So, I have come to the realization that more and more people are beginning to use Apple based products in the world of business today. That's absolutely fine; however do they really belong is the question? Are they meant to replace Windows compatible products that have so dominated IT and the business world? My guess is no...but, we're definitely seeing a lot more of them though.
Unfortunately, there are some major problems with Apple products entering a business environment. The biggest hurdle I see is compatability. Lets take Macbooks for example, these are great laptops, especially the Pro models; however they really aren't compatible with most IT infrastructures today. Everything from specific applications, dependent on your industry of course such as Finance, to even some WLAN setups. Some WLAN's running in today's environment's are still using encryption settings that are really not compatible with Mac's. Yes, maybe they should update, but when's the last time a business has done a major update to their wireless infrastructure just to meet the needs of some Macbook users?
So what about iPhones? Nice little handheld devices they are no? I completely agree; however once again, problems still occur with them in a business environment. We all know how vital corporate e-mail is, but do you know how a user feels when their iPhone does not correctly sync all of their e-mails as well as calendar entries correctly? Or how about when they enter something within their iPhone calendar itself, come into work a week later, and miss a meeting all because the iPhone did not sync to exchange correctly. Where does the problem lie? Is it a problem that the IT department should look into? Or should the user stick to the company wide device such as a Blackberry? With more and more user's getting hooked onto their iPhones, its safe to say a lot of companies may indeed be making some adjustments, in order to allow for iPhones to work better within their exchange environment. I guess we'll have to wait and see how IT departments and companies cater to the ever growing trend.....of Apple...
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