Tag Archives: Ken Delaney

About 1665 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Google’s Android: Phones for Your Business?

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If Google can secure a fraction of its success in the smartphone space as it has on the Web, watch out BlackBerry, Apple, and Windows Mobile. The Mountain View, Calif.-based search giant has just launched its much-hyped Android mobile phone platform, powering the HTC T-Mobile G1 handset ($179 U.S., with two-year contract). This smart-looking smartphone features a large touch screen that resembles an iPhone to some extent, but it also houses a BlackBerry-like trackball and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. But what makes Android special might be less obvious to the casual observer. Unlike other smartphone platforms — such as those offered by Research in Motion, Apple, and Microsoft — Google’s Android is an “open” operating system given to developers for free to create applications. “There was no good reason why it shouldn’t do things your PC can do,” says Erick Tseng, product manager for Android at Google. “This isn’t just about Google, but rather the amazing third-party applications created by developers with unfettered access to the phone’s hardware, software and network.” Beyond the hype If you’ve been caught up in any of the hype surrounding G1, you’ll sense it’s geared towards (and generated by) the consumer space, opposed to a corporate crowd. Tseng, however, confirms Android is also ideal for businesses. “First of all you’ve got all the Google apps you’re used to such as Gmail, Calendar, Maps, and such, all offered for free and with the same login as your desktops,” says Tseng. “Because of this synchronous online connectivity between mobile and desktops, all your data ‘automatically’ updates for both devices since it’s the same account.” Second, Tseng says developers who are creating applications for the G1 and future Android phones can design and build something specifically tailored to their business. “Because we’re open, we encourage third-parties to create and upload your own apps to your own secure website and have employees download it onto the phone.” Along with integrated GPS, the G1 includes a built-in compass, an industry first, which will allow a savvy software company to create a “mash-up,” suggests Tseng, by fusing this technology with the integrated Google Maps program for better driving directions, satellite imagery, and navigation to local businesses. Not everyone agrees While the potential is there, many analysts don’t believe the Android platform is right for small or mid-sized businesses. “Android is not a business platform,” maintains Ken Delaney, vice president of mobile computing at the Gartner research and consulting group in Stamford, Conn. “It is squarely targeted at consumers.” “Business platforms have stability and strong interoperability or security as their hallmark; the two business platforms are RIM and Microsoft with Symbian S60 under Nokia as another alternative.” “While the G1 might be fine for a SOHO [small office, home office] worker who can use this for both a personal and business lifestyle,” says Nathan Dyer, senior analyst for enterprise mobility at the Boston, Mass.-based Yankee Group, he doesn’t believe that it’s necessarily geared for small or mid-sized businesses — or even larger enterprises. “It’s an exceptional device with loads of potential, and the openness is amazing, but the G1 is not business tool, primarily because there is no corporate e-mail, no support for Microsoft Exchange or Domino or any other server-based e-mail,” says Dyer. Google’s Tseng says Microsoft Exchange and Active Sync support “will happen” on Android, unquestionably. “It will happen because there is huge demand out there,” he says. “In fact, the third-party community has started to work on this already so very soon you will see the emergence of some of these business-focused apps.”

About 1757 days ago Telecom and Wireless

The Business Case for the iPhone 3G

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A few months ago, IncTechnology assessed the worth of the Apple iPhone for business purposes, but the newer iPhone 3G — which launched with much fanfare on July 11 — introduced more than 100 new features not found in its predecessor. This includes “3G” wireless connectivity, therefore users no longer need to find a Wi-Fi hotspot to access applications or download files at high-speeds. But do these additions and improvements make it easier to justify buying an iPhone for work? Here’s what the experts say: Faster, more secure e-mail Those who need access to secure corporate e-mail while on the go were happy to hear Apple’s Steve Jobs announce Microsoft Exchange server support for the iPhone and 3G connectivity, allowing users to access data at higher speeds when not in a wireless hotspot. While this is true, it seems the smartphone is still missing some security features which might not sit well with your IT department. “Apple delivered on Exchange functionality, yes, but the iPhone is still missing one security policy available in Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices,” cautions Ken Delaney, vice president of mobile computing at the Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner research and consulting group. “While the new iPhone supports the ability to remote ‘wipe’ a device if lost or stolen but doesn’t force the use a complex password, which some potential customers might take issue with.” GPS The addition of GPS support in the iPhone is handy for when traveling to a client’s office or finding a nearby restaurant based on your location. “If you’re a mobile professional who travels three or four days a week, an iPhone might make sense for email, browsing and multimedia — and now, GPS for local search and directions,” says Nathan Dyer, senior analyst for enterprise mobility at the Boston, Mass.-based Yankee Group. “GPS capabilities might not be provisioned by IT but can be very useful to those who spend a lot of time on the road,” Dyer adds. Keyboard The “soft” on-screen keyboard might still be an issue for those used to button-based QWERTY keyboards found on most BlackBerry or Windows Mobile devices, but in the end it boils down to personal preference, says Dyer. “Yes, the [iPhone] keyboard takes time to get used to, but if you talk to users they’ll generally adapt their typing style to the touch keyboard,” explains Dyer. “It’s not for everyone — some will struggle while others will adapt after a grinding out the steep learning curve.” Delaney says to buy a device that matches your needs, and says to think of it this way: A BlackBerry Pearl with its compressed SureType keyboard and small screen would be ideal for voice first, e-mail second, and browsing third. A BlackBerry Curve’s QWERTY keyboard, on the other hand, means the user priorities would be e-mail first, voice second, and browsing third. An iPhone’s huge screen and button-less keyboard suggests browsing first, e-mail second, and voice third. “The iPhone’s onscreen keyboard makes it difficult to type without making mistakes — it’s not a fault, per se — but just be aware there are tradeoffs with the smartphone you choose” says Delaney. Mobile Me Mobile Me is a new pay-for-use service designed to keep your computer (Windows or Mac) and iPhone or iPod touch all in sync when it comes to e-mail, contacts, and calendar entries. Dyer says Mobile Me seems to be geared more to consumers than the small or mid-sized business crowd, but he can see this “as a useful application for those who juggle their professional life, from 9 to 5, and personal life, from 6 to whenever, help make life easier with wireless synchronization of contacts and appointments.” Cost still an issue Delaney says even with these new business-like features — including 3G speeds, support for Microsoft Exchange, GPS, Mobile Me and the App Store — many will find the high price for the iPhone a tough sell at the office. “Considering you can get a BlackBerry for about $79 these days, it’s hard to justify an iPhone for business,” says Delaney. “As a result, some bosses are saying ‘if you want to use an iPhone for work, go ahead, but you’ll have to buy it yourself.’”

