UBS considering iPhones over BlackBerries for workers
updated 12:00 pm EDT, Fri June 11, 2010
One third of handsets could be swapped
UBS is considering changes to its smartphone deployment that would swap a significant portion of BlackBerry handsets for iPhones, according to company analyst Maynard Um. A group of panelists is already in the process of testing software from Good Technology that bridges enterprise functions between a variety of devices and several platforms.
Um noted that IT staff had observed a "strong" desire of the staff members to merge their personal and business functions onto a single device. The Good Technology software reportedly enables the business content to be accessed securely from an iPhone or BlackBerry.
"Our panel felt that as much as 1/3 of UBS's 18,000 RIM devices could possibly migrate to other platforms once the technology is fully integrated," Um wrote in a note distributed to investors.
Although the initial iPhone OS was not notable as an effective option for enterprise users, Apple has continued to change that image as the platform has evolved. The iPhone 3.0 firmware added a variety of business-oriented features, improving security and compatibility with common network technology.
The iOS 4 release is expected to continue adding features attractive to businesses, although the firmware is still in beta testing. The OS will be officially released on June 21, several days ahead of the iPhone 4 launch. [via Fortune]
