In a post last week I made the case that it would not matter to the IT Managers of the world that the iPhone gains Exchange Support, UNLESS they licensed Active Sync from Microsoft. Which is what they did. By doing so they add far more functionality than I could have ever hoped for out of the iPhone, as far as Exchange and Enterprise Support.
Their announcement goes far beyond just adding Exchange Support, they are fully giving IT Departments the ability to manage the iPhone, with arguably better functionality and features than what even Windows Mobile Devices have. As far as I am concerned this is what the iPhone should have launched with back in June.
Pair the new enterprise support with the App Store, which some people may not like, and I think that Apple has once again raised the bar in the Mobile Device market. The App store, in theory will allow IT Managers to relax a little bit knowing that all of the applications that they are distributing have been through at least basic certification processes by the device manufacturer. Additionally it will allow “small-time developers” who would normally not be able to have people see their app, let alone pay for it, actually get their wares in front of a captive audience.
My Final thought on this, is that I am ecstatic that Apple has gone the route of distributing a Mobile Device that has a constantly evolving lifespan. By actually distributing a device that gets *real* software updates and truly new features in those updates, whether free or for a small fee they have turned this device into a true technology investment, just like a desktop or notebook. This is why Apple can charge $399 for the iPhone, it will be around and run up to date software in a year or three from the time you purchase it. Can you say that about the other phones and PDAs that are on the market?
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