Top 10 reasons IT won’t support the iPhone
Wondering why your corporate Information Technology department won’t buy you an Apple (AAPL) iPhone or support the one you bought yourself? Here’s your answer.
Or, rather, 10 answers. Channeling the thought processes of IT managers who don’t need many excuses not to support yet another platform, Forrester Research(FORR) has put together the definitive top 10 reasons not to support this one — fully documented, complete with footnotes. Why now, just when the device seems to be making back-door inroads into the workplace? That’s why.
Forrester predicts that the iPhone will find its way into many enterprise environments — if it hasn’t already — because C-level executives are buying them and expecting support from IT. It’s only a matter of time before the iPhone filters down the corporate pyramid, and IT should have a strategy to handle these requests. … You’ll get complaints from your most enthusiastic Apple fans — and let’s be honest, what Apple fans aren’t enthusiastic? Be ready with a business case as to why your mobile operations team made this strategic business decision.
What follows is a window into the world of the IT manager. Alternatively, you can think of it as a checklist of the issues Apple must address if it wants the iPhone to be accepted as an enterprise-worthy device.
Without further ado, excerpts from the top 10 reasons Forrester recommends that IT not support the iPhone:
- Doesn’t natively support push business email or over-the-air calendar sync. … The iPhone can sync with Microsoft’s Exchange and IBM’s Lotus Notes over IMAP and SMTP ports, but your server and security admins have to configure their infrastructure to do so or purchase a mobile gateway from Synchronica or Azaleos….
- Doesn’t accommodate third-party applications, including those internally developed. … This is a showstopper for companies with enterprise mobility initiatives that require line-of-business applications like mobile sales force automation or an industry-specific application like mobile claims…
- Doesn’t support securing data on the device through encryption. There is no way for a company to natively secure the data on an iPhone with file or disk encryption…
- Can’t be remotely locked or wiped in the event of a lost or stolen device. …there is no way for IT to lock a device if — scratch that, when — users call the help desk and explain that they left their non-password-protected iPhone behind in a taxi…
- Lacks a hard keypad that provides feedback, which isn’t ideal for rapid and accurate input. … Many respected journalists have come to the conclusion that ultimately the keyboard “is a nonissue,”
but only after five days of use. In speaking with enterprise-class mobile device users on a daily basis, the vast majority have found that they need some form of tactile feedback from their QWERTY or numeric keyboards. …
- Has limited service provider support and its carrier lock-in inhibits flexibility. …To date, Apple has officially announced four exclusive carriers for France (Orange), Germany (T- Mobile), the UK (O2), and the United States (AT&T). Outside of these countries, the iPhone isn’t available yet…
- Comes with a premium price tag. …Sourcing analysts rely on corporatewide discounts when they place a bulk order with their carrier, but AT&T will not sell the iPhone to business accounts — only consumers. Because the iPhone is purchased directly by the user, there’s no taking advantage of the discount. Moreover, IT is stuck in an endless loop of reactively supporting the device, which limits the ability to provide best-in-class service….
- Is only the first generation. …even Apple enthusiasts admit that there are some weaknesses they’d like to see fixed in future generations, like making it easier to activate the device, improving the battery life and sound quality, and, most importantly, allowing it to connect to higher-speed networks (3G) …
- Lacks a removable battery, so when the battery kicks it, so does the device. … Apple does not sell replacement batteries for the iPhone. So when the battery dies, so does worker productivity….
- Lacks case studies of firms that have deployed it enterprisewide. … There is one known large enterprise that supports iPhones companywide, and it is Apple itself. Beyond that, we haven’t heard of many enterprises that have embraced the iPhone as a corporate device. And, as tough as it is to admit, the most trusted advisors to IT operations professionals aren’t industry analysts, journalists, or even the vendors themselves; it’s your peers…
UPDATE on No. 1: AppleInsider reports today on a new company job listing at Apple for “a motivated, highly-technical Exchange test/sync engineer” to join a team focused on “testing Exchange and Outlook functionality with Apple’s innovative new phone.” The full listing is available here.
It boils down to this really: If you drive a Skoda or similar the iPhone is not for you. Don’t even think about it, you just won’t get it.
A.L. Flanagan said: You know, as an IT person, I get really ticked off by these comments. Most of us would be more than happy to put Linux on your desktop with OpenOffice. It’s the business users that won’t hear of it! Microsoft is what they’ve learned and are comfortable with, and don’t try to make them learn anything new. Of course, when the MS network is taken down by an Office virus, who gets blamed? IT.
So why aren’t IT people so eager for people to buy Macs? Couldn’t be because you don’t understand them could it?
Okay, here goes.
Why do people always want Exchange support? In fact, why do people want Exchange? IBM and Novell have much better products, it’s only Microsoft’s tactics that have got it where it is today. If you believe otherewise, you really are being foolish.
If your user loses their phone, isn’t that their fault? Shouldn’t you be employing people with more competence? Securing devices should be company policy. There is no excuse!
Why do people insist on having push email? Do you actually know how it works? If you go away and look at how most people implement this, you will clearly see that checking for new mail once a minute is much quicker.
Most thieves know about remote locking and wiping, and how it works and how to get round it. It’s not hard! Why do people put so much faith in this pathetic attempt at protecting incompetent employees.
I can type faster on an iPhone than on a BlackBerry. Why can’t you?
Addon batteries can be had very reasonably. WHy does nobody criticise the life of the average 3g phone battery? It’s less than half of the iPhones.
As for IMAP security, depends on your setup. Many firewalls have this protection built in nowadays.
Most IT departments are lazy, it’s a fact. I’ve worked in enough to know. With most managers, it’s more about authority than making informed decisions. IT is there to service the needs of the business and it’s users, not to impose lifestyle choices on them.
Considering most people throw their dead batteries in the garbage can, should they really be user replaceable?
Apple has it’s partneted providers. YOU CAN GET OVER IT. Would you buy a Hummer and then complain to GM it costs too much to be your daily driver? I think not.
The main thing is we have choice. People who just can’t live with a Blackberry for whatever reason now have something else to consider.
Alejandro Silva said: “IT loves Microsoft’s products because they are so faulty; they depend on those flaws to exist.”
You know, as an IT person, I get really ticked off by these comments. Most of us would be more than happy to put Linux on your desktop with OpenOffice. It’s the business users that won’t hear of it! Microsoft is what they’ve learned and are comfortable with, and don’t try to make them learn anything new. Of course, when the MS network is taken down by an Office virus, who gets blamed? IT.
To Jim:
We have employees here that have 4 to 5 spare batteries..
