Has anyone successfully implemented app store management to address the issue of having multiple apps released by different areas within the same company, where no one has overall accountability? Any experiences or insights that you can share?
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I currently manage all our iOS devices through a combination of Apple Business Manager and the MDM service JamFNow. All iPads and iPhones that are supplied by us to management and sales personnel are joined to ABM using the Apple Configurator on my own device. I used to use the Apple Configurator application on my PowerBook, but the iPhone app is actually more reliable. Once the device has been joined through ABM, It is assigned to JamFNow MDM. iOS apps are chosen through the Apple Business Manager admin account, and then synched to JamFNow. Within that MDM platform, I have profiles depending on the position or department, deploying the specific apps needed to each device as a group. With an MDM solution, you have the ability to lock devices in case of theft or loss, assign users, adjust preferences, etc. I have had good service through their tech support, and they are very helpful and responsive. Within the preferences, I have blocked the ability to log into iCloud, iTunes, etc. so phones do not get converted into unusable bricks when people leave the company. I remove all the apps unnecessary for business like news, iHome, etc. and they can't add them. If an app is requested by an individual that meets business requirements, I can add it singly to their specific device. If there are issues with an app and it needs reinstalled? Easy. When people supply their own phones, all bets are off. We mandate all managers and sales team members be supplied a work phone, and I keep them configured with minimal headaches.
Thank you Michael for your time and attention, but actually I need to manage all the apps our organization delivers, not the devices. <br>Regards.
When using an MDM like JamFNow, you alone as an administrator volume purchase the apps you want used. Then you set up a Blueprint for a role such as Sales. You then add the apps you want on those devices. You can also control which default Apple apps are used. You can prevent them from adding their own apps. If a salesperson needs an addition app for business, such as a conference app, you can add that specific app to that specific device. You can remove apps and add them for a custom experience to a specific device. So you not only control the device, you control the apps. They also have a way for people to enroll their personal devices, so if that is a concern, they have a method for that.
All of our devices (laptops/mobile) have company portal installed, all pre-approved apps are contained within this one repository. Staff can download apps only from this source, everything else is locked down. In order to download anything not contained in company portal there's a process that must be followed to have the application loaded into the portal. This all flows directly through IT. Similar to Michael, I also manage Apple devices via ABM so this offers an additional level of control.