were required to manually distribute app codes, frequently resorting to antiquated methods such as syncing devices with iTunes, which proved to be labor-intensive and ineffective.
## The Advent of Apple Configurator
In 2012, Apple progressed by launching Apple Configurator, a macOS application crafted to assist IT administrators in configuring multiple iPads at once. While it enhanced the process of installing applications and managing configurations, it still depended heavily on the VPP for app distribution, which continued to be an cumbersome process. IT teams routinely encountered issues with app redemption codes, leading to frustration and delays.
Despite its shortcomings, Apple Configurator became a critical tool for smaller educational institutions and one-off configurations, significantly cutting down the time needed to prepare devices compared to the iTunes method.
## A Pivotal Moment: Device Enrollment Program (DEP)
Acknowledging the necessity for a more effective solution, Apple launched the Device Enrollment Program (DEP) in 2014. This initiative enabled schools and enterprises to automate the configuration of iPads and Macs, ensuring that devices were automatically enrolled in a management solution upon unboxing, based on their serial numbers. This represented a crucial change in Apple’s approach to device management, setting the stage for future developments.
In the years that followed, Apple continued to refine its enterprise tools, incorporating features like Managed ‘Open In,’ new macOS device management commands, and enhanced configuration profile settings. These enhancements resolved numerous issues faced by IT departments.
## The Unveiling of Apple School Manager and Apple Business Manager
By 2018, Apple had crystallized its strategy for device management with the introduction of Apple School Manager and Apple Business Manager. These platforms integrated the functionalities of VPP and DEP, resulting in a single interface for managing devices, applications, and Apple IDs. This consolidation simplified the licensing process, enabling administrators to assign, revoke, and reassign app licenses wirelessly, effectively removing the complications tied to the initial VPP setup.
The rollout of Managed Apple Accounts further streamlined the procedure for creating and overseeing Apple IDs for students, educators, and employees, facilitating the large-scale deployment of Apple devices within organizations.
## Zero-Touch Deployment and Future Developments
As the decade came to a close, Apple had revamped its device management offerings, turning a once cumbersome process into an efficient and trustworthy system. Zero-touch deployments became easy to configure and implement, allowing organizations to set up devices without manual engagement.
Apple’s enterprise product and engineering teams merit commendation for their contributions in enhancing device management. The advancements achieved during the 2010s laid a crucial foundation for the expansion of Apple’s enterprise revenue and ensured the company retained its status as a significant player in both the educational and business fields.
## Conclusion
The journey of Apple device management has been punctuated by key milestones that have reshaped how organizations deploy and oversee their devices. From the initial struggles of large-scale iPad management to the launch of advanced solutions like Apple School Manager and Apple Business Manager, Apple has consistently evolved to address the requirements of its users. As technology continues to advance, it will be intriguing to observe how Apple further innovates its device management tools to accommodate the ever-changing needs of education and enterprise.
For organizations aiming to simplify their Apple device management, solutions like Mosyle provide a cohesive platform to efficiently deploy, manage, and safeguard Apple devices, making it simpler than ever to ensure that technology boosts productivity and learning.
