WWDC Keynote: Enterprise updates and features

Since Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote address, this blog has covered many of the features that were unveiled including OS X Yosemite and iOS 8. While many will have an impact of businesses that use Apple support for their business, there were also several features that are designed specifically for the enterprise.

During the address, Craig Federighi, the senior vice president of Software Engineering at Apple, said that iOS has been a major success in the enterprise, as 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies are using devices that run the operating system. This is because the company's rely on the business ready software to complete critical tasks.

Several new or improved iOS 8 features were unveiled. This includes:

  • Expanded data protection with long-form password protection of Calendar, Contacts, Mail, Messages, Notes, Reminders and more including third-party data
  • Per-message encryption allowing users to protect individual mail messages
  • VIP threads where users can subscribe to important email threads and receive notification from them on the lock screen
  • Automatic reply messages directly from the device
  • Calendar apps allows meeting available, private events, repeating meets at custom intervals and mail attendees right from the app.

The company also spoke about the "Device Enrollment Program." While this is not a new service, it was worthy of a mention on stage. The program allows companies to issue shrink wrapped iPhones and iPads to employees that are auto-configured with the company network and applications right out of the box.

This year's WWDC unveiled several interesting features. With the help of a Mac consulting firm, any business will be able to make a run at new systems and features.