Enterprise Mobility: Apple`s iOS 5 Proves a Good Fit

Apple's latest major revision of its mobile operating system proves that the company is capable of learning from its mistakes, while moving the bar for rivals such as Android. Although on the surface it appears to be an improved iOS 4, the addition of cloud-centric networking and sharing features makes iOS 5 a true milestone for the platform. The new version of iOS adds a number of capabilities in the areas of personal information management and media sharing, but the introduction of iCloud as a keystone of iOS 5 is certainly a game-changing move by Apple. In providing users a mobile-focused, simple-to-use repository for application data and media—albeit one that's limited in scope—Apple's having another go at the cloud, but this time, the recipe works. Devices sold before the release of iOS 5 can be upgraded in a matter of hours, at the risk of being realistic about what's involved. It's about a four-hour commitment, from backing up, through the OS image download, restoring apps and data, then setting up new features such as iCloud.