How to Add a Profile to Cisco AnyConnect VPN
The popularity of VPN services makes developing apps for iOS, Android and macOS a lucrative proposition, but it can be difficult to get right. After all, creating a successful VPN app takes more than just programming the app itself – you also have to consider the device you’ll use to access the service and the network you’ll be connecting to.
You can make things easier by following a few tried and tested steps. This article will run down those steps, so you can develop a robust VPN app in no time. Let’s get started.
Step one: Choose your device
When developing an app, you first need to consider what device you’ll use to run the app. Bear in mind that not all of them are created equal, and some are more suited to certain tasks than others. For example, if your app will be accessing resources on a corporate network, you’ll likely want to develop for iOS devices as they are more secure and have more features for managing corporate accounts and passwords.
If, however, you are developing an app to handle the day-to-day operations for a personal use, you may choose to develop on a tablet (e.g. iPad) or a laptop computer.
The first step is to establish what type of device you’ll be using for the app. This will largely determine how you can approach and design your app. If you are developing for iOS, you may also want to consider using their universal profile feature to make the setup and use of your app more convenient for your users. With this feature, users can simply sign in to the app using their Apple ID and password – no previous setup required. This is a great feature for users who want to use your app but aren’t familiar with VPNs or security protocols. It also makes it much easier for users to use your app even if they do have experience with VPNs or security protocols.
Step two: Establish a connection to the VPN server
Once you’ve chosen your device, the next step to developing a successful VPN app is to establish a connection to the VPN server. To do this, you’ll need to ensure that your device is on the correct network (e.g. Wi-Fi), that the VPN server is enabled and that your device can access the server. You can do this through the Settings app on your iOS device (e.g. iPad).
If you are connecting to a server for the first time, you may need to register your device before you can connect to the service. This is a straightforward process and isn’t difficult to do. Just follow the on-screen instructions and enter the correct information – if you do everything correctly, your device will be registered and you’ll be able to connect to the VPN server.
Step three: Obtain a license from Cisco
The final step in the process of developing a successful and robust VPN app is to obtain a license from Cisco. Just head over to cisco.com/go/legal and click on the app developer button to get started. From here, you’ll want to follow the on-screen prompts to get a $25 license key for the Open VPN server software. Just be sure to use the same email address you used to register your device with the VPN service – you’ll need it to confirm your license key.
Once you’ve obtained a license key, you can continue to the app store to publish your app. Congratulations – you’re done!
This was a brief introduction to establishing a connection to a VPN server and adding a profile to Cisco AnyConnect VPN. If you want to learn more, check out the Getting Started With Cisco AnyConnect VPN guide, which will help you build a foundation for your app.