Iphone as a small business man's phone

Like it or not Apple has made a big splash with the ipad and iphone. As time progresses more business people will be adopting these devices. This means that they will require Systems support folks to know and support the interconnectivity to data resources in the office. The iphone is maturing and will function better over time. I can't wait for it to do so. One area that I wish Apple would come out with is a mobile software interface system that is separate from itunes. Apple should continue to have itunes as a software player and store front still but make an application interface that can be programmed against for vendors and allow support personnel such as myself a way to work with the utility of syncing and installation of software that is away from the itunes library of paid music.

All on the phone
This is a wonderful concept. Have all you need on your phone. The issue is that you raise the number of variables of what could go wrong the more things that are required to perform a function. For example, In order to use Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) you have to make sure that the iphone is currently connected to the wireless provider, turn on vpn, insure the vpn is up, then use jump or other RDP program to connect to a remote PC. Or if you are in the same building or can get on the same wireless network, Insure your connection is working, you can RDP. Bottom line, the average Exec probably will not be RDPing from his phone unless he is taught and has enough patience to get all the variables in order.

The Bad thing is this counts also for Email or any other service that is related to the need for connectivity. Sure you can open your servers and allow connections form the internet and that security to do that is improving. However, Most IT shops have not made that change. The nice thing is that vpn as a software on the iphone has come along way and works pretty well. It does boil down to patience. If the Exec is willing to get all the "ducks in a row" and willing to get errors and try again. No problem with this great technology.

In fairness to Apple, My view will not be the only one I will post here. I have a customer who uses his iphone for EVERYTHING. I've asked him to give me a review. Once I get it I'll post it here too.