We know that migrating iOS devices over to a new mobile device management (MDM) platform may seem daunting. However, with a bit of planning, you can minimise disruptions at your school and make it as painless as possible.

This post highlights some things to consider, before migrating your iOS devices. If you'd like some more tips, you can download our free, iOS migration guide here or tap the button below.

Now, let's look at some things you should consider when planning your MDM migration.

1. Check and compare MDM features

Every MDM platform has its own feature set and the Mobile Guardian MDM will most likely do things your old one can’t. However the reverse is also true. Investigate which features you currently use and check whether Mobile Guardian offers them. If not, research alternatives that could work just as well.

1. Decide how you’ll enrol devices

If using Apple’s Device Enrolment Program (DEP) or Apple School Manager, you’ll be able to automatically enrol and setup new devices remotely. Simply login in to the DEP portal and move each device across to Mobile Guardian. Set aside some time for this process, as even though the Apple servers handle the changes relatively quickly, it isn’t instantaneous.

1. Decide how to handle device wipes

When migrating iOS devices between MDM vendors, you’ll need to wipe them. Investigate whether your current MDM provider allows you to do this remotely. If not, you’ll need to wipe the devices manually. Sadly this is a lengthy process, but it will be worth it in the end. We suggest you carry out the migration at the end of the school term. To save time, organise with teachers that devices be collected in class and dropped at your office.

1. Do you use VPP to push apps?

VPP uses a token to synchronize apps between an MDM server and Apple. When you install a token on some MDM servers, the server takes over the apps for the VPP account. This means it could potentially remove all apps from other MDM servers. If you’re not ready for an MDM server to remove apps from devices still in enrolled in your old MDM, then you may be in for a surprise. Do the prep work and stay two steps ahead.

1. Double-check your certificates

When you move to your new Mobile Guardian platform, you’ll need to move to a new MDM server. Ensure you’ve got all the required certificates, like your APNS before making the move.

1. Plan for the unforeseeable

We all know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men, so be prepared that some things might not go exactly to plan. Build some time into your plan to accommodate delays caused by unforeseeable problems.

1. Download our iOS migration guide

You can find all these tips and more in our handy migration guide. You can download our free guide here or tap the button below.

Onwards,

Robyn Hobson

Team Mobile Guardian