About 1757 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Battle of the Mobile Operating Systems

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Decision-makers at small and mid-sized businesses don’t have it easy these days, especially when it comes to deciding what kind of smartphone to deploy among its mobile employees. This is because there are many operating systems to choose from today, such as BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, iPhone, Nokia’s N Series and Palm OS. There are also various handset manufacturers to consider — among them Motorola, Samsung, HTC, Apple, and BlackBerry’s maker, Research in Motion. And of course, then there are the form factors to consider. Do you go for flip, sliders, or candy bar-shaped phones, each with or without QWERTY keyboards and/or touch-screens? Before making all these decisions, it’s best to address which mobile smartphone operating system is best for your business. In the end, that will likely help narrow down your choices for handset maker and form factor, too. And what of Microsoft’s chances in succeeding in this highly competitive and overpopulated space? Read on. It’s all in the apps The first thing you need to do is to research the strengths and applications for each of the smartphone operating systems, says Michael Gartenberg, vice president and research director at New York City-based Jupiter Research. “Perhaps you need the phone to work with Microsoft Exchange, or maybe you need to create or edit e-mail attachments, such as [Microsoft] Office documents,” explains Gartenberg. “Knowing what you’re going to use the smartphone for, and if it works with your company software and services, will help determine which one you’ll invest in.” Speaking of attachments, Windows Mobile-powered devices have an edge over the competition when it comes to file support and smooth PC synchronization, believes Ken Delaney, vice president of mobile computing at the Gartner research and consulting group in Stamford, Conn. “While Research in Motion has done a great job, Microsoft has tremendous back-end services, Windows file support and a host of applications, making it a natural choice for businesses to gravitate to Windows Mobile,” says Delaney. Windows Mobile is also supported by many manufacturers, which gives the consumer more choice in smartphones, adds Delaney: “More vendors mean more hardware options, including ruggedized PDAs for field applications which you won’t find with other OS’s.” BlackBerry and Nokia are also major players in the business space, agrees Delaney, but the iPhone has “a ways to go.” “The iPhone isn’t anywhere yet — it’s the new kid on the block — and while intriguing, it hasn’t made its full statement yet,” says Delaney. E-mail receiving, sending Led by BlackBerry, most of the major smartphone operating systems support the popular “push mail” application, meaning messages arrive on the phone as soon as they’re received in the user’s PC inbox (if not sooner). But a user must also be concerned about writing e-mails when out of the office, therefore Gartenberg says to consider the type of keyboard, as well. “Some swear by a tactile keyboard like a BlackBerry, while others like a soft keyboard a la the iPhone,” Gartenberg says. “The key is to try out the phone first to see if it’s comfortable for you.” While all BlackBerrys offer a button-based keyboard, some models offer a QWERTY layout (including the Curve and Bold), while thinner models (like many Pearl handsets) house a SureType keyboard with two letters per button. Security, too Nathan Dyer, senior analyst for enterprise mobility at Yankee Group, a Boston, Mass.-based research firm, says Windows Mobile is “gaining ground” on BlackBerry, the No. 1 smartphone maker in the U.S., because of more vendor relationships (RIM, Apple, and Nokia make their own handsets), strong brand recognition and familiarity, and more aggressive security measures than it did in the past. “Security had always been lagging in Windows Mobile,” says Dyer. “ActiveSync met most of the minimum requirements for  businesses including ‘wiping’ and encryption — especially for [small and mid-sized businesses] that didn’t want expensive middleware — but they’ve only recently stepped up to the plate with new and stronger tools,” explains Dyer. For example, ActiveSyc only met about a dozen security policies, explains Dyer, but now its service System Center Mobile Device Manager (SCMDM) meets more than 125 security policies.