JAMF Software has released Casper Suite 8.3, which adds support for Apple's recent updates. JAMF's new version of the client management suite adds configuration profiles for Lion clients as well as support for iOS 5 and iPhone 4S as managed devices. There are also other new features for managing supported Mac OS X clients. The Casper Suite enables administrator to manage iOS 4, iOS 5, and Mac clients from a single console.
Casper Suite 8.3 can now set computer-level and user-level Configuration Profiles for OS X Lion computers. Using a similar interface to that used to manage iOS Configuration Profiles, the JSS can now set and deploy Configuration Profiles to OS X Lion computers. Configuration Profiles are compatible with the Managed Preferences settings templates built into the Casper Suite, enabling sites to use the suite to upgrade Macs to Mac OS X 10.7 The Casper Suite can be used to help deploy Lion's FileVault 2 disk encryption feature on a large scale.
For iOS, administrators can manage the new settings in iOS 5, including settings related to iCloud. The Casper Suite 8.3 can also automatically deploy App Store apps to iOS 5 devices using push notifications. Administrators can use Volume Purchase Program (VPP) codes to distribute paid iOS apps.
The update also enables administrators to distribute App Store apps as managed apps, enabling the configuration of app security settings and the ability to remove app data. This includes integration with directory services and user-level installation of security and settings Configuration Profiles.
Casper Suite attempts to leverage Active Directory and the information it provides in order to centrally manage iOS devices. The client management suite can control software licenses, activating and deactiviating when needed on Macs and mobile devices. It provides inventory and configuration, and settings management in the form of policies. Casper Suite 8.x also provides a console for distributing iOS apps wirelessly, including apps from the App Store those created in-house.