Mobility Improvements

Apple, Inc. detailed the software development kit now available for its iPhone device, demonstrating that it intends for the device to become a serious enterprise contender. Elsewhere, Dell Inc announced its new ruggedized, IT-manageable notebook while the Mozilla Foundation released a beta for a new application which allows Web-based applications to more tightly integrate with users' desktop environments.

Focal Points:

• Apple's new iPhone 2.0 software is now available as a beta release to developers and enterprise customers so that they can begin application development and IT support preparation. The updated operating system includes the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) providing developers with a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) that allows access to the operating system, its services, media capabilities, and touch screen interface. In addition, the software provides enterprise capabilities including virtual private networking (VPN) support, Microsoft Corp. Exchange ActiveSync enabling over-the-air synchronization of calendars, contacts, and e-mails. Exchange ActiveSync is compatible with Exchange Server 2003 and 2007, and includes security features such as auto-discovery, password policies, remote wipe, and the ability to perform over-the-air setup. The full version of iPhone 2.0 is expected to be available in June.
• Dell is entering the ruggedized notebook space by launching the Latitude XFR D630. The notebook is able to stand up to the Department of Defense's standards for enduring extreme conditions, including temperatures ranging from negative 60 degrees to 205 degrees Fahrenheit, four inches of rain per hour, and a three-foot drop. The company claims that the notebook can use the same software images and batteries as other Latitude notebooks and is also available with standard support contracts including next-day business support. Pricing starts just under $3,900.
• Service oriented architectures (SOAs) and Web services have allowed corporations to move away from the client/server model of application deployment, allowing enterprises to centrally deploy and manage software on the server. Web browsers have been the primary means of accessing these applications, and Mozilla claims that the typical browser interface can be confusing to users given the redundant and/or often incorrect navigational toolbars. Mozilla has been working to decouple the browser interface from the browser to allow corporations to present a more easily comprehensible browser shell to users that can bring up the application within a standalone window. Called Prism, the browser core runs on the same basic platform and includes the same feature and functionality set as the popular Firefox Web browser.

Experton Group believes Apple's iPhone 2.0 software presents a very real and capable threat to incumbent enterprise handheld device platforms including Research in Motion Ltd.'s BlackBerry. Despite its high price tag, use of a 2.5 generation wireless network, and the lack of a hardware keyboard, the iPhone has been universally praised and purchased in record numbers. IT executives have had to turn users away as the original platform was incompatible with enterprise application delivery mechanisms, security policies, and support methodologies. Apple has identified and included the right mix of required
enterprise technologies in beta version, and the developer requirements for SDK usage are reasonable and prudent.

Experton Group believes Apple has the potential to become an important contender in the enterprise mobility space, especially as the qualifications for support and interfaces needed to effectively enable applications converge around standards. IT executives should prepare to trial Apple's enterprise-ready offerings as they will certainly be pressured by influential users to include the iPhone as one of the key supported environments.

Dell is moving aggressively to adopt new technologies and retail strategies to improve its ability to attract a wider customer base. The company's new ruggedized notebook has the right specifications to make it attractive, and Dell's enterprise support and the ability to consolidate images will be of interest to many IT support staffs. IT executives supporting populations with extreme requirements would be well served by evaluating this offering.

Though Mozilla's Prism is far from being ready for widespread deployment, it nonetheless offers a realistic directional perspective on the future of enterprise applications. Experton Group believes SOAs and Web Services are advancing exponentially, and despite the trials and tribulations inherent with any early set of releases, these common methods of application and data exposure offer enterprises huge potential for cost savings and reduced time to market. IT executives should be investing in establishing platforms based on standardized services to enable Web-based applications wherever possible, as this will certainly be the primary means of application development and exposure – both from enterprises and commercial vendors – in the future.