iPhone Enterprise Beta Program launched
updated 04:30 pm EST, Thu March 6, 2008
iPhone Enterprise Beta
Apple today launched its iPhone Enterprise Beta Program, a new mini-site dedicated to bringing the iPhone to large corporate environments. The program offers "a unique opportunity for IT departments to try iPhone 2.0 software before general release," according to Apple. "If your company is selected to participate, you'll test new iPhone enterprise features within your corporate environment, then provide Apple with valuable feedback." Apple touts the latest capabilities of its iPhone which surfaced today during a town-hall meeting centered around the iPhone's software roadmap.
Forthcoming iPhone support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and industry-standard corporate security standards are listed among the slew of enterprise features offered with iPhone 2.0. The update features Push email, contacts, and calendar support with a global address list. iPhone 2.0 also offers certificates and identities, WPA2/802.1x support, enforced security policies, more VPN protocols, device configuration, and 'remote wipe' functionality to delete data on lost or stolen iPhones.
The Cupertino-based company details new Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support for compatibility with existing corporate mobile email systems, and boasts iPhone 2.0's enterprise-grade networking support with Cisco IPsec VPN for IP-based encryption that facilitates the transmission of sensitive company information.
Apple is showing off its new iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK), which allows developers to create native iPhone applications customized to enterprise needs, and is touting corporate rate plans from AT&T.
stop complaining
03/06, 05:17pm reply
Now people can stop complaining that there is no Enterprise support.
bhuot
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
stop complaining? Not Yet
03/06, 09:25pm reply
I am sure we will hear complaints up until it is released in June. I've already gotten a few emails from people that heard "works with Exchange" but didn't hear "coming in June with iPhone software 2.0".
jHal08
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2008
Still falls short for biz
03/07, 02:04pm reply
Until Apple or AT&T offer handset insurance for iPhone, which IS available for the RIM 8700 and other capable business oriented handsets (which BTW cost $129 or less), I don't see mass exodus from those platforms.
Businesses have to control costs - switching to new mobile phones that cost 4x more, and are ineligible for inexpensive ($4.99/Mo) insurance just don't fit that model.
Can/should Apple do something about this?? I'm sure the feedback that follows will no doubt be enlightening.
Kainzow
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2007
complainers
03/07, 02:13pm reply
Complainers about Apple will always find someone to complain about. Like the phone not working in markets it wasn't released in yet.
bhuot
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003