Managing iOS Devices in Enterprise - From Basics with iTunes (Part 2)

While not a centralized and scalable enterprise device management option, it is worth examining iTunes as the first step in iOS device management. Apple iTunes is widely known in consumer segment for managing iOS devices. It also might be used in enterprise by users to sync-up their iOS device with computer, backup and other purposes if allowed by their organization. iTunes is a free download from Apple and runs on Windows and Mac OS X. Devices are connected via USB. Apple iTunes can be used for devices management in small businesses or units, but the administration is very manual process with limited set of capabilities compared to Apple Configurator 2 and Mobile Device Management solutions described later.

Apple iTunes

Besides the familiar consumer focused features like iTunes Store, managing TV shows, listening Apple Music and radio, very basic functions of device management include:  

• Synchronize mail settings with your Mac  
• Synchronize contacts and calendar with your Mac  
• Using parental controls in your Mac, disabling Podcasts, Radio, iTunes Store and other contents  
• Manage apps and books 
• Backup and restore iOS devices using computer or iCloud 
• Update iOS 

The possible use of this tool in enterprise would be at a small scale on per-user basis, in case of trials or limited roll-outs without immediate plans to use more advanced tools like Apple Configurator or MDM. It is further limited by the necessity of actually connecting each device via USB cable to perform device management. The lack of capabilities in meeting enterprise level device requirements means that you might not see this tool used as central device management solution in large organizations. 

More details on iTunes in Enterprise can be found here: 

http://help.apple.com/iosdeployment/itunes/mac/1.2/