Simplifying the Steps Involved with the Volume Purchase Program

The Volume Purchase Program (VPP) from Apple is a fantastic thing and has made it easier for organizations to implement app and eBook distribution for OS X and iOS. It could also, at times, be a bit complicated. But Randon Ruggles and Chris Smalstig were here to help clear up any confusion.

Their session discussed the sequence that events need to occur in order to use VPP to its full potential, and they also filled us in on a few tips to make our workflows more successful. They laid out 5 simple steps for manage VPP distribution:

1. JSS Framework
2. Users
3. VPP Invitations
4. VPP Assignments
5. VPP Content Deployment

In essence, the JSS Framework communicates to ensure that the content is available and that users are able to get what they need. Once the content has been confirmed, VPP invitations are sent out letting the user know what they need to do in order to have the new app or eBook. The VPP assignments confirm that the user can access the new content. And lastly, the VPP content is deployed and the user is able to use their new eBook or app.

Randon stressed that apps can be revoked for iOS and OS X but eBooks cannot. A few tips that they imparted on us were to modify JSS user accounts and smart group permissions to make sure the right eBooks and apps go the right places. An additional, reoccurring tip was to use Self Service to let the user get the content on their own.

A rousing Q&A session followed, with Randon, Chris, and attendees addressing the questions that came forward.

To learn more, check out our on-demand webinar on VPP, as well as Apple’s Device Enrollment Program.

Watch the full video of this session now.