Updating the APNS Certificates

The connection between the VMP Server and the Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) requires two security certificates. These certificates are included as part of the VMP Server installation process, and must be updated every year.

When the VMP Server wants to send a message or other notification to a device running Vocera Collaboration Suite on the iOS operating system and the device is not on the corporate network, it sends the notification to the APNS, which then sends the notification to the device. The APNS certificate enables the use of this notification method.

The APNS VoIP certificate enables VCS clients to use the Apple PushKit capability to receive push notifications.

When your existing certificates are about to expire, the VMP Server automatically downloads the new certificate files and updates your certificates, if this is possible. If the server cannot locate the updated certificates, it sends you an email message that warns you that your certificates are about to expire. The server also sends an email message if your certificates have expired.

To update your certificates:

Start the VMP Enterprise Manager.
From the Tools menu, select Update VCS APNS certificate to update the APNS certificate for the Vocera Collaboration Suite client.
Specify the location of the APNS certificate file that has been provided to you, and click OK.
From the Tools menu, select Update VCS APNS VOIP certificate to update the APNS certificate for VoIP for the Vocera Collaboration Suite client.
Specify the location of the APNS VoIP certificate file that has been provided to you, and click OK.

The certificates are now updated.

Important: Your server must allow access to *.vocera.com over port 443, or your APNS certificates will not be updated.