Comments on: Gartner: Expect an enterprise iPhone

Analyst firm suggests that Apple might add enterprise devices or applications to make phone more adaptable, secure.

[rcrusoe]

Only POP3 or IMAP4 servers?

The vast majority of email servers in the world are POP3 or IMAP4 servers, and the iPhone will connect to them using SSL. So from a security standpoint it's no different than any other modern email client we support.

Our CEO bought one the first week they were available. He took it home, synced it to his MacBook Pro which automatically set up all his accounts. He hasn't needed any help from the IT department yet. We didn't even know he had one for a couple of weeks.

Believe me, iPhones are already in the enterprise.

[MMC Racing]

Not exacty true..

The vast majority of enterprise level businesses do not allow pop3/IMAP connections to their internal email servers. They have some solution like blackberry or windows mobile for push services. Pass through sync with a desktop connection is not an Enterprise level solution and I would expect Apple to have an ActiveSync option soon.

[fred dunn]

And what happens when he loses it?

The argument is not so much access to the server or what protocol they are using (as long as it is secure) but when he reports it missing (stolen, lost, etc) then what is the company going to say about all of it's confidential information getting into the wrong hands?
People pay $599 for an iPhone but an iPhone with competitors proprietary information on it...$Pricele$$.
We encourage our taveling execs to use BlackBerry devices through our BlackBerry Enterprise Server. That means that if a device is reported missing or stolen we can remotely wipe it, lock it, and/or disable it as soon as it is reported and watch it happen in real-time.

[wifiguru2]

Lost or stolen phones is the primary concern when it comes to making the iphone "enterprise ready". However, there are hosts of software providers offering remote wipe/lock software for the iphone. For example, <a href=http://www.air-watch.com>AirWatch Mobile Device Management</a> offers remote wipe/lock for the iphone plus a whole range of device management functionality, and I doubt they are the only ones.

Enterprise adoption of the iphone should take off once companies realize the feasibility and necessity of securing sensitive corporate data on mobile phones.

[TNCLR]

Clueless

When will people give up the notion that Apple needs to be
everything to everyone? Clearly, they company is making cash hand
over fist creating products for Joe Public. Get a clue Gartner.

[justageek]

Legacy mail systems like Exchange

To say something like ms exchange, lotus notes, or any other
legacy e-mail system can stop the march of technology is simply a
wish on the part of an organization like Gartner. Business no
longer drives technology, it is the consumer market. Sorry
consumers do not listen to Gartner or fund it.

[jmdunys]

It is getting tirering

to hear all these comments and 'studies' about the iPhone and
the entreprise.

If IT Managers ran the business, we would all be using
mainframes or minis with terminals. X.25 would be our
communication medium - granted we could be running it on
lines faster than 19200 bps, and mobile phones would not really
be allowed to access data.
I understand that. Part of their jobs is to make sure that
company data is secure.

But, they don't run the business. IT department had to adapt to
the market, and this trend is likely to accelerate.

I don't understand how people like Gartner consultants and
other 'experts' cannot grasp the mere elements of 'real world' IT.
The job of a GOOD IT Manager is to make sure that its IT
infrastructure and purpose is ready for any new oportunity.
And any threat can become an oporunity

'Entreprise-ready iPhone' is not the way to approach it. The way
to approach it is 'iPhone-ready entreprise'.

[rickbbell]

Hasn't Anyone Heard of the Blackberry?

Some negative comments on forums really amaze me.

...like the guy who says IT mgrs would make us use only mainframes & green screen CRTs.

...the guys who comment that Gartner doesn't have a clue is another. Gartner's JOB is to write reports. If Gartner was right all the time, we could all retire early using their forecasts.

Anyway, here's the thing that matters, there's a product called the Blackberry that, in some ways, is one-of-a-kind, and very suitable for the enterprise. An enterprise iPhone would create serious competition with Blackberry in the ever-more mobile world we live in.

Some people think Apple ought to stop trying to "be everything to everyone." But strategically, Apple MUST come up with new products: iMacs, printers, wireless routers, and accessories won't cut it. Last year (I can't find this year's figures right now), Apple's market share of personal computers was 2%...negative no growth...down from 2.2%

Apple shareholders expect the company to GROW. iPods & iPhones are excellent products to make that happen for some time to come.

If I were you, I'd buy Apple stock. :)