The deployment and maintenance of iOS devices have become a fact of life for organizations worldwide. In this blog series, we’ll be exploring some of the concerns and opportunities facing teams tasked with managing ever more sophisticated environments. We’ll start today by exploring the pre-deployment considerations, and highlight some resources we believe are helpful.
Teams deploying iOS devices often face numerous questions during the planning phase. As their environment constantly evolves, new tools emerge, and so do new threats. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of information available to support teams deploying iOS devices.
Apple Platform Deployment Guide - A frequently updated resource by Apple that makes no assumptions about experience or comfort level with Apple products.
Apple Platform Security Guide - This comprehensive guide is a great resource for CISOs and their teams, providing an in-depth exploration of the security technology behind Apple’s platform.
Besides Apple resources, there’s also a significant amount of information available from various MDM providers such as JAMF, Mosyle, and Intune.
Phones purchased directly from carriers, such as AT&T or Verizon, are typically “locked” to that carrier’s network because the device cost is absorbed as part of a contract agreement. This can be advantageous in a stable environment where a single provider’s coverage meets all needs. However, it may become restrictive if coverage from another provider is stronger in a particular location. On the other hand, “unlocked” phones, owned outright by the company, offer ultimate flexibility but require a larger upfront investment.
Choosing a service provider for an organization is much like choosing a service provider for your personal phone. Cost of service, coverage areas, and access to the hardware you need are big considerations, but so too is the overall “package of benefits”- instead of perks like streaming or travel discounts, you’re looking at additional capabilities (like IoT, SD-WAN or Wi-Fi) that add value and strength to your ecosystem.
It’s a highly competitive market, with a raft of companies whose sole purpose is to provide consultancy services and steer organizations to the right solution for their needs.
Key Factors for Carrier Selection:
• Service cost and coverage area
• Access to necessary hardware
• Added capabilities (e.g., IoT integration, SD-WAN, Wi-Fi)
Let's assume you will be purchasing devices outside your carrier plan. Enterprise-focused vendors can offer structured procurement plans, making it easier to get support for damaged or locked devices.
One of the best ways to ensure you receive comprehensive support and added flexibility is to work with an Apple Authorized provider. These vendors offer a range of benefits that go beyond simply supplying devices. Here's why they stand out:
Choosing the right devices and partners for your enterprise can be a game-changer in terms of operational efficiency and security. In the next part of this series, we’ll dive into best practices for deployment and management, helping you streamline your iOS device strategy.
