iPhone Generated Deja-Vu

“You’re witnessing the birth of a third major computer platform: Windows, Mac OS X, iPhone.”
Dave Pogue, NY Times

I’m sensing a coming shift in the IT landscape, like Dave Pogue.  Reminds me of the time I saw a practical use of the Internet in 1995 and instantly and instinctively new this would change absolutely everything.  Within 60 days I had quit a good job to work for the company in Columbus that was at the time on the bleeding edge of things-Internet  – CompuServe.

I’m beginning to have that Deja-vu feeling.  What’s bringing it on?   The iPhone – it’s a game changer.  And from my informal discussions with many of my colleagues, I’m not the only one that is excited about the potential.

Centric is in the process of spooling up for future iPhone development efforts.  In our opinion, many applications will be ported and or created for the iPhone.  It’s very likely that it is the mobile device platform of the future, simply better than all the rest.   Consider:

  • iPhone 2.0 includes features critical to business adoption such as advanced authentication, 3G (fast) network support, Microsoft Exchange integration, remote wipe, and native language support for 70 countries.
  • Something like 60% of the Fortune 500 are already experimenting with the platform
  • iPhone application usage is growing rapidly – example the iPhone is already the #1 platform for remote eBay access
  • iPhone applications are developed via an incredibly well thought out and easy to use SDK, development environment, simulators, and application distribution model (iTunes), and
  • last but not least, an incredible physical device (graphics, language support, CPU speed, battery life, you name it).

To fully appreciate the device’s capabilities, take a look at one of these Apple-produced videos that will fully enlighten you to the vast potential of this device:

  • WWDC 2008 Keynote Address (covers new iPhone and it’s capabilities more broadly)
  • Apple March 6th Event:  iPhone Software Roadmap (covers iPhone SDK, so is a bit more technical, and is tiny bit dated)

Both of these videos demonstrate multiple iPhone powered applications, provide and SDK overview, and demonstrate how easy it is to build applications in the development environment.  There’s a couple ways to watch them.  You can view them on you iPod – to find them open iTunes, go to iTunes store, podcasts, then search on Apple keynotes.  Or to watch on desktop, go to apple.com, search on the titles.  In the search results you’ll see the Apple Quick Time Guide – Apple Events.  Both videos are available for viewing.

I’d be interested in you thoughts and suggestions on how iPhone mobile applications can be put to work in your organization.

I welcome your comments,
Mike Brannan