Analysts: iPhone's future in enterprise a mystery
updated 08:55 pm EDT, Mon March 17, 2008
Analysts torn on iPhone
With Apple's recent introduction of the iPhone/iPod touch SDK, some analysts are torn on the device's corporate future, despite support for Microsoft's ActiveSync protocol. According to MarketWatch, the latest changes to the iPhone platform could make it more competitive with the RIMM BlackBerry platform, but analyst Toni Sacconaghi said the introductions may do little to change the iPhone's overall position in the smartphone market.
Andy Hargreaves of Pacific Crest Securities takes an opposing stance, saying that the iPhone should attract new developers and " will likely be the first Apple device for millions of corporate users, and positive impressions could drive stronger demand for Macs over time." Hargreaves believes that the SDK and ActiveSync support will help drive over 5 million handset sales to corporate customers.
While Sacconaghi thinks the existing barriers regarding BlackBerry devices functioning on an Exchange server will still be present, Hargreaves says that the iPhone could create a halo effect in the corporate industry, similar to that of the iPod and the home market.
Hargreaves estimates that Apple holds less than 2-percent of the worldwide PC market, and submits that the Mac platform could see "meaningful growth" throughout the 2008 fiscal year. Each 1-percent gain would entitle Apple to 25¢ per share, according to Hargreaves.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Sacconaghi: some good/not
The 'halo effect' theory may actually play well here, especially if apple is smart enough to keep flash off the iPhone (shows how stable the OS/Apple experience is). The number of RIMM, etc. switchers prolly won't prove very high to start, though.
However, his "may do little to change smartphone market..." comment? Hello? Anyone home? The iPhone's emergence was enough to inject thousands of new users into the smartphone market. All of those savvy consumers who wanted to carry around just one device for their media and wireless connectivity bought into the iPhone. These are the folks that previously would have had a general cell phone and iPod.
The iPhone has ALREADY reshaped the size and nature of the smartphone market, and it's been out for less than a year and still hasn't gone through the first major (and important) revision. If you thought business users were whiny about push email, wait until consumers get used to it. *shudders*