I agree with you that the iPhone is not in the Enterprise because it does not have a solution.

An Enterprise Mobility solution must serve a few core functions, else it will be useless to the Enterprise:

> Security (end-to-end)
> Extensibility
> Network Agnostic
> Flexibility
> Command and Control

Other than being a pretty cool device, I do not see where the iPhone meets any of these requirements (unless I am missing something). In my humble opinion, the fact that the iPhone is only available on AT&T in the states has absolutely nothing to do with why it is not an intelligent choice as an Enterprise Mobility solution. It lacks the core competencies that Enterprise Mobility needs to solve for.

- Agreed – iTunes deployed to 20,000 or 30,000 computers? What does this do to support costs? Security? Other policies?

- Regarding the argument around Mobile Device Management and whether it is best done in an “open” or “closed” fashion. I would agree with CAS in terms of platform specific applications providing more features/functionality. I am more familiar with the BlackBerry Enterprise Server but I am sure that others have similar enterprise ready qualities.

Regardless of how much RIM, Apple or Microsoft want us to go with only one of them I have a feeling that most enterprise environments will be forced to support at least two platforms… and that is why as soon as someone does a good job of integrating the management and support of multiple devices/platforms they will do well. Will it be one of these three? Probably not Apple… and Microsoft doesn’t understand ‘mobility’ well enough. My bet would go to RIM or to a third party. The awakening of the user through the iPhone has done away with single device deployments…

Stay tuned over the next few days … for more posts on these topics.

Reading through the Enterprise Deployment Guide (http://support.apple.com/manuals/en_US/Enterprise_Deployment_Guide.pdf) there are a few striking issues:

1. iTunes is required to setup/upgrade the device and install applications. While IT shops struggle to limit software for supportability and security, adding iTunes to hundreds of corporate PCs screams policy issue. Is it the IT helpdesk who will troubleshoot issues with consumer software designed to download music and movies? Further more, these are mobile devices, why do I need to tether them to manage them?

2. iPhones are limited to 5 policies when integrated with Exchange ActiveSync. This points out the true disadvantage of a generic Mobile Device Management and probably the reason why products such as ZENworks Handheld Management or CA Mobile Device Management do not have the penetration of vendor specific solution – an integrated solution provides true integration with the device. This probably brings up the argument of “open” vs. “closed” platforms, but single platform management systems work more seamlessly and are more feature rich due to this integration. And if the MDM products are just using vendor supplied APIs, why not choose the vendor’s product in the first place. Not to say that all IT policies provided by the BlackBerry solution are relevant, but the policies should be able to support a corporate mobility policy without limitation.

3. Applications. The iPhone store may have 8000+ applications, but does an enterprise really achieve the true value of mobility using an application that pours a beer on the screen based on position of the device. Once iPhone has the support of SAP, Siebel and other mobile workforce related applications, it will begin life as a true enterprise device.

In terms of choice, consumer and enterprise environments are not the same. As a consumer, I want the device that supports my lifestyle. As an enterprise, I want a device that improves employee productivity without sacrificing security, management and control. BlackBerry is a true enterprise grade mobile platform and has started to integrate lifestyle appeal. iPhone has that cool factor, but is not even close to an enterprise grade solution. As an enterprise, I think the choice is obvious at this point. Time will tell if there is a intersection point for the two mobile platforms and who gets there first.

A comment on Jim’s note about lost devices. A virtual private would indeed provide better security while data is being transported, but it will not protect the data on the device. Remote wipe is key to an enterprise solution and both BlackBerry and iPhone support this feature while connected to BlackBerry Enterprise Server or Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. BlackBerry Unite! is also an option for consumers who would like to be able to wipe their personal BlackBerry device.

I had the chance to play with an iPhone just the another night. The first thing I was presented with is the “cool” slider button for power. RIM still uses an old fashioned button on it’s devices, but then I have never found a need to turn my BlackBerry off.

As you say, adding the iPhone to the Enterprise Mobility mix is good for the end user. BlackBerry Security and iPhone Ingenuity will combine to create CHOICE for the end user.

The End User does Rule and the taboo associated with iPhone in the Enterprise only fans the flames of end user demand. Proof that “cool” still sells…

The “techie guy in the bowels of the enterprise tasked with managing mobile deployments” will have the tools and I absolutely concur that it is just a matter of time before the iPhone is accepted as an enterprise grade solution.

I would only disagree with one point you make. In the twinkling of an eye, the Platform will become moot as enterprises adopt Mobile Device Management (MDM) Solutions that enable the IT Shop to centrally manage virtually any device, regardless of manufacturer, Operating System, or Mobile Operator, from a common interface. Best in Class MDM Solutions have one key component in common, FLEXIBILITY; The ability to apply existing IT Policies to the MDM Software determine its value and its potential. As you aptly point out, Smart Minds (not in the bowels of the Enterprise) are actively metriculating this information.

The other big question that always comes up from wary enterprise’s is: “What if the device is lost?” Good question… Solution? Create a virtual private cloud where no corporate (regardless of the method of transport) is ever exposed to the public internet. In the spirit of providing information and not an infomercial, I will resist the temptation to tell you that AT&T can create this private pipe quickly and very inexpensively!

Cheers,

Jim Hollinshead
ATT Mobility
jimhollinshead@att.net
Linkedin Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhollinshead