Originating Author: David Floyer
Below is a table I have created looking at the various features available on cell phones likely to be used in the enterprise. I chose the phones used by myself, Dave, Peter, and the phone I wish I had, the iPhone. The number of stars are based on my research looking at the videos on the iPhone, my personal experience with the RAZR and Treo, and research on the Blackberry.
Please feel free to update the table!
What is clear is that for large enterprise use, the lack of a secure email attachment is critical. Only IMAP connection is available at the moment, and many email servers turn this function off for security reasons. This is unlikely to be a problem for SMEs and many intermediate sized companies. The Wall Street Journal indicates that Apple will probably license either RIM or Microsoft technology to provide a "virtual blackberry" or virtual windows mobile" connection to email.
The lack of a security feature will be important for some users in government or large organizations.
Typing seems to be a very personal thing. Many users like two thumbs, or a stylus. With practice all seem good solutions, and personal preference will determine what is used.
The bottom line is that IT departments can fend off attaching iPhones to their networks for a time, but the second that Apple announces "virtual" connections, all bets are off.
Action item: Cover your bets! Get a skunk-works trial going with iPhones in the IT department, so that you can give positive guidance to potential users. When Apple announces secure email connectivity, it could be career limiting to say no to the sales director who decides to incent his sales staff with iPhones.
Function | iPhone | Blackberry | Treo | RAZR |
---|---|---|---|---|
Synching | ***** | **** | *** | - |
Phoning | **** | **** | **** | ***** |
Phone Mail | ***** | *** | *** | ** |
WiFi | ***** | ***** | *** | - |
SMS Text | **** | **** | *** | * |
Google Maps | ***** | **** | ** | * |
Browser | ***** | ** | ** | * |
Email (Personal) | **** | **** | *** | * |
Email (Business) | * (IMAP) | ***** | **** | * |
Security (Network delete) | - | **** | *** | - |
Reading Word/Excel/PDF attach | *** | *** | ** | - |
Updating Word/Excel/ attach | - | ** | * | - |
Reading/Updating PowerPoint attach | - | ** | * | - |
Typing | *** | *** | *** | * |
Music/speech (iPod) | ***** | - | - | ** |
Video | ***** | - | - | - |
Choice of Carrier | * | **** | *** | ***** |
Bluetooth | ** | ** | ** | ** |
Internet Speed(Email) | *** | **** | **** | * |
Internet Speed | ** | **** | **** | * |
GPS | - | ***(some) | ***(SD) | - |