Anyone think about the client side of POP3 IMAP insecurity? As though there aren’t plenty of people sniffing open or WEP “encrypted” wlans just waiting for plaintext logins to corporate email servers. You all seem to think that IT is there to service other employees. IT is responsible for making sure the business runs right. The number one security hole in all technology is the user himself. Anyone longing for an iPhone in a corporate environment clearly does not understand how the phone even works… therefore they should not complain that people who do refuse to support it. No one else thinks that using iTunes (a music player/store) to sync your important corporate info is completely ludicrous?
To Pierre:
“For me the main problem with the present version of iPhone is that you are not able to have spare battery to switch with the empty one when you need, as I do with my current mobile phone.”
So, how many spare batteries to you carry at all times with you?
It didn’t take long for a well more balanced 10 reasons that IT Depts. should adopt iPhone technology in their company:
http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2007/12/13/one-business-owners-iphone-defense/?mod=yahoo_hs
For me the main problem with the present version of iPhone is that you are not able to have spare battery to switch with the empty one when you need, as I do with my current mobile phone.
Then there is the fact they are all “Microsoft Certified” and if Apple (or any other software) gets into the shop their jobs are threatened.
EDIT:(because Mac OS does NOT break like Windows does) that is what I meant :P
I am a Sys Admin at a rather large enterprise. We LOVE Macs. Our IT staff piloted the program initially to see the viability for using Macs. It passed. Now most people who need a laptop are given the option of getting a Mac, Dell or IBM.
Many choose Mac.
That said, the reasons in the article are mostly valid. We cannot and will not deploy iPhones for most of the same reasons stated in the article. When they add support and security into the iPhone (google hacking iPhone)
While Apple fanbois are acting all smug and patting themselves on the back for all their coolness in using Apple products, it is obvious that they are not level headed in their approach to this. It is an excellent consumer device. Poor enterprise device. That is all their is to it.
Points 1,2,3,4,6,9 and 10 are the valid ones. The others are crap. Bottom line an enterprise needs the ability to control the device remotly. Blackberrys have this ability and have some other abilites which make it nice to manage.
IF Apple addresses those issues then hey add another Apple supporter to the mix. Until then we are happy with Macs in the office. VMware Fusion provides the Windows support our users need, and alleviates the issues our Desktop staff deals with (because Mac OS does break like Windows does)
I have already given my opinion.
Now I’m just adding these links:
“Real-life business exec dismantles Forrester’s ‘IT shouldn’t support Apple’s iPhone’ piece” - http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/15800/
Full articles:
http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2007/12/13/one-business-owners-iphone-defense/
http://www.blackfriarsinc.com/blog/2007/12/real-business-owners-don-let-it-dictate
Ah, OK, I get it. IT isn’t supporting it because they are lazy. The keyboard allows me to type at about 60 words per minute, and I can be up and running on an iPhone in about 3 hours instead of the ramp-up time on a Crackberry. It’s ergonomic and efficient, another reason IT hates it. Get real, IT, put down the Kool Aid and start supporting a system that’s reliable, easy to use, and efficient.
I just formed a new company, it’s called “Fair and Honest Research”. I have taken my inspiration from Forrester Research, and modeled my company after them.
It took us a while but we have also just completed a thorough and exhaustive research study. In our study we have determined that 100% OF ALL IT DEPARTMENTS SHOULD SUPPORT THE iPhone AND DROP SUPPORT FOR ALL OTHER SMART PHONES! Gee I hope Forbes picks up our new important study and runs with it!
P.S. Full disclosure . . . I’m long AAPL and the sample for our study was kind of small . . . well really really small actually . . . and there is no we . . . I just kinda asked myself.
I remember a similar firestorm erupting in IT departments when personal computers were introduced. We were told over and over again about all the reasons why they were a bad idea. They may have been correct, for all I can remember. But they lost out.
People without an agenda are enjoying the iPhone, including executives. By sheer will, iPhones will be introduced into enterprise environments.
It’s like howling at the tide.
I love the comments that Forrester is “junk” because they were “wrong” about iTunes. The same iTunes that is losing content to sell as studios, networks, and labels realize they can set up their own distribution deals at better terms than Jobs will give them. The same people that talk about “new paradigms” and blind obedience to MSFT products aren’t self-aware enough to recgonize they are doing the same thing in regards to AAPL. Don’t get too comfortable with the iTunes “monopoly” fanboys. A day of reckoning is coming. Remember, AltaVista was once the search engine of choice. There’s no such thing as loyalty on the Web. People will go where the content is.
Sounds like some of you have never worked for large corporations with a need to keep data secure.
1. As a previous commenter pointed out, not everyone will be willing to open a port for IMAP. If you don’t have to you don’t do it. With Blackberry you don’t have to.
2. Companies *do* use 3rd party apps. Sometime in-house, sometimes vendor provided. But there is a need for this beyond “geeks.”
3. Encryption is needed in case the device is lost or stolen. It’s not just about getting the info back it’s about making sure it doesn’t get into the wrong hands. Again, anyone who works for a large corp. understands it’s not just the FBI that needs to keep its data secure.
4. Employees tend to forget to lock their phones/Blackberries. Period. There is a need to be able to remotely wipe the device (see #3). Calling that an HR case is ridiculous.
5. Small Qwerty keyboards work well as any Blackberry user will tell you. There’s a reason these devices are so popular.
6. You can’t “get over” the fact that different providers are often required based on geographical need.
7. Doesn’t matter what phones are available in Japan or what office chairs cost. A company is always out to get the best bang for the buck. If they can have an excellent solution w/ou spending premium $$, they would be foolish not to go for it.
8. This is also a strong point. Big business cannot affor the potential downtime from 1st gen devices.
9. There’s absolutely no comparison between popping open a Blackberry to replace a dead battery and having to ship the entire unit back to Apple and give the user a replacement device.
Also don’t forget that many IT departments disable IMAP on the Exchange Server due to security holes that exist. Do a google search for Exchange IMAP Security.
If any user wanted something and IT “had” to get it how would that be manageable? If IT had no set policy on whats supported and what is not how would things run. IT has to have a policy on what they will support and what they won’t or nothing would ever work and you would have the worst support.
And I agree….. It’s just a phone.
I’ll tell you why IT doesn’t want to support it.
They would be out of a job! If Apple wanted, everything IT is critical about, would be supported.
IT loves Microsoft’s products because they are so faulty; they depend on those flaws to exist.
Just wait for the coming iPhone versions…
#5 is BS. Before the iPhone I had a Treo. Nearly all who uses the iPhone for more than a day find the touchscreen keyboard to be superior to an old hard keypad. For example, try holding your finger on “h” and slide over to “o”. Now release. You cant do that with any other device.
#1 is also bunk. We IMAP the iPhone just as we do our desktop machines. No exttra attention to server config required.
The IT industry has completely lost focus on it purpose. If your users want to use a device, change your infrastructure to accomodate it.
What is your purpose?
I have to say this article is a bit of a mess. Point by point:
1. Doesn’t natively support push business email or over-the-air calendar sync.
- This can be configured server side if there is enough demand (read: what the boss wants, the boss gets)
2. Doesn’t accommodate third-party applications, including those internally developed.
- I’d say there is close to zero demand for this in a business environment. The public wants it, and geeks like me want it, but nobody else cares.
3. Doesn’t support securing data on the device through encryption. There is no way for a company to natively secure the data on an iPhone with file or disk encryption…
- Right, of course there is no file access on the device, and you can lock it. I suppose if you work for the FBI, the lack of internal encryption would be an issue… except that iPhone doesn’t actually store many files off the cloud - so the top secret files would be mainly the most recent 25 emails, and the client’s music library.
4. Can’t be remotely locked or wiped in the event of a lost or stolen device.
- Of course you can lock it. If your employees aren’t smart enough to lock their own devices then your problem is with HR, not your cellphone.
5. Lacks a hard keypad that provides feedback, which isn’t ideal for rapid and accurate input.
- Well, compared to other pocket sized devices this is hardly an issue. At least you’re not typing on the number keys, or a Qwerty keyboard the size of a Timex watch.
6. Has limited service provider support and its carrier lock-in inhibits flexibility.
- I will concede this point. (I supposed you could order one from France)
7. Comes with a premium price tag
- So do comfortable office chairs.
8. Is only the first generation.
- You a point, albeit a weak one, until the next release, which knowing Apple will occur sometimes in 2008. Frankly, I don’t see this complaint deterring any executives. Having a phone crash sucks, but is not business-critical the way a 24/day 365 server is. That is one of the reasons Linux gained popularity in the server arena, and businesses still use MSIE for clients.
9. Lacks a removable battery, so when the battery kicks it, so does the device. … Apple does not sell replacement batteries for the iPhone. So when the battery dies, so does worker productivity….
- the battery can be replaced by Apple, as you know. I doubt this will be a deal breaker.
10. Lacks case studies of firms that have deployed it enterprisewide.
- Blah blah. To be honest I don’t have the energy to argue this one. All tech products are new products. You can build the rest of my rebuttal from there.
There are two and ONLY two reasons against using the iPhone for enterprise. They are minor:
1) IMAP ports must be opened on the server to support Exchange, which is a minor, but real, security vulnerability.
2) The built in Contact Manager is still somewhat basic (of course, Apple could change this with a software update)
On the other hand, there are countless reasons it is perfect for enterprise - of which the most obvious is:
1) it is a joy to use. Nothing increases productivity like a device that works and works easily. Have fun trying to check out your clients’ websites from your non-iphone device… I’ll stick to Safari on iPhone, so I don’t need to doublecheck the site when I get to a “real” computer. You’ll see, it’s obvious Apple IS targeting business users with iPhone, and it is only a matter of time till the superiority of the iPhone tears a hole in the business market.
IT departments have long represented the trailing edge of technology. They fought very hard to prevent the incursion of the mini-computer because of their religious loyalty to the venerable IBM Mainframe. Some years later they fought a similar battle to prevent desktop PCs from replacing mini computers. They liked it when all the companies computer resources were in a glass walled computer room that only they could access.
They’re still bringing up the rear where technological process is concerned. Why am I not surprised?
The whole solution to this is:
1.)Open the phone to SDK developers, and by that I mean completely. Allow (supported) terminal and rdesktop applications.
2.)Get VPN connectivity.
3.)Integrate new technology for faster connections.
4.)Exchange integration
5.)Bluetooth-enabled keyboards, even the little filmy roll-up membrane types that work with old (yet really good screen) iPac’s
6.)There is an external video component built in, or plans for it, right? BAM!
Final Solution: Thin-style LCD screens, rdesktop, Exchange, VPN, Keyboard. Instead of a laptop, road-warriors could fit everything in a fanny-pack-sized case.
Apple would sell over blackberry in a minute. Well, with a replaceable battery by IT, because damn that battery would wear down quickly…
It has a camera.
Unless you want to drill a hole in it, you aren’t getting an iPhone at any (industrial) company I’ve worked for.
@ CCNA Discovery
Problem is that PED did NOT come up with the list.
He only copies and pastes.
As an IT admin and an iPhone user, I can say that most of these points re invalid, and obviously written by someone who clearly does not like the iPhone. Here’s what I think in regards to the points made:
1) IMAP and SMTP are not hard to configure, in fact any admin who says otherwise could be considered incompetent.
2) An SDK for third party apps will be released in February so this point is invalid.
3) Okay this one is reasonably fair but you can password protect the device and iTunes backs up the device every time you sync, so its very straight forward to recover to a new phone.
4) Same as above really.
5) The keyboard is a matter of opinion. I have no problem with it personally. Much prefer it to the likes of the N95
6, 7, 8) Get over it. There are many phones available exclusively in Japan but nobody moans about that.
9) This is completely innacurate. The battery can be replaced by Apple.
10) Give it time for crying out loud.
5)
I love my iPhone and my MBP but in the business world where everything is dominated by Windows it’s just not practical.
I privately own an iPhone and I have been using Treos at work for years. If I had to chose just one of them i would pick the iPhone provided it could do what my Treo does software-wise. That’s it!
While this article grasps at straws in places, I picked up this nugget in the comments…
“PUSH email is the less and least secure email service and big corporation won’t use it anyway..”
Um, ok. So, I guess this guy has never walked around a large corporation. Blackberries everywhere. I work at a large company (about 7000 employees, $billions in revenue), guess what everyone carries - Blackberries, Windows Mobile (using DirectPush), and a few of us use Nokia S60 phones with the Mail for Exchange (again, OTA ActiveSync, aka DirectPush) client.
If you’re going to try to poke holes, please, at least have a clue first..
Personally, I think the iPhone is a fair first-effort by Apple. I won’t spend *my* $$ on one until there’s 3G, at least 32GB of storage and a better camera (2MP fixed focus???) - my current home phone has a 5MP cam with a Xenon flash - takes the best pictures I’ve ever seen come off a phone, rivals most point & shoot cams of similar resolution..
@ Bill
“you have way too much time on your hands. it’s kind of sad.”
Way to much time on PED’s hands?
How long does it take to copy and paste in an article without doing any reseach?
Conclusion, Bill, you are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.
Face it, the iPhone is a _consumer_ phone. It was never intended for the bizniz market. That means the logistics isn’t geared towards delivering to corporations. And having the IT dept. use ridiculous amounts of time and energy (which boils down cost) to configure and support it, when there are _better_ phones meant for the corporate market is stupid!
