Learn how to efficiently deploy and manage VPP applications through Apple Business Manager and Primo for centralized, automated installation, license management, and enhanced security across your organization's devices.

Introduction to VPP Applications

VPP (Volume Purchase Program) applications are part of the Apple Business Manager (ABM) framework. They allow organizations to purchase and distribute macOS and iOS app licenses in bulk across devices managed through an MDM.

Instead of asking each employee to install an app via the App Store, VPP makes it possible to deploy and manage applications in a centralized, secure, and automated way.

Benefits of VPP Deployment

• Automatic installation: apps are deployed from the App Store without user intervention

• License management: easy assignment and reassignment of licenses

• Enhanced security: only Apple-verified applications are installed

• Efficiency: no more manual installations

• Standardization: centralized and consistent deployment across all devices

Prerequisites for app deployment

Prerequisites for managing app deployment on your devices:

1. Activate Zero-Touch Deployment in Factorial IT: if not already done, you can connect your ABM in your MDM Settings.
2. Establish the VPP (Volume Purchase Program) link between your ABM and Factorial IT (FleetDM):
   • in ABM:
     • Access the Sites section and create a new site (if necessary)
     • Generate a VPP token from this site
   • in FleetDM (Factorial IT):
     • Go to the Software > Add > App Store (VPP) tab
     • Select the "No Team" Team
     • Import the VPP token

In case of migration, you will need to terminate the VPP link with your previous MDM. Once the VPP link is active in FleetDM and the apps are ready to be deployed, ask the previous MDM to remove its VPP link. This may result in the automatic removal of apps installed via this link. You can then redeploy the applications automatically via FleetDM (tutorial below)

Install an VPP application

In ABM:

1. Add the application to your ABM (Apps and Books tab)
2. Add a sufficient number of licenses

In FleetDM:

1. Go to the Software > Add > App Store (VPP) tab
2. For each desired application:
   • Select the application from the list
   • In Deployment Options, refine your audience and deployment mode:
   • The deployment mode ("Install Automatically" or "Available for Install")
   • The target (Target), e.g.: "All devices" or a specific group
   • Click on Add Software
   • Repeat the operation for each app to deploy

Update VPP application

When an app was installed before enrolling the device you can manage its update in FleetDM:

1. Go to Host > Software > Library
2. On the application you want to update, just click install