Q: Ipad for Large scale deployment in K12

Similar questions ahve come up in the past, but without the cloud approach...try doing some searches on iPad and schools, various forms of "school" and see what comes up.  There was a thread not too many months ago about a headmaster working through how to maintain iPads for his entire school.  Can't remember the exact subject line at this point but sounded like it would help with what you want.

Start by reading this:

http://images.apple.com/education/docs/IOS_5_Education_Deployment_Guide.pdf

Also, read up on the new Apple Configurator http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/enterprise/

You may wish to follow an institutional deployment model for K-7 and a 1:1 model for 8-12 where students 13 and older can create their own apple ids.  If you are planning on using the new iBOOKs textbooks a 1:1 model would most appropriate.

You will also want to look at an enterprise MDM solution such as Airwatch or Zenprise.

Talk to the people at the iPad Educators Ning - someone there can likely point you in the right direction - or the EdTech Listserv.

Apple Configurator is specifically designed for this. You use one Mac to install iOS, backups, and apps on any number of devices, and those devices are automatically restored to their configured state whenever they are reconnected to Apple Configurator.  You can use the VPP redemption codes to mass-install an app on a fleet of devices, with the administrator owning the app instead of having students download them.

Apple Configurator requires a Mac with Lion 10.7.2 and is free in the Mac App store.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-configurator/id434433123?mt=12

From what I have read so far, Administrators still need to connect to a Mac/Windows etc. per device to add new Apps purchased. I am still researching. Also, does the terminology "connecting to the Apple Configurator" translate to plugging in your iDevice into a Mac/PC?

Connecting to the Apple Configurator means attaching the device via USB to a Mac running Os Lion 10.7.2 or above .

It does not run on Windows. You could have a Mac on a cart with up to 30 devices on the cart connecting to the Apple Configurator installed on it.

This company is claiming to have what you ask for.  Your looking for: iOS mobile device management (MDM).

http://www.jamfsoftware.com/

"iOS mobile device management (MDM)

With an unmatched breadth of features, a Self Service console for over-the-air (OTA) distribution of in-house and app store apps, and integration with Apple's Volume Purchase Program (VPP), the Casper Suite allows administrators to easily achieve the four major tenets of iOS mobile device management: Inventory, Configuration, Security Management, and App Distribution."

http://www.jamfsoftware.com/products/casper-suite

Robert

JAMF is very Apple oriented, if you plan on ever managing other platforms it is not the way to go and you will need Macs to manage it and  yOur options for active directory integration are limited. If you are pure a pure Apple shop it is a good choice.

You may  also want to look at a more platform agnostic enterprise MDM solution such as Airwatch or Zenprise.

Dear mwalthour:

We are iSchool Campus LLC and we specialize in large scale iPad and Mac educational deployments.  We have deployed in over 8 schools across the country in the K12 environment.  We utilize the native Mac OS and special tools and Apps that we developed for seamless, high density iPad deployment.  We also utilize special network and wireless technology that allows unubstructed high density wireless operation of the iPad.  We deploy iPads to every student in the school all at once (if desired).  It is possible to easily manage more than 500-700 iPads with only 1 tech support person on premesis.  Our tech person usually spends more time helping the school and teachers integrate curriculum, Apps, etc. than troubleshooting the system.  The success comes by helping the schools achieve excellent academic standards through engaging the students and making learning exciting on this very capable learning device.

Deployments are scaleable with over 1500 iPad devices possible in one school with easy integration on proven systems that work.  We would love to discuss with you.

Steve  

steve@ischoolcampus.com

The best tool out there now is AirWatch www.airwatch.com. They have a full offering that would easily address your needs. We deployed airwatch 6 months ago and are very pleased with it (marketing and sales business). I also attended there conference this past week in Atlanta and meet with various other industries using the tool. School systems, aerospace, retail, and plenty of others.

Depending on your internal Information Technology staff you could use Profile Manager. Profile Manger is the built-in mobile device manager in OSX. The licensing is very cost effective (all you can eat). You'd basically be paying for the server (about $1,000 with software) and then all the devices you're managing.

Airwatch is a good tool, but for the iOS platform I haven't seen it offer any major features that Profile Manager doesn't have. There's also monthly costs involved with Airwatch so for an educational environment it could be cost prohibitive. One major advantage to Airwatch would be that it's cloud based. If you don't have a lot of IT resources that does make it the best choice.

Depending on your environment and resources you could go a lot of directions. You're looking for an MDM (Mobile Device Management) solution. Good Luck!

Hexnode MDM allows you to import policies to users or groups of users. You can also apply policies to an existing user group in active directory. You don't have to manually add users if you already have an active directory of users.

Refer MDM for Education, Mobility Management and iPad Management Software for Schools.