The hype of the release of iOS 7 has died down since mid-September, and Apple has released one software update that fixed known bugs in the code that presented security risks. The promise of making iOS 7 more business-friendly was floating around for months prior to the release of this software, but has it really stepped up to what was advertised? The look of iOS 7 is juvenile - gone is the sleek, sophisticated appearance of traditional Apple apps, home screens, and even the unlock buttons. Now we are left with what looks like a basic Windows or Android iOS, neither of which have that professional image that Apple used to portray.
Upon first glance and a few quick scrolls through the integrated applications, it doesn't look like Apple make this new software enterprise-ready. Nothing is really different in my calendar or mail apps, and I don't find that they are easier to navigate or integrate. But, the iOS 7 upgrade has enabled functionality that did not exist in previous versions. There is now new Mobile Device Management support for iOS 7 devices available to companies to lock down and keep tabs upon their corporate phones. The Enterprise SSO support helps users access corporate apps without having to enter credentials for each different app. And there is the per app VPN functionality to protect the data within an app during transmission.
Apple had made some great improvements in phone security with the release of iOS 7, so it definitely is a better option for most companies. They offer a remote lock functionality with their Find my iPhone offering. This allows businesses to remotely lock a phone if it reported as lost or stolen. Find my iPhone can be managed through MDM systems, as well.
Apple has expanded their MDM capabilities to include control over Bluetooth pairings and personal hotspot usage, prevention of users from changing accounts on the device, and verify that specific phone settings are in place. MDM can ensure that only authorized apps are configured to open and share important documents and files.
Per-app VPNs allow the company to manage specific application data while not having to control or run all user traffic through their own network. Each VPN is managed by the IT department, but users do not notice a difference in speed or usability once the tunnel is established.
And the introduction of a functional biometric fingerprint sensor adds a new way to authenticate to the phone. Its security is still up for question and may not be right for a company issuing corporate phones, as this is not a second factor of authentication. The sensor is an alternative to the passcode for the lock screen. A passcode still must be set on the device, though, which means a more complex code could be enforced.
Apple has produced a few additional opportunities to help companies bring iPhones into the enterprise, but there are still questions that need answering and uncertainty around usability, control and security. However, I think as more people adapt to iOS 7 and more experience is built up around the MDM functionalities available, this will quickly become a contender for enterprise phone offerings.
