I’ve always thought that Apple, from the very beginning, intended for the iPhone to contend in the corporate world for smart phone dominance, however, I figured it would be on a 2.0 or maybe even a 3.0 version of the device. It would, however, seem, that AT&T thinks that the iPhone 1.0 is ready for the enterprise right now.
AT&T is now offering the iPhone to business customers.
The plan breakdown, lifted directly from Engadget, is as follows:
- 2 year commitment, voice service, and data plan required
- $45 per month for unlimited data, visual voice mail, and 200 SMSes; $55 ups the SMS limit to 1,500; $65 for unlimited everything
- An extra $25 per month nabs a 20MB monthly data plan good for 29 countries, $60 per month ups the limit to 50MB
- Activate by 31 March and qualified accounts will receive a service credit of $25 per month good through 31 December, 2008
I still feel that the iPhone is not ready for the corporate world. At least not yet anyway. That’s not to say, however, that it won’t be. The lack of a physical keyboard and 3G are showstoppers for me on the 1.0 version.
For those of you that wonder, yes, I own an iPhone and I think that it is the coolest cell phone that I have ever bought. The BlackBerry, however, is, hands down, the best business smartphone that I have ever used. Stick a slide-out keyboard, a replaceable battery, 3G and a memory slot in the iPhone, and allow it to receive push email from my corporate email system as well as a BIS-like internet service and I just may change my mind.
iPhone goes corporate: AT&T announces business plan
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/21/iphone-goes-corporate-atandt-announces-business-plan/
iPhone putting on a Lotus Notes suit?
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/17/iphone-putting-on-a-lotus-notes-suit/
Funny. Robb writes an article and hellno has to post links. What a child.
As for the iPhone hitting the corporate market, it still has some issues to iron out…
a) Syncing. Calanders are just as important.
b) Battery. So if you’re a roard warrior, you made need to stop to get a quick charge somewhere.
c) Entertainment. So how do we lock down the movies, music, etc. so productivity doesn’t get hurt?
d) Data. Still on edge.
e) Camera. Not all places want this feature enabled.
f) Security. It’s an OS with wifi ability. Any employee who walks around not knowing they have it enabled are open to getting hit. Granted, it’s not something that happens everyday, or is popular at this time on cell phones, but being in the IT business, who wants to be the first to explain how it happened? Also, if a phone is lost, how do you scrub the data off? You can do it with a BB, but not an iPhone.
I love the browser on the iPhone, and hope they can take some of the corporate features that BB’s have and incorporate it into their world. Better yet, just create a corporate edition and problem solved (no camera, lock down certain file downloads such as MP3’s). RIM does it (no camera editions, enterprise server) and I’d say it works quite well, so why can’t Apple? They’d make a killing on these if that was the case.
As for the AT&T plan, it looks harsh in my opinion. They should be a bit more competitive on the pricing for unlimited data on an Edge network. TMO is cheaper, as is VZW with a better data network (3G).
bluehorseshoe
#2. January 21st, 2008, at 1:18 PM.
Funny. Robb writes an article and hellno has to post links. What a child.
GROW UP Yet again RIMarkable’s resident troll shows he hasn’t figured out how to post properly. No one cares about his opinions of what others post, no one really cares about his opinions, bluehorseshoe’s post after post of thread craps and personal shots have proven that.
Now equally as funny…. bluehorseshoe commenting on a device he doesn’t own and has professed his personal issues with.
Syncing – No problems syncing Calendars.
Battery – No problems with getting a day or two, when running low charging can be done from many iPod/iPhone chargers and from any USB port.
Entertainment – No difference than BB devices other than it’s done 100% better on the iPhone
Data – 99% of BB’s are still using EDGE for many good reasons. Also it’s a PROVEN FACT a BB device does not need a faster technology than EDGE for doing BB functions.
Camera – 75% of the current BB models have camera’s, no problems.
Security – BB’s are slowly getting WiFi ability’s, no security problems with BB’s or iPhones having WiFi ability’s.
