Well, what can I say. After much speculation, Palm finally announced their new Linux-based platform along with a new device called the Pre. There have been a number of web sites that have already spoken about the initial positive reviews. I'm not here to do that, but instead throw out some ideas regarding the potential impact on enterprise mobility.
So first things first. I am absolutely THRILLED to see what Palm demonstrated today. The device itself looks AWESOME and the operating system itself looks UBER slick...I'm talking as slick, if not more so, than the iPhone's OS...this is huge people. From the pictures and videos alone, there are only two things I can say:
- I want one and I want one NOW!!!
-
Please make a GSM version NOW so that point #1 is applicable
I've said this before, as did many other people in the world, that Palm needed to hit a home run. My initial impression is that Palm hit a grand slam. Is everything rosy? Not yet...
So first of all, let me talk about the exclusivity with Sprint (why not Verizon???) - when this device comes out by the middle of the year. What a shame, especially in the context of US mobile professionals who travel internationally. They're not going to buy this version of the Pre. Yes, there will eventually be a GSM version, but I can't help but wonder why Palm went with Sprint. My guess is frankly that they both needed each other. Obviously, the Pre will not be relevant to international carriers until there is a GSM version (sigh). The good news, however, is that unlike the Treo Pro (which is a very solid device), consumers will be able to get this device with a carrier subsidized plan in the US. The price has to come in either at $199 or $249.
Let's now get into some other more enterprise centric issues:
- Branding: Why not still call it Palm OS or Palm OS II??? I'm confused. Feels like they could have called it iOS (oh ya, Apple would probably have a problem with that).
- Device Management: One of my favorite topics this year. The great news is that there is ActiveSync compatibility on this device. That should make mobile device management solution providers open to supporting this platform. MDM people...start working on it. Even if you are not (yet) going to develop an application to talk directly to your servers, support this new device via ActiveSync. You won't be sorry.
- Application Development: So I actually think it's a GOOD thing that the new OS is not compatible with the legacy applications. Cobalt was old. It needed to be put to bed. If end user organizations liked what the old Palm OS could do, then it's up to Palm to give them a reason to transition to webOS. Plus, the new platform appears to have a simple application development platform: CSS, JavaScript and XML? Even I remember how to code in two of the three. This sounds like widget development, which I have said for a long while could replace traditional application development. The multi-million dollar question is whether organizations will develop for it. Also, the demos showed no support for MS Office. Will QuickOffice fill in the gap?
- Browsing/Cloud Computing: Big surprise that the core of the browser is WebKit...NOT! The more Palm can leverage this browser (and what seems to be a good implementation of it) the better. I think Palm needs to look at SaaS partners as much as possible to show the viability of the Pre in the enterprise.
- The Consumerization of Enterprise Mobility: People (employees) want sexy devices with tons of eye candy that can do what they need for both their personal and professional needs. The iPhone proved it was possible. Palm's hardware is there. It looks like the OS is there...but will employees buy this and will IT managers then be able to support it? See point #2.
OK, so there's tons of upside. However, Palm still needs to execute. It needs to make sure the hardware is built well (HTC is doing it which should be fine) and that the reception of the device is solid. Then, they need to excite people to buy it and then they need to work with developers and enterprise mobility management companies to support the device for the enterprise. We also need to make sure security is nailed down.
So enough. As excited as I am to see Palm's new Pre, I want to watch Oklahoma vs. Florida in the BCS championship. Just make my prediction come true Palm!
