So as you might recall, I got an iPhone about a month ago. I've had a number of mixed emotions about the device. The user interface is amazing. I can't type on the device to save my life. The browser is second to none. I love how Steve Jobs knows better than I do how I want to customize the device...including sounds and ring tones for things other than people calling me (note sarcasm). So these are mostly consumer-related issues.
What about issues that are more related to enterprise mobility?
For the record, I do not consider the iPhone enterprise ready. So think of these "complaints" and observations each as opportnities for Apple to work more closely with the players of the enterprise mobility ecosystem to TRULY make the iPhone an enterprise ready mobile device.
- First things first. I'm not a fan of the email and calendaring functionality on the iPhone. Both Windows Mobile and BlackBerry do, in my opinion, a much better job for mobile messaging in terms of syncing up specific folders as well as sending or accepting calendar invites.
- I've also spoken before about how I don't believe the App Store, as slick as it is, is good for enterprise mobility. Why? Because enterprises need to be able to not only control what is on their employees devices, but control how their employees are using applications on the device. There is zero application management available. This leads me to point #3.
- There's no ability (yet) for an application developer to develop an application that runs as a background process. That means that any Mobile Device Management company who wants to build a native application that can run as a background process is just out of luck.
- What about security? Well, sure Apple provides Cisco VPN capabilities...but what about other security tools? Oh that's right, I can't run a background process on my iPhone. Why? Because Apple refuses to partner with enterprise mobility companies.
- Customized ROMs that provide pre-packaged applications and configurations so that employees can hit the ground running? No way. Even "jail breaking" your phone won't help there. Oh ya, and you run the risk of bricking your iPhone and/or voiding the warranty.
So the answer to all five of these problems is pretty straight forward:
- Point #1: Make a better email/calendaring application
- Point #2:
- Point #3: Allow app developers to make background applications
- Point #4: Partner for goodness sake with companies that could actually help you sell even more devices.
- Point #5: Allow more customization of the device. This is where Apple could learn a LOT from Windows Mobile. Ya, you heard me...
So let's go back to Point #2. What if Apple were to provide enterprises their own app stores???? Ya, you heard me. Think SaaS. Think cloud computing. Think about a service where as opposed to seeing the thousands of applications that no one uses, an employee can go to their company's app store...powered by Apple in The Cloud...that is based upon the policies and procedures that an organization sets up!
Even if Apple wouldn't be smart enough to do that, why not work with MDM companies so they can provide that service? Oh right, Apple would have to allow companies to create applications that run in the background.
This one thing alone....creating customized enterprise friendly App Stores would be an ENORMOUS step forward for Apple to gain serious credibility in the world of enterprise mobility.
PS: Are you reading this Palm (I'm talking Pre not Treo Pro) ? ;-)
