Hold off on iPhone 3G, says analyst

Corporates should consider new handset a 'beta release'

Shaun Nichols in San Francisco, vnunet.com 18 Jul 2008

Business users should not be so quick to adopt the iPhone 3G, according to one industry analyst.

Rob Enderle, founder and principle analyst at the Enderle Group, explained that flaws in the iPhone 3G may take a few weeks to surface.

"Apple is one of those companies that could sell refrigerators to Eskimos, but that does not suggest that Eskimos should actually buy them," he said.

"The problem is that Apple tends to lead on hype and does a good job controlling initial product reviews.

"Problems associated with the iPhone 3G probably will not be known until the week after it launches when the raft of independent reviews becomes available."

Apple has attempted to make the iPhone 3G far more business friendly than its predecessor. The new version of the software includes support for Microsoft Exchange and Cisco VPN security as well as new GPS capabilities.

However, Enderle highlighted several early concerns about the handset, including poor battery life and software availability, which could make the handset impractical for business use.

The analyst suggested that businesses should wait for third-party hardware solutions and better quality control in the iPhone App Store before fully embracing the new handsets.

"It would be better for employees and their companies if purchases of the iPhone 3G were delayed until at least September when critical parts like battery life, App Store security and application performance are better understood," said Enderle.

"Businesses can then be assured that iPhone-using employees will be able to communicate reliably.

"In short, wait until the iPhone 3G exits 'beta' and meets your company's needs before embracing it."

See also: