New iPhone SDK released for developers and business customers

Apple has previewed its new iPhone software, which is slated for a summer release. The beta, available now to developers and some enterprise customers, includes the SDK and a number of business-focused additions.

New enterprise features in the iPhone package include support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync – which will enable push email, contacts and calendars, as well as the ability to remotely 'wipe' devices, and Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to secured company networks.

Apple is keen to foster a developer community for the iPhone and has introduced the iPhone Developer Programme and an App Store, which will be the home of third party programmes and applications.

ActiveSync is licensed from Microsoft and will let users connect direct to Exchange Servers 'out of the box'. Commenting on the deal Terry Myerson, corporate vice president for Exchange, said "We continue to compete with Apple in the computer arena and media player business.

When it comes to mobile phones, Windows Mobile still delivers the premier mobile e-mail experience for Microsoft Exchange Server, by delivering the Outlook experience on a mobile phone and with the most complete support for Exchange’s many enterprise device management policies. But, we also partner with many mobile device makers – including Apple – and believe that by making Exchange an open platform, our customers and partners, ultimately, will be the beneficiaries."

David Perry, director of mobile workforce management firm Cognito, said it still remains to be seen whether the iPhone will really take off as a business tool

"As the SDK is based on Apple’s proprietary development environment, a mobile application vendor would need to maintain a separate code base to other platforms for its iPhone applications," he explained. "I’m not convinced there is currently a business market for this in the UK: there isn’t even a business tariff available yet."

See also:

Mobile opportunities knock

The latest handsets offer retailers a new sales channel  03 Mar 2008

Apple readies software development kit

Business apps could soon follow, according to experts  28 Feb 2008

IM tools tailored for enterprises

Process One will launch two new enterprise collaboration and communication products today  18 Feb 2008

GoHello debuts at Mobile World Congress

Linux-based phones also set to star at MWC this week  11 Feb 2008

Palm ships compact low-cost smartphone

Palm will start shipping its new Centro smartphone in the UK this month  08 Feb 2008

The internet gets local in 2008

Predictions suggest that future web innovations are not so far from what we are used to today  04 Feb 2008

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