The iPhone might _look_ good, but in my eyes, it’s only good as a prototype.
The business model behind it with ties to a spesific carrier is an outdated model, and problematic to say the least . It might be the way it’s handled in the US, but in the EU and here in Norway, it’s not how things are done, and we like it that way.
Anyone who works in IT as I do can tell you that if you were to allow the users (managers\directors etc..) to have whatever they want your enterprise would be unmanageable. It is ITs position to tell the managment when what they are asking for is insecure or even just a waste of time and yes it is the IT department that should be deciding this since unless you have a technical director who understands the technology that is why they are employed to tell the non technical staff when what they are asking for is unreasonable or a serious risk. As for the IPhone it is a cool looking device but has all sorts of other issues or at least would in the UK if the company owned the device you could not put any music or movies on it unless the company owned or the Managing Director could end up in court for pirate music even if the user had purchased all of the music/videos that alone is a reason to keep it out of the enterprise here.
This is just my personal opinion based on working for a Multi National company which has branches in nearly major country in the world.
Here are some realistic reasons:
1) Users are stupid. They will lose, break or abuse this.
2) They’re expensive.
These two reasons alone are enough to convince anyone serious to buy phones that can be considered disposable.
3) They’ve got too many bells and whistles - meaning too many things to go wrong.
4) Our users get phones to make phone calls. They want anything more, they can pay for it out of their own pocket. Hence no need to buy devices that support anything more.
5) We can’t be bothered supporting it. The more tricks it has, the more users will expect us to help them with. Our time costs the company money, and it would be better put to use solving real problems instead of talking users through whatever stupid gimmick they’ve seen their cousin’s sister’s best-friend’s boyfriend do with this.
6) C-levels might insist on having one, but then we’ll show them a smartphone that makes them look more business-like in front of their c-level mates and tell them anything else on the market can play mp3’s as well or better than the iPhone.
7) Some c-levels may actually get one, but only if we want it ourselves once they grow tired of it (give it a couple of weeks). And by and large, we don’t want it.
8) And yeah, most corporate environments are windows operations with some linux servers thrown in where it counts. Why the hell would we muck about with apple gear?
End of the day: end users / consumers are impressed by this gadget. Real techs, not so much. We’ll like the touchscreen for about 5 minutes, and then get bored with it. Given we’re the ones providing the advice the decisions are based on, I can’t see apple gaining serious corporate market share with this overhyped toy.
The iPhone is just a toy! It’s pretty, it’s shiny, it’s expensive but it doesn’t really do anything productive that a Blackberry can’t do!
Gee, there sure are a lot of Apple fanboys on this site.
I agree almost entirely with this analysis.
The article is not saying that the iPhone is not a good phone for the consumer. It says nothing about that.
The article is talking about the iPhone as an enterprise tool. There are reasons why the BlackBerry took off as it did. Similarly, there are reasons why Exchange is so widespread in business. It is not because of some anti-Apple mentality. The fact is that these tools WORK and they WORK WELL in business.
For a corporation to consider a new phone/communication tool, it must at least meet or exceed the usability standards of the existing equipment.
The biggest problem for the iPhone is the lack of push email and OTC syncing. Yes, I know about Yahoo but frankly, if you think that business communication is going to be via Yahoo! Mail then you’re an idiot. Apple would quickly gain acceptance in the business world if it natively supported Exchange Server on par with modern smartphones.
Couldn’t be bothered reading that, but yeah. Iphone is sexy I want one.
If I’d want a phone and portable device for apps, mail, etc (biz). I’d go to the ones with experience.
If I’d want a device just for nice design and a “touchpad” I’d get a Nintendo DS. It’s cheaper and It’s easier to use for 3rd party dev. :p
Wow. I think your column makes a lot of sense, honestly.
For all the commenters–sometimes you just can’t use one device for everything. I’m sure the iPhone is a lot of fun and all, but sheesh, at least read the article and see why it might not be a great idea.
Very interesting. Lots of Pro-apple commentary, and very little from others. IT and the rest of the company are supposed to work *together*. For every yes or no that each side has, there would appear to be a stalemate. Based on the guidelines for such items as HIPAA and similar legislation along the depth of Sarbanes-Oxley, companise have to take a close look at all facets of any system or device added to their already lengthy list of allowed devices.
It’s a shame that with sheer quantity in volume of the changes to all digital technology, that people just don’t realize the level of continuous education that anyone seriously in Information Technology must endure. If you want to dump the iPhone on your I.T. department, then you had better well help them learn it, and not preach it to them. That’s an extreme disservice to the department that usually gets a call when someone needs something, and most often times not many calls just to say “Hello, how are you doing?”
I.T. are people too, and expecting them to just stop whatever current project they are wading through and implement the latest and greatest tech toy, won’t make them amicable, unless you openly approach them and work with them; not talk down to them or talk at them.
While you were sleeping last night, the other I.T. shifts were backing up your systems or resurrecting that data that was corrupted from a glitch.
Sales isn’t required to instantly make a sale the moment they’re out the door. But I.T. is required to fix it ‘yesterday’ or make it happen ASAP.
The iPhone has it’s work-arounds for all that’s in the review. But if you want I.T. to seriously consider the iPhone, then you need to seriously consider them and what they do instead of the down-the-nose commentary. Otherwise, they’ll just throw that attitude back at you, along with your iPhone, only because you deserve it.
Make friends in I.T., not adversaries.
This is a really poor analysis. It mentions nothing about the fact that the only sync software for the iPhone is iTunes, and the fact that most Windows shops aren’t going to allow iTunes to be installed on their locked-down Windows boxes that are all controlled with group policies implemented in Active Directory. Or the fact that there may be other significant hurdles even if an enterprise CIO didn’t mind the allowing of iTunes…for example…bandwidth usage from accessing iTMS, or from merely having to install the rather frequent updates to iTunes itself. Who will install those updates? The users may not even have installation privileges. So then what, deploy iTunes updates over Active Directory? Right, and then there’s the significant memory footprint associated with running iTunes on Windows (much more so than on Mac). And say you overcome all that….then there’s still no easy way for your iPhone users to sync their phone’s calendar with their MS Exchange Calendar, since it only syncs with Exchange over IMAP. Forget it. For all practical purposes, it’s impossible to use an iPhone in a Windows Enterprise environment.
HK,
When you leave your Starbucks job and get your head out of fanboy-land, you might be able to get a real job in a real company in their IT department, you will understand the burden of a CEO buying a toy and wanting it deployed company-wide.
Enterprise-ready devices >>at a minumum<< must support encryption, data security, and remote management in order to support the company’s security policy.
