iPhone 3.0 hot, but BlackBerry stable

Apple's latest version of its iPhone software and Software Developer Kit (SDK), with user-interface improvements and developer tools takes the device one step further to the enterprise user market.

Tim Renowden, analyst - Devices at Ovum told CRN in a report the vendor has made some improvements to the iPhone as an enterprise device.

This includes improved support for Microsoft Exchange and the ability to remotely wipe data from a lost or stolen iPhone (as part of Apple's MobileMe service).

However, the iPhone and the soon-to-be released 3.0, still lacks the remote management policies and security of more established enterprise devices such as BlackBerry and Windows Mobile handsets.

"This means the iPhone will remain unsuitable for some IT buyers," Renowden said.

"In Ovum's opinion, the iPhone should still be seen as a 'prosumer' handset rather than a dedicated enterprise tool.

"The needs of different businesses will vary, but the iPhone remains primarily a consumer-focused device, and lacks the focused enterprise capabilities of other platforms."

Renowden said the BlackBerry platform is mature and has a strong emphasis on security and remote manageability and integration with popular enterprise applications.

"Many enterprise IT managers will find that BlackBerry platform is more suitable for their needs, as it allows fine control over device and application management, something that the iPhone platform does not currently provide," he said.

"iPhone users also tend to use data more heavily than users of other smartphone devices, which may have cost implications for some enterprises."

Renowden said the smartphone market overall was becoming increasingly important to users in both the enterprise and consumer markets.

"Ovum has forecast that global smartphone shipments will increase by 23 percent between 2008 and 2009," he said.

"Key business applications will extend beyond mobile email and calendar applications to include applications such as unified communications, sales support, logistics, corporate messaging and vertical applications such as field force automation."

What do you or your customers prefer to use? Is it simpler to extend the iPhone for business use?