I'm trying as much as possible to keep my computers clean of iTunes
I seem to be able to accomplish most tasks on the iPad via WiFi (such as activating them, and buying and installing apps)
It seems that our network is incapable of allowing the iPads to directly contact the update servers for iOS. (Proxy boooo)
In the past, I have sacrificed a computer to install iTunes on to accomplish the upgrades, but I think there has to be a better way.
There seems to be 2 configurator apps available from Apple:
iPhone Configurator for Lion and Win7
Apple Configurator for Lion
iPhone Configurator doesn't seem to have the ability to update iOS, just apply profiles
Apple Configurator probably may have ability to update iOS
I haven't yet got a Lion Mac, but I expect one in the next month or so.
If anyone can give me advice on either of these two utilities, I'd be happy!