Wireless I.Q. Weblog

iPhone 2.0 software update coming soon

June 2, 2008 on 2:25 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

[Update 6/9/2008 - iPhone software update pushed back to "early July," probably to coincide with the 3G iPhone release]

[Update 6/11/2008 – (via Engadget) The software update may come earlier than expected.  Apple’s Australian website is showing that the App Store will be available on June 27th)

Back in March, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced a software update that will help the iPhone evolve and better position itself in the business segment and against other smart phones. With rumors circulating about a 3G iPhone release, early adopters of Apple’s wireless device can get the software upgrade for free and take advantage of true business applications, without having to upgrade their device. These applications include access to Microsoft Exchange’s wireless sync capabilities, increased control by IT administrators, and third party application support. Jobs anticipates that this software update will be released before the end of June, probably around the one year anniversary of the iPhone launch date. We will have a video review when the update is released. Read on for more details about the update.

Currently, iPhones can access corporate email using POP or IMAP access to their company email server. Many IT admins do not allow this type of access because of security reasons. Contact and calendar data must be synced using a USB cable connected to the user’s computer. The iPhone software update will bring Microsoft Exchange capabilities to the iPhone, allowing users to securely receive their email from a company’s Microsoft Exchange server (2003 or later). Outlook data, such as contacts, calendar, tasks, and memos will also synchronize over the air. iPhone end users will have access to their company’s Global Address book, giving them the ability to view colleague

IT administrators will also have increased control over iPhone users accessing corporate information. Admins will be able to remotely configure IT policies on iPhone devices. This is especially important for businesses that transmit proprietary information. Mandatory passwords can be implemented to devices to protect data from getting into the wrong hands. A lost or stolen iPhone can also be remotely locked until the device is recovered or the data can be completely wiped from the device. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used to access information on a company Intranet, whether it is using the at&t data network or through built-in wifi capabilities.

The most anticipated feature is the ability to download third party applications for the iPhone. Wireless phone users love to customize their device to fit their individual business and personal needs. iPhone users will be able to access the Apple App Store and download applications directly to their device. The Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) for the iPhone was released about the same time this software update was announced. Third party application developers have been working hard to come up with applications to be used on the iPhone, some even being free of charge to the end user.

Wireless I.Q. specializes in helping professionals customize their wireless phones to assist wireless users in becoming more efficient in their day to day activities. We look forward to the release of the software update and being able to better people’s lives through the use of technology.

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have.

Ben

ben@wirelessiqllc.com
www.wirelessiqllc.com