If the CEO of a major company leaves his iPhone on a plane and some 20-something picks it up and uploads the company’s plans for the next billion-dollar offering to the Internet, that is BAD.
Regarding your “Vista is a flop” comment, there are more copies of Vista in use today than OS X, so how much of a flop does that make the Mac? XP is a good thing, and getting people to leave the comfort of XP is a challenge.
“Zune is a flop”, my understanding is that it was #1 in sales on Amazon in October-November. The reviews of the latest Zune are overwhelmingly positive, and they say that it is giving Apple a run for its money.
“Sony no longer sets trends.” - Sony who?
“Apple does.” - actually, Apple’s marketing department does.
“iPhone does.” - if the trend is to fork out $1800 for the first year of ownership of this phone for an anemic 1350 minutes and 200 sms a month for a slow-as-molasses data network, count me out of this “trend”. Yes, it looks cool.
The main reason I don’t use an iPhone for corporate use (we use AT&T) is that you can’t get the iPhone to work on the corporate phone plan. Forget getting a discount on the phone itself, I would buy my own phone if necessary, but there is no way to activate the phone unless it’s tied to a personal account and I want it to work with my number that is tied to our existing corporate AT&T account. To me, that is the biggest reason why the iPhone might not be being ‘adopted’ by corporate IT. Other colleagues of mine have bought iPhones and installed the hack that allows them to use the phone with an existing number, but I would prefer to wait until the corporate account is officially supported so I don’t have to hack my phone.
For those of you who are attempting to refute this list, I must say that the only explanation for your comments is that you don’t work in an IT department and you don’t understand the importance of each item on this list. I realize that you love your iPhones with a passion that is far more powerful than the love that people have for other electronic devices such as toasters or hairdryers, but almost everything on this list is absolutely true. How do I know this? I work for an IT department and assist with choosing mobile devices for our users. At this point, we look at the iPhone the same way we look at the Amazon Kindle. Neither device can provide our users with the things they (and we) need such as company push email (using our own mail servers; we can’t use Yahoo/Gmail/Etc for SOX/Audit/security reasons…duh), strong encryption, fast data transfers, ease of use, and the additional and proprietary (developed) functionality that they need to do their jobs. Things such as remote kill/wipe, carrier independence, easy hardware support, time tested value and operation, and security are all VERY important when thinking about the business. I agree that the iPhone is an awesome device for personal use that far superior to most if not all crappy cell phones marketed towards individuals, but at this point it simply is not a viable solution for enterprise deployment in a publicly traded company (or a private company that gives a damn about properly managing their devices and data). Will Apple create an enterprise ready device to fix this problem? I’m sure they will…but in its current state (and this is where the “first gen” argument becomes relevant) it is simply not ready and I think Apple knows that. That is why they are marketing the iPhone to individuals, not enterprises.
you have way too much time on your hands. it’s kind of sad.
I work for a Very Big Bank(tm) and I can tell you that this article is spot-on in alignment with our current thinking on iPhones in our environment. So far quite a few people have gone out and purchased their own but we offer no support and are not currently planning to.
We’re invested heavily in BlackBerry since they were the only things that kept going after the twin towers collapsed. Since they have increased at least 100% a year (often more) to the point where we now have nearly 20,000 of them with about 30 BES servers deployed globally.
I can tell you it’s going to take alot more than a pretty screen and nice UI to move us away from RIM. As much as RIM suck (and really lets be honest, they’re a pretty awful company to deal with from a support perspective) they have a Microsoft-like monopoly hook (aka. BES) that has gained huge acceptance among Fortune 500 and SMEs alike.
For Apple to usurp RIM in our organisation (and i’m guessing alot of other large companies where security is an issue) it would take a concerted push for the enterprise market that includes:
- Security features equal to or better than RIM (password policies, encryption, ‘kill pill’ support)
- Push email that doesn’t suck
- Third-party app SDK
- Ability to securely push content and applications to the device
I don’t see this happening any time soon but I think if Apple are truely serious about being the #1 phone provider then they ignore RIM at their peril.
iPhone v2.0 will be very interesting indeed…
@ Kathy
– The Feds won’t use the iPhone because of the lack of encryption
Agreed, but encryption will come eventually.
– Unless it’s a user-replaceable battery, it doesn’t count (and no, sending the iPhone and $86 to Apple to get it fixed sometime in the next four weeks doesn’t count — and no, I won’t go and buy a second phone to use while I’m waiting for the first one to come back).
OK, it’s not user replaceable, but it doesn’t mean you have to throw the phone out either like the Forrester Research FUD implied. If you need a new battery (I asked before I bought) Apple hands you a loaner iPhone while your phone is away. You take it home and sync it with your iTunes and all your stuff is there on the new phone so it IS your phone, no big inconvenience . . . pretty nifty system actually.
– Third party apps CAN be installed, but only if you “jailbreak” the sucker (Google “iPhone jailbreak” for more on this).
This is just not true. Right now I can use web apps, many of them very good. They are not installed, but they work very well and are useful. Fox News just put out a great website for iPhone today . . . very well done. There are also several very good games, a book reading program, a wine selector . . . it’s a long list. Apple announced that in about 2 months there will be an SDK available, and suddenly there will be plenty of new apps that will run native on the iPhone. The fact that so many hackers are experimenting by writing software that requires “jailbreaking”, is a clear indication of how much is coming. There is no other smart phone that will have as many applications written for it. As the installed base builds, and with specific programs written for it, it will be easier and faster to GET THINGS DONE with an iPhone. In other words, the productivity you can achieve with an iPhone will eclipse other smart phones. Unless of course they pick up the pace . . . and if they do, (and I hope they will) then all consumers win!
Just wait till Android from Google comes out.
http://code.google.com/android/index.html
It also does not support enterprise WPA wireless which is used by a lot of corporations.
Interesting. The only guys in our office that come late to meetings, or confused about meeting locations, are the two that use iPhones. I’m no huge fan of M$oft, but c’mon, synch the damn calendar with the major players or get out of the game.
Why would you want to use an iphone over a blackberry anyway?
just buy into more icrap, soon you will be driving the icar, it will have no windows or steering wheel and when it crashes, you will just be fucked.
Geez, quite a few narrow minded Apple fanboys here. I work as an IT director for a credit card company that supports approx 17,000 employees. Since the iphone has been released a number of high level executives have asked that we support the iphone. My answer to requests have been a flat out No for many of the reasons listed in this article, particularly due to lack of security and interoptability. I even came under fire (not the first time) because the VP of marketing was a crybaby and the VP of Technology had to back me up. Maybe the iphone can be engineered to support a small company who isn’t so worried about security and is willing to crack the device, but new untested/unsecure devices such as the iphone is a no-no for enterprise/goverment institutions. Just be happy that you have a company provided blackberry until a new viable alternative comes to market.
Seems to miss the point of this phone to begin with. Repeat after me.. this is not a business phone. It wasn’t designed to be one.
This is their first phone and it’s marketed at consumers. Typically those who like ipods. Buy the number of phones apple has sold, they seemed to do just that.
Patience… maybe in the future they will offer a business model, and then you can write about something.
btw… what the heck does a touch interface have to do with tech support. This is a personal preference, and doesn’t even belong on this list… this list that makes no sense.
LOL anyone that still thinks Iphones are worth getting after reading this article need help… http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=iphone
Iphone = entertainment device
Blackberry = Business device
The Iphone will never, ever, ever beat RIM in that department.
You want to use something that already works and is geared towards business or use a device that is geared toward entertainment and would require a entire rebuild for the business world?
And IT does dictate how the CEO’s build there company if nobody in the IT can fix it you sure as hell can’t lol.
This link to http://www.phonescoop.com’s side-by side device comparison speaks volumes. Samsung’s 3rd generation legacy device the i700 still leads the iPhone in many key areas 5 years after commercial launch. FYI, the i700 does offer vibrate mode and supports the SD format, not sure if it will go to 8 GB, havent’ tried but it does work with at least a 1 GB card and is approx. $100 on eBay vs. $399.99 for the iPhone.
Very shallow analysis.
With Apple’s creativity, iPhone can enter business market any time they like, if they are so decided to.
Besides, the iPhone 1.0 is already so great. So will its 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 versions.
So, don’t take this review so seriously. Zune is a flop. Vista is a flop. PC or Microsoft, Sony no longer sets the trends.
Apple does. iPhone does.
A phone is a phone is a phone. Repeat until it sinks in.
——–
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=64492
A few observations:
– The Feds won’t use the iPhone because of the lack of encryption
– Unless it’s a user-replaceable battery, it doesn’t count (and no, sending the iPhone and $86 to Apple to get it fixed sometime in the next four weeks doesn’t count — and no, I won’t go and buy a second phone to use while I’m waiting for the first one to come back).
– Third-party apps CAN be installed, but only if you “jailbreak” the sucker (Google “iPhone jailbreak” for more on this).
Hopefully Apple does make it into more of a enterprise device rather than a consumer based device, then I as an IT professional see no reason to support. It is a great produst and well thought out minus the mail client. You built another fine product Steve! Make ver 2.0 that much better and us Windows guys will gladly embrace it. :)
Imagine this scenario - someone puts confidential corporate data on their unencrypted, unprotected iPhone.
It has to be hypothetical, because iPhones don’t have a disk access mode, and therefore this scenario is impossible.
Ten reasons why everyone in business wants a iPhone.
1. Way cool
2. Voice Email
3. Ahh, iPod
4. Ahh, Video
5, Ahh, Photos
6. Did I say Way Cool?
7. Not MicroSoft
8. Not Nokia
9. Not Black Berry
Drumb roll….
10. It’s Apple, it’s way cool, touch screen, all the above. And most of all, Apple IT managers and staff are NICE and not power hungry MS faciast, dorks.
Merry Christmas again.
D
Who is this BOZO?
Windoze biaz tripe…
Merry Christmas!!!
Oh yeah, I own AAPL, don’t you wish you did?
Congratulations to Apple…
on developing such a screwed up product…
and still be able to sell it in the millions !!
So .. let me get it right? IT will only support phones that people do not like? And the ones people like they will not?
I have to say … IT does not sound good !
Top 10 reasons IT must wait for to support the iPhone
1. iPhone has only six months and IT managers shall know it will be the future.
2. Wait for SDK iPhone in February 2008 to have a lot of third-party apps.
3. Securing data: it is really the weakest point of all mobile devices even laptops. More data more need of security.
4. Like other phones, Iphone has an IMEI number to block its connection to the network. But if the stolen iPhone keeps its transmission may be it is possible to use theft-recovery applications to follow it or simulate a hardware failure like on Mac OS X laptops. Is it possible to wipe a stolen laptop?
5-9. You agree it is only the first generation and all you can say will be solved or get better. A bluetooth keyboard may be an extra but we know all keyboards have ergonomic and functional drawbacks.
10. Apple, a software and hardware maker, has smart customers and this interaction will certainly be successful.
Just wait and see!!!
Is “Apple 2.0″ an anti Apple?
I hope, you will update your article soon.
I work in IT Support for a company with 15000 employees. The Sony Ericsson P1i is the smartphone of choice for our company. We run Lotus Notes and remote sync via OneBridge. No push mail. No encryption. No remote wipe. No access to mail folders beyond the inbox. No support for apps other than OneBridge. I had to show the main tech the benefits of having the latest firmware on the P1i, they hadn’t been installing it because “only the M600 and 990 need it”.
Tell me again why the geniuses who have brought us this far are given carte blanche to decide what will make our company more efficient and effective. The standard response of 95% of the IT department to any request that lies outside of their particular field of expertise or interest is to deny the importance of said request.
What is it about Windows-centric people that makes them go to such lengths to exclude alternatives? Monocultural organisms and organizations are inherently more vulnerable to attack and less responsive to change. Single-supplier and single-platform and single form of expertise situations are not some kind of holy grail that insures prosperity, it simply creates a closed club that insures job security for the chosen few in IT who hold the keys for all others who are browbeaten into a state of dependancy.
The iPhone is not yet officially available here, but it won’t be the lack of 3G or a replaceable battery that keeps it out of our company. It will be the deep animosity towards Apple harbored by the Windows-centric decision-makers that causes the delay. The objective facts of the matter are of extremely little importance when full-fledged prejudice is this deeply rooted.
Wow wow wiwa wow wow!!!!
These research team must be rocket scientists. It would be better for them to consult with programmers and some IT people before posting their report.
About first, second, third and fourth reasons please talk to someone who did and/or do some computer programming (everything can be done if we talk about big flow of corporate money). Dummies - you need some more technical education to state these reasons.
About fifth reason: are you using Dynamo Machine and the guy who is peddling to provide electricity in your office or the torch to get some light? It is 21 Century or I am back in time.
Seventh reason: that is the marketing - more clients lower price. Jobs is not stupid; there will be discounts.
The reasons numbered 8th, 9th. and 10th. do not make any sense to me. Battery? If you forgot to charge your phone, you do not need one. “Lacks case studies…” - yes, because it is new on the market.
The ONLY Limitation is the service providers… Wow!!! How did you manage to hit this one right.
This research group should be embarrassed of itself.
If you want, I can work part time for you (even with one full and one part time job already). I promise, I can do better research for you on Apple….ALONE…..
Replacing the battery by sending the iPhone and $86 to Apple’s iPhone hospital does NOT constitute a replaceable battery. My LG phone lets me pull the battery out and put in a spare in ten seconds — that’s a replaceable battery.
Are all of these reasons quoted only applicable to the iPhone or would some of these apply to other smart phones from Nokia, Palm and other top tier companies? Just questioning why the focus only on the iPhone. Also for the sake of 3rd party apps, Mr. Jobs has stated that an SDK will be made available in 2 months so I don’t think this is a far reason as to why enterprises should hold out on the iPhone.
i don’t even have to read it, if they don’t want to create iphone apps, they can create web apps, which could be universal, similar to the google platform which whch will also have a browser….
Yes, don’t use it in the enterprise because there are no case studies of enterprises using it. That pretty much argues against every enterprise trying anything new. And there are plenty of other phones that Enterprises may use that don’t support everything you list.
Give ped a break. It’s Forrester Research that’s pedaling this junk. When a consultant loses its credibility, there’s not much left to get paid for, so it is so amazing that they keep putting out such junk, that the only alternative explanation is that they’re actually getting paid to put this junk out. Paid or not, I’d find it downright professionally embarassing.
People are very sensative about Apple products. Especially if they are Apple fans. The bottom line is that Apple products do not lend well to enterprise environments. Open source producst also cost just as much to maintain as Microsoft Products are to purchase, (like e-mail). If there is a better product built, the majority of people will be buying it, bottom line.
The IPhone is just not for business, Nor are the Apple Person Computers.
would you like to
su -
./command -option -option | into sometihing
do this
do that.
exit
exit
./ some other command -option -option
give permissions ie
chod 0177 thisfile
or double click, yes, no, thanks. done?
I see a lot of comments by people who are angry at their IT departments. However, IT departments do not exist to facilitate every desire of every employee in a company. They are given the task of ensuring that the companies’ systems meet business and regulatory requirements. Often, this primary objective clashes with the wishes of the users. For example, most large companies do not allow users to check their personal email from a work site. This policy was adopted because users were bringing viruses and Trojan horses into corporate networks, causing great disruption and expense.
Imagine this scenario - someone puts confidential corporate data on their unencrypted, unprotected iPhone. Perhaps it’s medical records, or credit card information. Imagine an iPhone with national security data on it. When that phone is lost, I guarantee that you’ll wish that someone in IT had thought about the ramifications of this event beforehand. And said no.
The CERT in question specifies a vulnerability that applies to BOTH Windows and Mac OS X. In the case of Windows the vulnerability allows write access to the registry and the rest of the OS, making it possible to take over the machine and allow self-propagation across a network. In the case of OS X it could cause the specific APPLICATION to crash. it does not permit access to the OS, the machine cannot be taken control of, and the attack cannot replicate itself across a network.
So I shouldn’t use my iPhone for my business then. . . oh darn I’ll have to take it back.
That’s really unfortunate!
Wait . . . if I just use my brain for a second . . .
1) you can do Push with Yahoo
2) announced for February, but they list it anyway
3) secret spies and double agents stay away
4) so if you have important info on it . . . password protect it . . . daahhh
5) each person can decide themselves . . . but I’m faster on it than Bberry’s.
6) yes . . . everyone knows
7) not really . . . already documented. Because of #6 the rates are good, and cost over a year are less than Bberry and most other smart phones.
8) this is where iPhone excels . . . it’s first gen but it has an easy UPGRADE path through software. Hardware upgrades can’t be done to any phone . . . except the iPhone because they can change the keyboard!
9) you can get a new battery through apple . . . gee, maybe when it wears out there will be an upgrade available!
10) Ahhh . . . that’s because it’s new.
Forrester Research is NOT research, its FUD central against apple
Lacks a removable battery, so when the battery kicks it, so does the device. … Apple does not sell replacement batteries for the iPhone. So when the battery dies, so does worker productivity….
Wrong. (bold emphasis is mine)
http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html
Gee, that was SO DIFFICULT to look up. /sarcasm
I’ve filed this article for future entertainment, along with all those that predicted Apple retail stores will fail, the iPod will never get off the ground, OS X is DOA and the iMac will flop due to its lack of a floppy disk. Now here’s a prediction for you: The iPhone will make the Blackberry as obsolete as the pocket pager.
THe bigger question should be - when did IT become the DMV of technology. IT is SUPPORT to help the business and NOT the other way around. What’s next, no lamps on the desk because it’s too hard for maintanence to dust? Someone IT got it in their minds they decide what is more productive for an ongoing business - they like every other SUPPORT area is supposed to decided HOW to implement something and not just decide not to implement because it would be more work for them or their vendor might get mad for bringing in someone else and they might not get tickets to the luxury suite …
Obviously, another journalist that gets paid each time we click on the article (which we are mystically compelled to do anyhow).
The battery can be replaced. One’s information can be safely stored in iTunes until the unit comes back with a new battery.
Ralph, see Technical Cyber Security Alert TA07-319A released November 15, 2007. Took me 1 minute to find a CERT advisory for Apple OSX. Alert is for system vulnerability to attacker executing arbitrary code.
I was in the Ann Arbor Apple store playing with an iPhone when I tried to use it to sign in to my company’s e-mail through the Outlook web thing my company uses, which works just fine on Safari on a Mac.
It didn’t work after multiple tries. They lost a sale there; I’ll see if the 2nd generation can handle it. (I’ve been using Macs since the first one came out, too.)
Unlike ALL the other smart phones out there, including backberry, the iPhone runs on UNIX, it would be quite easy to encrypt, remote wipe and sync to any e-mail system out there. My vote is for the iPhone. My experience with the open source BSD UNIX based Apple PC system called OSX, is its rock solid, immune to security problems (still no CERT listed incidents in 7 years!), looks great, works better, easy to navigate and for what you get its a bargain. There is nothing else out there that can compete with it. You have to remember that the major market share increase that Apple PCs are getting is for NON IT supported home owners using open WLAN hot spots , high speed internet connections and I hear about no increase in any OSX system threats and still no incidents! That tells me its better than the best anyone else has to offer. Apple is about the most secure and locked down company out there when it comes to corporate security, and they are using the iPhone and there security is still top notch. Hoe many leaks did you hear about the new Apple product line that will be shown at MacWorld in Jan? That’s right NOTHING. I think iPhones are pretty dam secure! And the iPhone being a virtual device, only needs a programming change to make it do even more wonderful things!
Whoa there nelly!! Judging from the comments listed below, and I read them all, you just got your ass severely kicked!!!
