Major Improvement to Apple Volume Purchase Program

Apple released an update to the Volume Purchase Program

Purpose of the Volume Purchase Program

The Volume Purchase Program makes it easy for educational institutions to purchase iOS apps in volume and distribute those apps to users. The Volume Purchase Program also allows app developers to offer special pricing for purchases of 20 apps or more.

Participating in the Program

To participate in the program, you or someone from your educational institution can enroll to become a Program Manager. The Program Manager will set up and manage Program Facilitators using provided management tools. A Program Facilitator is anyone in your organization who will redeem Volume Vouchers, buy codes for apps, and then distribute the codes to end users.

Changes:

1. Simplification of the "Sign Up" procedures as it is now a completely "online" sign up process. 
   
   • You do not have to submit a spreadsheet to create "Program Facilitators".
   • You will manage "Program Facilitator Accounts" completely online with a "Program Manager" account.
2. Apple has introduced the "Program Manager" position. 
   • The Purchase Program Manager is an individual authorized by the institution to manage Program Facilitators. 
   • Link to Signup: http://edu-vpp.apple.com/asvpp.html
   • Apple will approve the Program Manager account within 5 days.
   • Program Manager Account does not have to be a unique email as it can be tied into an existing Apple account.  
3. The Volume Purchase Program was built with flexibility and it continues to evolve and improve.
4. Overview of the VPP program: http://www.apple.com/itunes/education/
5. Actual Purchase of Vouchers continues without any changes.

Volume Purchase Program - How is it going for you?

The VPP has sparked negative feelings toward these devices from a school management perspective based on discussions that I have had in person and within posts that I have read like Tony's at Learninginhand.com.

I have been taking a closer look at the Volume Purchase Program process now that I have had more time to let it sink in.  The process is not perfect at this point and I understand why some are concerned.  I do know that the process needed to be cleaned up and it was probably very difficult to fix the process from a technical standpoint.  My prediction is that the Volume Pricing Program won't be considered as cumbersome as it appears once it gets vetted more thoroughly through actual practice.  Additionally, I would guess that the process will be improved through time as well.

 

Important questions moving forward ...

1. Has anyone successfully gone through the entire process and purchased apps?
2. How is it going if you have?
3. What are the stumbling blocks if any?
4. Are there concerns with the process (if you have gone through it.)?
5. How has the program impacted your thoughts on whether or not you will want to continue to purchase apps through the program?

The key to remember in my opinion is that this platform is a paradigm shift in every way.  The problem really lies in the fact that they are amazing devices, they can really make an impact on education, and yet they were developed to be personal devices. Schools are asking Apple to transform these devices for an educational purpose when schools often require strict management versus open access.  

I certainly remember when the "Personal Computer" was difficult to manage for schools in the early adoption days. Well ... Here's hoping for positive feedback on this issue!