Notebook - Apple aims 3G iPhone at firms

New iPhone comes with ActiveSync support for Exchange


Apple is targeting enterprise customers with the much anticipated update of its iPhone mobile device, which adds ActiveSync support for Microsoft Exchange servers and is now backed by an SDK for application development. But, experts still believe Apple is unlikely to displace established mobile platforms.



The iPhone 3G is set to be available in the UK from O2 on 11 July, but pricing and tariffs have yet to be confirmed by the carrier. As well as support for 3G networks, the device has built-in GPS capability and ships with either 8GB or 16GB of Flash storage.



Apple has made much of new enterprise features, with chief executive Steve Jobs drawing attention to its support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, which will enable users to get push email and let administrators remotely wipe the device if lost.



But Jeremy Green, principal analyst for enterprise mobility at Ovum, doubted whether it would attract enterprise interest, at least officially.



"There is a lot of prejudice among CIOs against giving users consumer phones. The iPhone is seen as a consumer device and this will count against it," he said.



The new device looks almost identical to the first iPhone, with a touch-sensitive display in place of a physical keyboard. This is one reason that the iPhone is unlikely to challenge devices such as the BlackBerry, but Green said there are others.



"I'm not convinced Apple is there yet on security and manageability. It faces an uphill struggle compared to the more established enterprise platforms," he said, adding that the iPhone is "not a BlackBerry killer."



However, the fact that Apple now supports Exchange email means that some devices are almost certain to find their way into companies via the back door, as employees buy them privately and then start using them for business.



Ironically, BlackBerry maker RIM is rumoured to be developing a device similar to the iPhone for release later this year. Some enthusiast sites have reported seeing a touch-screen model codenamed the BlackBerry Thunder. RIM, however, has declined to comment on unannounced models.



At Apple's worldwide developer conference, the firm also previewed the next version of its OS X desktop platform. Codenamed Snow Leopard, this will bring better support for multi-core processors, larger memory sizes, and Microsoft Exchange support. The update is due for release next year.


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