Definitions: iPhone

Definition

In 2007, Apple Inc. began marketing its first smartphone, the iPhone. The  iPhone is a multimedia-enabled cell phone that also provides Internet  connectivity, offers text messaging, serves as a portable media player, and camera phone. Users interface with the phone and its applications via a multi-touch screen that also offers a virtual keyboard for entering text.

As of today, there have been three versions of the iPhone released for use: the Original first generation, the 3G second generation, and the 3GS third generation. The iPhone has so far only been offered via the cellular phone carrier AT&T, with whom Apple has signed an exclusivity agreement.

The iPhone runs on its own operating system called iPhone OS, a modified version of the Darwin core of the Mac OS X. The phone is also managed via Apple’s iTunes, which is how Apple provides updates to the phone and allows users to purchase and download applications for the smartphone.

Business  Applications

Although many believe the iPhone isn’t ready for the enterprise, small business owners and some enterprises have welcomed the iPhone and its  wide variety of applications with open arms. Recent reports showthat in 2009, Apple shipped nearly 2 million of its iPhone devices to corporate accounts. It seems that the iPhone is finding its niche in the business smartphone market.

Features of the iPhone that business users find most useful include its multimedia applications. Some business-related applications are free to download, while others require a small fee. Even some large, well-known companies have created applications for the iPhone.

Some of the top-rated business applicationsin the Apple AppStore include Salesforce mobile, which allows users to access their customer database from their iPhones; Oracle Business Indicators software, which gives iPhone users access to human resources, financial, and supply chain data; and Stage Hand, which allows iPhone users to control presentations from their smartphones.

Concerns

There have been several areas of concerninvolving the iPhone, especially when it is used in the enterprise. Before  buying the smartphone to use for work, one should consider its security issues, e-mail accessibility, calendar and contact sync capabilities, coverage area with the AT&T carrier, and battery life, among other possible issues.

The latest version of the iPhone has provided hardware-based encryption and a remote wipe capability—both of these improvements are welcome security provisions for the smartphone. However, experts warn that there are still security issues that are cause for concern. Before embracing the phone for enterprise use, it is recommended that the phone and its applications be tested to ensure of the impact of both on corporate data.

IT departments who will support the iPhone should also be sure that it is capable of synching with calendars and contact databases and that it works well with the e-mail software used in the organization. Also, users who travel may want to be sure that AT&T’s network is available where they travel.

One other concern that business users must consider is the limitations on battery life for the iPhone. With normal use, the phone battery lasts around 5 hours before it must be recharged. Also, the battery is sealed inside the case of the iPhone, so users cannot swap out a dead battery with a charged one.

Technical  Info

The latest version of the iPhone, the iPhone 3GS, is available in 16GB or 32GB form. Both versions include a 3-megapixel camera; 3.5” multi-touch  screen; and uses UMTS/HSDPA, GMS/EDGE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity.

The iPhone contains a sealed rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 5-hour average talk-time on 3G networks. The phone provides up to 300 hours of standby time. To download system updates and applications, users are required to use iTunes 8.2 or later.