R E L A T E D C O N T E N T

Apple readies software development kit

Business apps could soon follow, according to experts

Phil Muncaster, IT Week 28 Feb 2008

Developers could soon get the chance to write official third party applications for the iPhone potentially paving the way for enterprise apps on the much talked about device.

Next Thursday, Apple will hold a software road-map event at its Cupertino headquarters to discuss the plans, which should include more details about a forthcoming release of an iPhone software development kit (SDK) and new enterprise features.

Apple boss Steve Jobs had originally stated that the SDK would be available for release in February, but that deadline looks set to pass.

David Perry of mobile workforce management firm Cognito argued that although the iPhone could prove very disruptive in the enterprise space due to its revolutionary interface, its impact on the business world could depend on whether Apple decides to support Java or not.

"Apple's environment is a very controlled one and if developers find they have to start [writing for the iPhone] from scratch there could be potential problems," he argued. "But Apple could really go after the business market – the iPhone is capable of doing things businesses would like if it is allowed to."

Christian Lindholm of mobile design consultancy Fjord argued that an SDK release will have a significant impact on business use of the iPhone.

"I think that we will start seeing more use of the iPhone and iPod Touch in businesses," he added. "Mobile products are driven by consumer demand rather than enterprise needs - it doesn't have to be boring to be business - so I think it's just a matter of time before we start seeing third party enterprise applications."

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