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The first generation
Enterprise IT shops and iOS devices weren’t always a match made in heaven. When it first arrived on the scene, the first generation iPhone was geared toward the consumer and not the corporate IT department. The first iPhone was only available on the then Cingular network, was expensive at $499 for the smaller version and didn’t accept enterprise apps. It did allow for things like three-way calling and supported Microsoft Exchange emails. (Image: Andre / CC 2.0) -
Microsoft Office compatibility
There’s no denying Microsoft’s Office suite dominates the enterprise, but up until June 15, 2009, users struggled when opening, editing and exporting Office documents on their iOS devices. Apple helped ease that with the release of Documents To Go on the App Store. The app lets iPad and iPhone users open their Office documents on their iOS devices. Rumors have floated around that Apple will bring Office to the iPad soon. (Image: RRZEicons / CC 3.0) -
The iPad
Apple launched the first generation iPad in the Spring of 2010. It was the first commercially popular tablet that was designed for media consumption and opened doors for businesses to reach consumers and clients in a new way. It gave sales teams an easy and mobile option to show promotional videos and demos at conferences and meetings, and gave employees another device option for working remotely and traveling. (Image: Yutaka Tsutano / CC 2.0) -
FaceTime
While web video conferencing is nothing new, the FaceTime video conferencing feature gave iOS users ways to connect with other iOS users directly on their iPhones, and with full encryption. The capability really took off with FaceTime for the iPad 2--released in March 2011--which was the first to come with front and rear cameras. Apple later took it a step further with the Fuze Meeting app, allowing users to hold web meetings from a tablet. (Image: thms.nl / CC 2.0) -
Apple adds hardware encryption ... for real
Hardware encryption was first introduced June 17, 2009 with the release of iOS 3, but it was later found to have significant flaws. With the release of iOS 4 on July 21, 2010, Apple implemented always-on, 256-bit AES encryption--resolving the issues present in iOS 3. (Image: ©iStockPhoto/mipan) -
Apple introduces Volume app purchasing, B2B apps
Apple’s App Store launched in 2008 along with the iPhone 3G, and created a new way for iOS customers to download applications. For the enterprise though, the big development took place three years later, when Apple introduced volume app purchasing for businesses. At the same time, it introduced a way for enterprises to sell custom B2B apps for business customers. (Image: John Federico / CC 2.0) -
Siri, can you reschedule my 11:15?
With the release of the iPhone 4S last year came the anticipated voice-enabled technology, Siri. Using Siri, employees can do things like schedule meetings, quickly find contacts and write emails without touching a screen. Siri’s dictation capability extends to other iOS apps, allowing users to add content to Word documents, enter client information in CRM apps, or post to social media platforms. (Image: Vasile Cotovanu /CC 2.0) -
4G LTE
The iPhone 5 is Apple’s first iPhone with 4G LTE coverage capability. The new feature means expanded coverage and faster downloading speeds for enterprise users who are on the go. On the flip side, it may also mean steeper bills for companies, and it won’t immediately be available for customers on certain networks. Currently, only Verizon, AT&T and Sprint offer it. (Image: Apple) -
A mobile wallet
Apple’s new Passbook ‘mobile wallet’ feature, which is available on both the iPad and iPhone, gives users quick, mobile access to things like electronic tickets and promotions. This feature can help prevent business travelers from scrambling to find their boarding passes, and in the future can be used for things like company gym memberships or credit cards. Passbook also presents a marketing medium for businesses to connect to consumers.
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Apple Maps
Although previous iPhones came with Google Maps, the new iOS 6-released Apple Maps provides turn-by-turn direction and new street views, features which employees on their way to client meetings or conferences out of town can use. The turn-by-turn navigation feature is especially helpful for enterprise users who drive and don’t want to look down at their phones. There’s been a recent pushback from Google Maps fans though, who say Apple Maps needs some fine tuning. (Image: Apple)