ROTFLMFAO!!!!!
Can’t wait for the iPhone to come to the great white north.
ex ped: That was Forrester Research that got kicked. I’m just a humble messenger. But hope you bundle up before you start rolling on the floors of the cold white north.
IT departments are good at one thing
drumroll please
Saying “no”
and, besides all, it’s just too distracting and fashinating…it will decrease productivity and focus on the work :)
I’m not an IT person, but I have some issues with items on your list.
First, I would agree that IT would disqualify the phone for business use if it doesn’t support protocols that the company is using (eg Exchange server, push e-mail, etc.), won’t run company-developed applications, etc.
“Lacks a hard keypad”? Uh…no. Service provider support would depend on who’s paying the bill. Price tag, same thing. The price tag and the fact that it’s first generation are, again, something that the IT department shouldn’t be caring about–especially if I’m paying for it!
I think you’d've been better off with five legitimate IT concerns than trying to add in the other five.
Third party apps are coming. Someone will adress every single one of these issues. Except the battery will experience will show is an non-issue.
It’s good to be an AAPL holder… =)
As long as IT departments and CIOs believe that Microsoft proprietary solutions are better than open standards (e.g. Exchange server vs IMAP/POP), then no alternative solution will be acceptable.
My company is doing a study on email infrastructure. What we’re learning is:
a. Blackberries require a specific proprietary infrastructure. They provide -no choice- about mail systems. (Howcumzit no one’s complaining about that?)
b. Exchange Server costs -a lot more- to buy than open alternatives (most of which are open source).
c. Exchange Server costs -a lot more- to sustain than open alternatives.
d. There are some capabilities in Exchange Server that are not yet fully integrated into open source alternatives.
e. There’s a tremendous amount of FUD out there from both the proprietary solution providers (e.g. Microsoft, RIM, IBM/Lotus), and from the IT consultant industry.
Me, personally, I don’t have an iPhone for 3 reasons:
1. I prefer to separate my cell phone from my ‘computer’
2. It has a camera which is verboten by security rules imposed on my company.
3. I’m not thrilled about AT&T, and I would like to see if Verizon does live up to its ‘open networking’.
I’ve been offered a Blackberry many times and I will not carry one:
a. I’m a touch typist and that keyboard is frustrating.
b. When I’m doing email I’m often doing things larger/more complex than 10 line ’slightly more than a Text Message’ content…
Let’s see how well Blackberries and other smart phones match the level of integration and ease-of-use revolution that the iPhone is starting.
dave
Uh, our IT department already supports it (to my complete shock, admittedly).
Just another flame bait story.
Besides, who cares. Apple didn’t gear the iPhone Microsoft Business users…
While it’s true that C-level execs run the company, shouldn’t they let IT be the subject matter experts when it comes to technology? The iphone has major security flaws, such as no encryption or remote wiping which alone should be enough to keep it out of most companies. This is not because IT says so, but because it could have serious ramifications on the company network and data security.
I am the IT Manager for global power company that is 100% Mac OS X 10.4, I use the iPhone everyday for corporate email.
The CEO and I are the 2 test users, we are awaiting AT&T / Apple to start a business plan for iPhones! Come on Apple and AT&T, T-Mobile will be dropped in 1 click of a mouse.
Come on Apple, MacWorld present for the rest of us IT Managers with Mac OS X and the iPhone that is sweeping the company.
Apple Stock to $600 by 2009!
As an IT monkey that’s nominally in charge of keeping approx 700 Goodlinked Treo’s running, and as a admitted mac fanboi (yes, I own an iPhone), I unfortunately have to agree with the article. We use AT&T, Treo 650, 680, and 750, and Goodlink 4.9, and I don’t see the iPhone, in it’s current state, to be easily deployable. e-mail is the main issue, as we block IMAP and POP3 access. Once (if) Activesync or Goodlink becomes available, it’ll be a whole different story. Also, the lack of security settings such as remote-wipe and the inability to tie the phones into our corporate AT&T account for troubleshooting are both big road blocks.
This isn’t a FUD attempt, as I would LOVE to set up shiny new iPhones everyday instead of boring vanilla 680’s, but until the iPhone is opened up to third party developers, it is not a viable mobile platform for any mid-size or larger company.
RIM has nothing to be worried about, this is a fine consumer product but not a business phone!
Bert
Wow. Judging by the number of seething comments, it looks like Fortune dropped the ball on this one. As the iPhone evolves there will be improvements made. In the meantime, it is one of the best products out there.
ex ped: I think you’re confusing Fortune for Forrester. –Philip Elmer-DeWitt
Last time I checked - IT was supposed to support the employees in a company. If the C-Level (their boss’s) execs want it. I think the best thing they can do for their career is support their customers (employees).
When IT starts dictating - time to fire IT. That simple.
They are a support function in any organization.
When employees ask for a device they are willing to use 24/7 which will increase their productivity and IT says NO - it is the CEO’s job to step in and set things straight
Rob W
Host - Today in iPhone
“Forrester predicts that the iPhone will find its way into many enterprise environments — if it hasn’t already — because C-level executives are buying them and expecting support from IT”
Guess what, the company isn’t run by IT, it’s run by C-level executives. IT people who refuse to support what C-level execs want will find themselves out of jobs, no matter what their reasoning is.
The sheer existence of this type of comment full of enthousiasm deflating criticism is indication enough that the iPhone is already in the process of permanently changing enterprise communication habits radically and for a long time. With the enthusiasm it brings along in the mind of corporate decision makers, be prepared to see businesses becoming more friendly towards apple as an IT platform too as this platform will be likely to harmonize more rapidly with the iPhone.
And if the dangers the author of the article depicts are to be taken as facts: why is it that companies like SAP are taking the iphone very very seriously?
Let’s dicuss all this in let’s say a year’s time …
“In speaking with enterprise-class mobile device users on a daily basis, the vast majority have found that they need some form of tactile feedback from their QWERTY or numeric keyboards.”
This is just using the old paradigm to justify why people shouldn’t adopt a new one. I use an iPhone, and other than the fact my IT dept doesn’t allow me to get on (iPhone even supports 2 modes of VPN, with RSA SecurID option available), all my friends and coworkers were impressed by it. When I put it next to crackberries, the iPhone’s elegance and power speaks for itself…
It took Research-In-motion and Microsoft HOW MANY generations to come out with today’s Smartphones and Blackberry Curve??? And iPhone can nearly match all of it on 1st-gen.
Are you sure the author’s name is not spelt Elmer-Dim-Wit ?
Happy IT managers will understand that because it is 1st generation, they can influence the future. The iPhone is a brilliant device and will do more in time than anything on the market today. It feels good and is easy to understand.