Apple event: iPhone gets a serious enterprise boost

Thu Mar 6, 2008 1:37PM EST

See Comments (156)

Exchange support, true push email, pro-level security and configuration features -- they're all in store for the iPhone as Apple tries to position its touch-screen handset as a true competitor to BlackBerrys, Palm Treos, and Windows Mobile devices.

Apple VP Phil Schiller said the new features, which will allow business users to instantly sync their Exchange email, contacts, and events, will be in the next iPhone software update. (No word yet on when the update will arrive.) (Update: Looks like it won't be until June.)

Specifically, the iPhone will get support for Microsoft's ActiveSync protocol, which taps into-and syncs with-corporate Exchange servers, pulling info into the iPhone's existing email, calendar, and contacts applications. In the past, large business and corporate email networks have avoided using the iPhone because of compatibility, but now, that will no longer be an issue.

Also on tap are such must-have business features as Cisco VPN support (for creating secure tunnels into corporate servers), remote iPhone configuration (for rolling out software to an entire fleet of iPhone-toting employees), remote wipe for lost or stolen iPhones, and enterprise-level Wi-Fi security (including WPA2 encryption).

All these new features will surely make the iPhone, which hasn't been able to sync with corporate servers until now, much more attractive to big business. (The iPhone originally launched with IMAP support, which lets you sync with IMAP-enabled Exchange email, but it doesn't work with events or contacts, and there's no push email support.) If you've been stuck with a BlackBerry for work and have been dying to switch over to an iPhone, now's the time to pipe up.

Of course, the iPhone still lacks a physical QWERTY keypad, which will give many enterprise users-especially those who love cranking out messages with their thumbs-a moment of pause.

The announcement came during an event Thursday in Cupertino, during which Apple is rolling out details on its upcoming iPhone software development kit. Stay tuned.

Update: Get all the iPhone SDK details right here. 

Comments on Apple event: iPhone gets a serious enterprise boost

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  • 66 Posted by jimmattor on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    That's all fine and dandy. Apple can do all the above and more. When will ATT allow me to add the iphone to my existing business account? It doesn't make sense to market it as a business tool if the access provider doesn't permit it's inclusion in my business account.

  • 69 Posted by redfox435cat on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:34PM EDT Report Abuse

    your still stuck with Alltel. I guess mac just doesn't listen to its customers anymore. I would gladly buy one if I could use it with verizon

  • 70 Posted by usafcn1701 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    1. They need 3G capability 2. They should have never signed exclusivity with AT&T, a lot of companies have corporate deals with companies like Verizon, reason being they have better customer service than AT&T. AT&T is known for horrible customer service, which will keep the i-Phone out of the corporate market.

  • 71 Posted by heavens_14_angel on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:17PM EDT Report Abuse

    The iPhone has a multitude of problems: Slow on Internet EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE Touch-Prints Touch-Pad is Hard to Touch Dropped Calls ETC ETC I

  • 72 Posted by kimsseanc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    You don't need a QWERTY keypad or 3G to do your business. You just need to keep tabs with your boss and your ole lady. That is all. iPhone will rule. See ya Crackberry.

  • 74 Posted by ysuarez2930 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:58PM EDT Report Abuse

    THEY SHOULD SELL THOSE PHONE THROU. METRO PCS TOO THAT WOULD A MORE SELL FOR THE APPLE IPHONE COMPANY THANKS

  • 75 Posted by whydoucarewhoiam on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    Without the 3G Data networking ability its a useless piece of junk!

  • 77 Posted by xdesensitize on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:52PM EDT Report Abuse

    GET OFF CINGULAR! I hate exclusive contract deals; hate Verizon even more for turning it down.

  • 78 Posted by staceyg03 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    I own a IPHONE and I Love it...the "iPhone software development kit" is much needed and welcomed. Once this is in effect they will surely corner the market. This phone allows me to stay in touch with my husband no matter where he is serving our country....

  • 80 Posted by fellowskier78 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:59PM EDT Report Abuse

    Not appealing to business??? The AT&T store sold me an iphone for my Business account, but Apple didnt allow business acounts to activate and use iphones! Apple and AT&T/Cngular/SBC/Ameritech leave a bad taste in my mouth.

  • 81 Posted by daniellefassis on Thu Mar 6, 2008 5:32PM EST Report Abuse

    enterprise-related additions are great step in the right direction, but a QWERTY keypad is a must for the business users. IPhone touch screen keypad demands lots of patience and time - 2 things buzy business people normally don't have.

  • 82 Posted by davidkarch on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:38PM EDT Report Abuse

    That is fine and dandy; but what about the ability to edit, save and send Word documents. Clearly this is one of the major issues with this phone and Glider just doesn't cut the mustard.

  • 83 Posted by zionmoving on Thu Sep 3, 2009 11:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    the iphone still has one contender the nokia n96

  • 84 Posted by kimsseanc on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:51PM EDT Report Abuse

    Why are you moron's hung up with 3G? It ain't all that.

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