My understanding is that the iPhone contains a full-blown version of MacOS X. If that is true, then there is a firewall (ipfw) which Apple has locked down by default. This would make it as secure as any other handheld device out there today.
Re: Gartner to IT: Avoid Apple's iPhone.
Also:
Is it not the job of IT (and developers) to not dictate whether a device is useful to an enterprise, but "ask" what devices/tools an enterprise needs and find some way to make them work securely in the environment? Seems a bit "cheeky" of Gartner to be so presumptuous to assume what "we" will find useful.
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Gartner's Advice.........
I would agree with the first comment, and add that phone decisions are sometimes driven by IT, bit if an executive decides that he/she wants an IPhone IT will be required to somehow support the device. Gartner should keep their opinions to themselves when it comes to consumer electronics. Now I know where the thousands of dollars that my employer sends to Gartner for our subscription goes. What a joke!
Have those analysts ever met exectutives??
I know my enterprise is not necessarily a typical one. But in my experience, the executives are the first people to buy devices to play with, whether I can make a business case for them or not.
Typically, they fall in love with a piece of technology just as I do, but where I would first try to make a business case for its use, second try to ensure that it will fit with my IT requirements, and third try to find funds, the executives will bypass 1, 2, 3, and any other number that gets in their way, and go right to the finish line. The device will be purchased and the configuration messed up before I even know it is around.
We may have concerns about security and integration, but they have a budget and the authority to use it. They win. If the analysts don't know that, their predictions can hardly be trusted.
...as if any still believes Gartner is impartial....
...heh, more FUD from Gartner....as usual. :>
...what's next? "Gartner recommends against satellite 'phones in company vehicles simply because Iridium never *explicitly* stated that you can take one along with you?" Nonsense! Does that mean that speed limits don't apply to me because the signs don't mention me by name?
...the iPhone is a communications tool with media capabilities. Companies *will* buy them (though perhaps not the average rank-and-file companies) and they will look to manage the iPhone in a way compatible with their network, *just like anything else*.
...I read somewhere that in the old days Gartner analysts used to actually do research before opening their mouths. Too bad they gave up 'skill without fame' for 'fame without skill'.
Gartner
I gave up on Gartner when I found out you can't even be part of their "magic quadrants" unless you pony up...
iPhone is a better business phone than Windows Mobile
As stated by others, OS X has a built-in UNIX firewall – what is this rubbish Gartner is peddling? How can they say with a straight face that the iPhone is less secure with its current locked-down development model compared to the free-for-all that is Windows Mobile and Palm? Even Blackberry has recently released an SDK which immediately makes it more vulnerable than the iPhone?! This is pure unadulterated Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt which begs the question was it commissioned by one of the telcos or phone makers who are currently shaking in their boots?
The iPhone's OS X is a robust proven UNIX desktop-class OS that has now been around for over half a decade compared to Windows mobile (aka Windows CE) which bears no relation to Windows XP or Vista apart from the Start Menu which is a ridiculous interface to use on a tiny device. The Win Mob kernal is totally different and far more basic. OS X on the iPhone is nearly half a gigabyte in size compared to Windows Mobile which is crammed into a few dozen megabytes.
As far as actual usability, Windows Mobile is a terrible phone OS with tiny on-screen buttons for choosing contacts to phone, horrible SMS texting and is as flaky as Windows 95 with regular freezes and required resets and the number of convoluted steps required to connect to our campus wireless LAN is unbelievable - sometimes it works but more often it doesn't. Most upper management Windows Mobile PDA users on my campus (including the Vice Chancellor) have given up trying to connect to the campus wifi (including our the campus Telecom manager!) I’m growing to hate it more and more every day. It's like death from a thousand cuts.
My HTC-designed Windows Mobile PDA phone falls over regularly and wipes al the programs, data and settings on the internal storage if the battery goes flat or when it does a hard reset for no reason. Once they do that you are forced to go thru a tutorial on clicking and dragging which you can't escape from as if you had never used the PDA before. (!!!) How can this possibly be considered a viable business OS if the iPhone is not?
Businesses only need to turn on the IMAP option in Exchange in order to get the iPhone connected to the company’s email. A third party email vendor is NOT needed contrary to the FUD in this “report”.
Windows Mobile is most definitely NOT an enterprise-class OS. I think we’ll very quickly see Gartner eating their report.
Bring on the iPhone.
-Mart
Clueless
Oh great! An Apple cheerleader is here to smeer Gartner! Because we all know Gartner is such a BIG FAN of Microsoft! hahaha
Anyone who knows the space can clearly see that the iPhone is NOT ready for the enterprise. You talk about OSX. Explain to us how you know that OSX in its full version (including network components like a firewall) is implemented on the device? Because that runs counter to everything that has been reported, so you must have an early release device if you know that for sure.
Second, Exchange admins, indeed most mail admins, do not like IMAP. IMAP isnt a good alternative to getting email via EAS or through a BES. "Turn on IMAP and its enterprise ready!" proves that you dont understand enterprise computing despite what you think.
Lastly, the device has NO provision for policy enforcement, remote wipe, cert install, etc. How can you deem the iphone enterprise class when it has none of that? oh right. Because you are clueless as to what "enterprise class" means for a mobile phone. You just know you have to attack anyone who DARES besmirch your messiah in Cupertino.
Get real. For those of us who actually deploy and support devices, we dont have the luxury of BS religious battles and hype. Give me something that works and is manageable to deploy to my users. You rant and rave about Windows Mobile, but I've deployed THOUSANDS of WM phones and have experienced NONE of what you say. I have deployed THOUSANDS of Blackberrys as well.
Re:Clueless
I would agree with you in relation to IMAP as well as the Apple Fanboy, but please don't come in here and defend Gartner. They should have never gotten involved in discussing a product targeted for the consumer. What's next a Gartner report on IPOD security........................
Re:Re:Clueless
Oh wait they already released a report on the IPOD and enterprise security..........Hmmm don't any portable media devices with memory pose a risk to the enterprise? Oh wait neverming it's just the IPOD. Thank goodness Garnter is here to ensure we use common sense..............
Reply to Clueless
Isnt the point that Gartner is stating that a product aimed at the consumer space may not be quite up to snuff in the enterprise. I dont believe they are making any judgements about consumer use of the phone. Generally speaking the first release of just about any new technology is normally not enterprise ready. That doesnt mean it wont get deployed but its probably not the smartest thing you could do.
I agree 100%, ppl who have
I agree 100%, ppl who have no clue about enterprise support should realize that iPhone is not ready for corporate use in any way. Sure we have VP's who want access to the latest and greatest but they all still use blackberrys(BES) or Treos(goodlink) when it comes to checking email.