Poor bluehorseshoe making up FUD to desperately try to prove a point which doesn’t exist. It’s “love me daddy” issues. For those who don’t know bluehorseshoe downgraded from standard, open, global GSM with TMO to closed, proprietary, cdma with a crippled Pearl. Even at a time when verizon announces they are dropping cdma technology and upgrading to GSM/LTE bluehorseshoe is still desperately trying to convince himself his purchase and provider change has any merit. There is no chance bluehorseshoe will get a iPhone since Apple was smart enough to bypass verizon too, this makes bluehorseshoe bitter, upset, and unable to understand that the iPhone can, does and will run circles around BB devices.
What a perfect match bluehorseshoe who has issues with open technology and open wireless devices is kneeing at the feet of verizon wanting other’s devices “locked down” and functions and features crippled. Thank goodness there is only one verizon and the rest of the globe including RIM has figured out how to design devices for standard, open, global GSM technology giving device owners the freedom to use their devices as they like.
Now since the ignoramus has gotten the attention he so craves, perhaps back to the topic.
Robb at first I thought the touch screen would be a deal breaker too, but have found it to in some ways be as quick if not quicker than typing on my BB.
Yes every one of my BB’s have had a removable battery and think the iPhone should follow suit, HOWEVER when was the last time you had to change your BB’s battery? I never have.
Like 99% of the BB’s out there no 3G is perfectly OK. The iPhone has WiFi which is faster than any 3G technology and for most applications EDGE is plenty quick enough.
Removable memory? Who needs that when you have 8G built in and a super fast way to sync with USB?
As for corporate mail…
june 28, 2007
Visto brings corporate email to iPhone
http://www.ipodnn.com/articles/07/06/28/corporate.email.on.iphone/
iPhone users to get Lotus Notes
IBM cosies up to Apple
21 Jan 2008
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2207693/iphone-users-lotus-notes
Apple releases the SDK in a few weeks any applications which corporate feels they need will be available shortly. IMO the iPhone has proven it can meet and exceed anything my BB’s have to offer.
Apple and AT&T present iPhone – three innovative devices in one.
https://www.wireless.att.com/business/iphone/?bref=IB0003j3709n1441
“iPhone combines three amazing products: a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email, web browsing, searching and maps. It’s also a great communications and productivity tool for business professionals.”
“Sync contacts from your PC, Mac or Internet service”
“VPN support, including RSA SecurID, provides access to private corporate intranets”
“Support for video and audio podcasts such as corporate communications or training demos”
“Use the TV-out feature to show a product video to a client on a projector or widescreen TV”
“Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), EDGE and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR for wireless data connectivity”
Apple and the iPhone are changing and leading corporate just like they changed and are leading consumer.
Sent from my iPhone
I can’t even come close to typing as fast on my my iPhone’s virtual keyboard as I can on my BlackBerry. Browsing around on the iPhone and getting from menu to menu is pretty sweet, however, typing is brutal.
As for batteries, I carry a spare one with me in my laptop bag and use it probably 1 to 2 times per week. I do admit I am a bit of a road warrior but still. Not being able to replace a battery in a cell phone is just stupid in my opinion.
Lastly, not having 3G. You are right. For most things that you do on a BlackBerry, you don’t need it. This however isn’t the case in my opinion on the iPhone.
Almost every business related iPhone app thus far is 100% browser based, thus, you aren’t just sending small bits of data back and forth over Edge like on a BlackBerry, but, all the information needed to render those pretty little pages in Safari.
Now don’t get me wrong. The iPhone handles web browsing over Edge way better than the BlackBerry does, but, don’t fool yourself either. Edge is way slower than 3G and if you don’t have a great signal, almost unbearable to get anything done
Web based business apps would look really pretty on the iPhone but be almost as unbearably slow as they are on the BlackBerry.
@ hellidiot
I had a nice reply but Robb’s site seems to be having CPU quota issues, thus wiping out my fantastic reply in proving your stupidity while providing a sarcastic twist for everyone’s enjoyment.
Since you have no clue to the REAL world of corporate America (probably because you’ve never worked for a company before, but how can you…those padded walls won’t allow), let’s review and take it a step further (not as detailed as I had before, but I’ll touch these areas):
Battery – I carry 2 extras. I use them anywhere from 3-5 times a week. You can go an entire week without switching I’m sure because you don’t have anyone to call…
Syncing – not with MS Exchange. And what’s the percentage of companies out there that use Exchange? DUH! And for your Lotus Notes link? Comon’. What’s the percentage out there? Sure, need to run a small database, intranet with CF on the front and Notes on the backend. Why not. Domino is decent. But Notes is a hog. Shops that run a decent percentage of MAC’s will justify the need for Notes since Entourage sucks, but don’t even think of bring up Notes as a solution.
