An overview of some of the tools available to manage iOS devices as well as some interesting new innovations to plug iPads into existing Windows Active Directory environements.

iPhone Configuration Utility (Free) - Build profiles for any iOS device. Available for PC and Mac.Apple Configurator - Prepare devices for distribution to users, supervise devices that need to maintain a standard configuration, and update up to 30 devices iOS in one hit.iTunes - still a useful tool to roll out a standard image and sync apps to a number of devices until Volume Purchase Programme is available in the UK

Apple's Profile Manager - included with Mac OS X Lion ServerMeraki - Cloud based profile managements and free!Jamf Software - Casper Suite - Licensed productAbsolute Manage from Absolute Software - Licenses product

Profile Manager delivers simple yet powerful ways to set up and remotely manage Mac systems running OS X Lion as well as iOS devices such as iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.

Profile Manager simplifies creation of user accounts for mail, calendars, contacts, and chat; enforcement of restrictions through Mobile Device Management; PIN and password policies; and more.

Integrated with the Apple Push Notification service, Profile Manager can automatically send out updated configurations wirelessly over the air.

Profile Manager also gives users access to a self-service web portal, where they can download and install new configuration profiles. They can use this web portal to perform tasks such as clearing passcodes and remotely locking or wiping devices that are lost or stolen.

Profile Manager can be configured using the Server app.

With a web-based administration console, Profile Manager enables management from any modern web browser. Administrators can define profile settings for individual users, groups, devices, and groups of devices. For group-based management, Profile Manager easily integrates with directory services such as Open Directory, Active Directory, and LDAP.

A Configuration Profile allows an administrator to configure account, policy restriction as well as other settings.

Profile Manager also allows an administrator to view a rich set of data about each device including:

• device information such as model and serial number • networking information such as MAC address and roaming status • a list of applications that are installed on the device; • compliance and security settings

For group-based management, Profile Manager easily integrates with directory services such as Open Directory, Active Directory, and LDAP.

To simplify profile deployment, Profile Manager includes a portal where users can download and install new configuration profiles for their Mac, iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.

Users access this portal within a browser to manage their passcode, set the boot password for their Mac, or remotely lock and/or wipe devices that have been lost or stolen.

With Profile Manager, devices can be enrolled over the air and do not require to be physically tethered.

Profile Manager utilizes the Apple Push Notification Service to ensure immediate and secure notifications to the devices.

And the User portal allows administrators to allow users a self-service mechanism to enroll their devices, download profiles and even remotely lock, wipe or set a firmware password on their devices.

With a web-based administration console, Profile Manager enables management from any modern web browser.

Profile Manager simplifies creation of user accounts for mail, calendars, contacts, and chat; enforcement of restrictions through Mobile Device Management; PIN and password policies; and more.

Profile Manager also gives users access to a self-service web portal, where they can download and install new configuration profiles. They can use this web portal to perform tasks such as clearing passcodes and remotely locking or wiping devices that are lost or stolen.

And Profile Manager also allows an administrator to view a rich set of data about each device.

File Sharing for iPad using Foldr is designed to dramatically simplify access to and saving of documents on iPad. No longer must users tether sync documents to and from the iPad using iTunes.

Users can then access their files directly on their iPad within applications such as Keynote, Pages, Numbers, and Good Reader, or any WebDAV enabled application.

Users can access files stored in their home directories on the server. Or access group folders that they have access to.

Files can be copied from the server to their iPad. Or they can save their files from their iPad to the server.

The web interface for Foldr, which can be accessed from any modern web browser including Internet Explorer 7 and above as well as Firefox, Chrome and Safari.Users log in using their existing Active Directory username and password. The web interface is all wrapped in SSL so is encrypted and secure.

The users home folder is made available as well as any shares that they have access to based on permissions.They can drag and drop files to and from the web interface (unless using Internet Explorer).You can also stream video directly from the server on a mobile device.

From the web interface of Foldr you can also share files to other users on the school network or publicly to users outside of the school network

Set the amount of time before the link expires if at all...

And then you’ll be given a link to pass on to colleagues, post on the VLE or Wiki and a QR code that can then be printed or made available for mobile users around the campus.

If someone follows a public link they will be directed to a site allowing them to download the file.

If they follow a link to a private file they will be prompted to enter their own username and password before they can download the file.

Foldr delivers wireless file sharing for iPad using your existing Windows infrastructre

OS X Server makes it easy for groups to collaborate and communicate through their own wiki-powered intranet website complete with group calendar and blog.

With OS X Lion Server, groups are able to set up their own wiki-powered website to facilitate and enhance their collaboration and communications. They can create and edit wikis and individual pages, tag and cross-reference material, upload files and images, create tables, and add comments. And because the wiki is accessible from a browser, team members can always be on the same page.

It’s simple to share files on a wiki. Each wiki has a document repository where users can upload their files, preview documents, or download files to their local computer.

The Wiki calendar allows members to view upcoming milestones as as well as group meetings.

New features in the Lion Server Wiki include:

New page editor: easier than ever for users to customize the content of their wiki: add hyperlinks and links between pages; change formatting; insert custom HTML, tables, movies, and images; and upload attachments.

Document sharing: simple and easy way to share files on a wiki. Each wiki has a document repository where users can upload their files, preview documents, or download files to their local computer.

Email notifications: when a page has been updated or comments have been added, email notifications can be automatically sent to wiki users. Multiple change notices are sent in a single mail message every couple of hours.

People browser: each user can have their own page where they can share documents and web pages. The People Browser allows for easy navigation and discovery of these pages.