Entertainment – you’re right, nobody does it better than iPhone. But that’s why us corporate folks like the BB, dumb ass.
Data – you don’t get it. Want to tether? Not on Edge. Wifi? Now why the hell would I need to tether wifi or even use it if my laptop can pick up the same connection? Dip shit.
Camera – here’s where I get a good laugh. What the hell do you think corporate IT departments buy? Pearls for everyone? Those that have strict policies buy the ‘non’ camera BB’s.
Security – do your homework. Hackers don’t sit there to take down a cell phone OS. However, they can when the cell phone is a derivative of it’s mainstream/desktop OS. Go do the math Einstein. And what if someone steals your iPhone? Can you wipe out any personal information remotely? I know…what there for them to see except for your downloads of ‘Curious George’.
Now, when you go to sleep, make sure you hide your iPhone. The VZW guy is coming by to swap it for a locked down LG8700. Can you hear me now bitch?
Robb,
Can anything be done about bluehorseshoe? Not only do the FACTS show he is incorrect on most of his grandstanding and trolling posts, each and every one of his posts cross the line of good taste, having class, showing no respect for RIMarkable, you or the rest of fellow RIMarkable readers and posters. Nothing but ignorance, grandstanding, and ego posting come from bluehorseshoe, treating RIMarkable as his personal toilet.
Willfull ignorance.
@ hellidiot
The only person I’ve offended is YOU. Oddly enough, I’m not the only one who has taken shots at you. I can think of a few in recent memory as a matter of fact. In addition, nobody has come after me.
So let’s get this straight…
You’re complaining because I speak the FACTS about you, take a few shots at you, along with a few other readers, and nobody has taken a single shot at me, but you want something done about it.
Sounds to me like it’s getting too hot in the kitchen for you. Time for you to leave and let the grown-ups discuss.
PS – I’ve shown complete class by continuosly putting your sorry ass where in belongs, not to mention entertaining the rest of the board. If you had an educational background, perhaps you could have done the same. Biotch! LOLOL…
Now since the ignoramus has yet again gotten the attention he so craves, perhaps back to the topic.
iPhone is finally business in front, party in back
http://iphone.macworld.com/2008/01/iphone_is_finally_business_in.php
iPhone syncs with Microsoft Exchange via Synchronica’s Mobile Gateway 3.0
http://www.intomobile.com/2007/07/12/iphone-syncs-with-microsoft-exchange-via-synchronicas-mobile-gateway-30.html
iPhone making inroads in the corporate world
http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/12/07/iphone-making-inroads-in-the-corporate-world
“SAP announced that it plans an iPhone-friendly version of its next CRM release before releasing a version for the BlackBerry/Palm crowd, based on requests from its own sales people.”
Lucky history has proven time and time again bluehorseshoe has no idea or clue about the REAL WORLD.
Sent from my iPhone
@ hellidiot
Ah…more stupid links from the asylum. Here’s one for you…
http://www.hellno-is-an-idiot.com
As for your MS Exchange link, it syncs email. No shit. I’m talking about calendars you moron. Can’t you even read? “Calendars are just as important.”
No mistake on how you got the ‘hellno’ name…I’m sure you’ve heard it enough in your lifetime.
More poor behavior, it yet again shows much about the type of person bluehorseshoe really is.
One way or another bluehorseshoe will learn this is RIMarkable which is about the wireless industry NOT a place for his personal thoughts and opinions of others. One way or another bluehorseshoe will learn people don’t post for him. Saddly “fun” to bluehorseshoe means thread crapping, making personal comments, and his desire to keep FUD and ignorance above the truth. Nothing but a troll with a desperate need to stroke his ego, now even that is failing him. One way or another bluehorseshoe will learn he and his posts have lost all credibility long ago, his posts mean nothing, and sure have no bearing on what others think other than verifying the type of person bluehorseshoe really is. Now he has grand illusions and thinks he some how calls the shots here at RIMarkable and what he posts “putting your sorry ass where in belongs, not to mention entertaining the rest of the board.” has any bearing or effect on others, other than disgust knowing a ignorant troll lurks. That type of behavior only continues to prove bluehorseshoe lost has all credibility long ago and his posts mean nothing. Nothing like him proving that FACT with each and every BS post he makes.
Willful ignorance.
Now since the ignoramus has yet again gotten the attention he so craves, perhaps back to the topic and off bluehorseshoe’s trolling needs.
Syncing up Exchange calendar with iPhone
http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/2007/081507-dr-internet.html?fsrc=rss-columns
As Mac users know all too well it wasn’t long ago syncing BB devices to our Mac computers was a crap shoot at best. In a few weeks when the iPhone SDK is officially released all those app. wants and imagined needs will have solutions. Then many other software companies will follow SAP’s lead of developing first for the iPhone then later worry about the older generations of smartphones.
Many corporation’s have or shortly will embrace the revolutionary iPhone as their mobile device of choice. If exchange or any other software app doesn’t step up to the iPhone plate they will run the risk of being phased out as obsolete, while other app’s which can provide solutions and better productivity take their place. Kind of like the iPhone itself, sure RIM has a good product with the BB, but sync and device management with anything but a windoz machine is still very much a crap shot if not impossible, probably one reason why the iPhone is gaining the market at a rate never seen before.
Sent from my iPhone
@ retard…I mean ‘hellidiot
Again, did you cut and paste all of that? Not creative with the English language, are you? Can’t come up with anything new?
As for your link, once again you’re wrong! It is a solution for an APPLE desktop/laptop, not a Windows machine, and it REQUIRES tweaking with…hold your breath…ITUNES! Yes, you need ITUNES in order to sync to ENTOURAGE. Are you kidding me! Yeah, let’s roll all of that new equipment out because the iPhone is out. LOLOLOLOLOL…
You’re a complete moron. Go hit a differnt blog that addresses idiots like yourself. Leave the tech field for pros.
@ hellidiot
Are you insane?
“If exchange or any other software app doesn’t step up to the iPhone plate they will run the risk of being phased out as obsolete.”
Do you really believe what is coming out of your mouth? No chance in hell that the iPhone will place Exhange in the ‘obsolete’ category. Now you’re REALLY showing us all how silly your crap is.
A day off from school and what a mess bluehorseshoe has made for himself. So desperate for attention he trolls and uses RIMarkable for his toilet.
Now since the ignoramus has yet again gotten the attention he so craves, back again to the topic.
It’s just like GSM technology placing cdma in the ‘obsolete’ category which is happening FACT. It’s like some open source software like Linux placing unix and windoz in the ‘obsolete’ category. If exchange doesn’t get updated to work with the iPhone and something else is out there which does a better job then hellyes you’ll see your wet dream corporate exchange be placed in the ‘obsolete’ category. “Standards” get updated, and that what can’t keep up falls to the way side and gets put into the ‘obsolete’ category.
The AT&T Corporation claims the iPhone “It’s also a great communications and productivity tool for business professionals.”
Applications like Lotus Notes e-mail and Visto are only the start of business app’s coming to the iPhone bringing enterprise-grade, secure e-mail.
iPhone Gains Business Following
“a large majority of iPhone fans want to use their favorite device for work and play.
The poll, which was conducted by IDC, surveyed more than 350 U.S. professionals who were shopping for mobile devices at MyProductAdvisor.com, a Web site that gives users product recommendations based on their personal preferences. Overall, the poll found that 18% of respondents either owned or planned to buy an iPhone within the next 12 months. Of those respondents, 70% said they planned to use their iPhone for both personal and business functions, including corporate e-mail, corporate Intranet and CRM. The survey also found that roughly two-thirds of all respondents already use some kind of mobile communications device for both personal and business purposes.”
Thinking in the REAL WORLD without bias and ego problems leads those in the know to understand the iPhone is capable of being everything a blackberry is and then some. Remember the blackberry is just a smartphone the iPhone is a handheld computer.
@ hellidiot
I didn’t think you can take the stupid factor any higher…but I stand corrected! Let’s take a look at your crazy thoughts.
“It’s just like GSM technology placing cdma in the ‘obsolete’ category which is happening FACT.” – Your grammar is terrrible!
“It’s like some open source software like Linux placing unix and windoz in the ‘obsolete’ category.” – Do you know what the Apple OS is based on? Uh huh…
“If exchange doesn’t get updated to work with the iPhone and something else is out there which does a better job then hellyes you’ll see your wet dream corporate exchange be placed in the ‘obsolete’ category.” – The entire corporate infrastructure of the world is going to change because of a phone. I guess you’ll be writing the code for the ‘new’ suggested mail platform. Put the crack pipe down.
“”The AT&T Corporation claims the iPhone “It’s also a great communications and productivity tool for business professionals.”” – No shit…they sell the damn thing! What do you think they’d say? Don’t buy it, it sucks? You are really off the wall…
“Applications like Lotus Notes e-mail and Visto are only the start of business app’s coming to the iPhone bringing enterprise-grade, secure e-mail.” – that would be great if Notes was increasing in percentage, not decreasing. Visto? You’re kidding.
“Overall, the poll found that 18% of respondents either owned or planned to buy an iPhone within the next 12 months. Of those respondents, 70% said they planned to use their iPhone for both personal and business functions, including corporate e-mail, corporate Intranet and CRM.” – Yeah, until they speak with their CIO only to discover that it’s not there yet regarding corporate mergence.
“Thinking in the REAL WORLD without bias and ego problems leads those in the know to understand the iPhone is capable of being everything a blackberry is and then some.” – without bias? You type in iPhone crap like a dictator and then say it’s without bias? How many personalities do you have?
Clueless you are…
Alright guys. The grudge match has gone on long enough.
If you guys want to attack each others point, great. It’s getting a little old but so long as you are on topic, so be it. just leave the personal attacks out of it.
Poor bluehorseshoe, outclassed, and lack of knowledge has been shown yet again. Just like the iPhone handheld computer outclasses and outshines any BB in many ways. Glad you stepped in Robb, poor bluehorseshoe is again letting his diarrhea, FUD and ignorance get the best of him.
“Son, your ego is writing checks your body can’t cash. You’ve been busted, you lost your qualifications”
@ hellidiot
So if the iPhone out classes the BB in oh so many ways, then you do you visit a BB site? Out class me? Ha! Reading your posts says it all!
Did it ever dawn on you that perhaps Robb is bored with your crappy iPhone this, iPhone that posts? I know I am. Heck, you even have people posting in disbelief at times when they read your posts. Have you ever seen one about me, except when they agree with me that you’re an idiot?
Go do your research…10 out of 10 bloggers agree, you’re an idiot!
Robb, it’s gonna take more than this for that ignoramus bluehorseshoe to understand you. Funny in another thread he’s desperately kissing your ass, yet in another thread he’s sh*tting all over your site with no respect. Spreading his FUD and ignorance with his ego driven, grandstanding FUD posts.
Robb Dunewood
#19. January 21st, 2008, at 11:08 PM.
Alright guys. The grudge match has gone on long enough.
If you guys want to attack each others point, great. It’s getting a little old but so long as you are on topic, so be it. just leave the personal attacks out of it.
SO desperate, not only was the poor choice to downgrade from TMO to vzw made, then vzw even decided it had enough of cdma. Now with the FACT that the iPhone outclasses the BB on many levels bluehorseshoe is again throwing another fit since the REAL WORLD doesn’t match bluehorseshoe FUD world.
Thought
#10. January 22nd, 2008, at 12:50 AM.
“There is no way any company on earth will be able to come up with a touchscreen device as elegant as the iPhone. RIM needs to stick with what it does well, and not try to out-Apple Apple…it cannot be done.”
And BINGO was his name oh…..
The iPhone has a long long long way to go before it could be perceived as a serious business phone.
The idea is rather ludicrous!
“The idea is rather ludicrous!”
As are the people who bet against Apple and the iPhone Rob……
Thanks for sharing
Good blog about the iPhone and the Blackberry. Once I dropped my iPod and broke it and went to http://www.ipod-repair-guide.com to get it fixed.