10 Ways Consumers, Companies Can Prepare for iPhone Ubiquity
iPhone exclusivity could soon be a thing of the past.
France's Orange telecom announced on Monday that it will be
bringing the iPhone to U.K. shores once Telefonica's O2 exclusivity deal with
Apple and the iPhone expires. For the first time in Great Britain,
those looking to buy the iPhone will be able to do so not from one carrier, but
from two.
Although it's great news for the U.K., the country is far behind other European
countries. So far behind, in fact, that only Germany will be left with an
exclusivity deal on the continent. In that country, T-Mobile holds the
exclusive partnership with Apple.
But what about the United States?
Realizing that, it's time those of us in the United States start preparing for Apple to start offering its iPhone on multiple carriers. But preparing for that shouldn't wait until the announcement. Both companies and consumers can do quite a few things now that will help them get ready for a more readily available iPhone.
1. Evaluate contracts
Consumer contracts are much different than carrier deals enterprises get
into. Consumers can get out of a contract with their carrier for a fee and go
where they want to go. Companies, on the other hand, aren't so lucky. They
typically sign multiyear deals with carriers, which precludes them from
getting out quickly. Because of that, companies should evaluate their
contracts, find loopholes that might exist and see when they should be
prepared to switch to the iPhone. Preparation is key.
2. Education is important
Although users might not have the iPhone in-hand just yet, knowing about the device is a necessity before deciding to
use it. Does it have the e-mail features companies require? Will it
enhance productivity? Are there security concerns that IT staff should know
about? These are just some of the many questions companies (and consumers, for
that matter) need to answer before they make a buying decision. The iPhone is a
great device, but it's not perfect.
3. Determine the value of current
equipment
Just because an iPhone is appealing, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's
a better product than a device consumers or employees are already using. What
makes the current phone viable? Answering that question isn't as easy as it
might seem. The iPhone's allure is powerful and it sometimes clouds judgment.
4. Buy an iPod Touch
OK, so maybe buying two Apple products is out of the question for some
users, but if they have the ability to do so, both consumers and a company's IT
staff should buy an iPod Touch. There are several benefits of doing so. Not
only will users be able to determine if the touch screen is something that
would appeal to them, but it gives them time to get used to the device. It also
helps them find apps that might be useful when they pick up the iPhone. And
since the iPod Touch is basically an iPhone without the phone, it will also
give companies the opportunity to research potential security issues that might
arise when the iPhone is being used in the office.
5. Forget everything you know about cell
phones
One of the biggest mistakes any user makes when they start using the iPhone
is that they believe it
will work the way a BlackBerry or a Windows Mobile device will. It doesn't.
Realizing that, users will need to prepare for entering what is an extremely
different mobile-phone space. Learning how to use the iPhone will take time.
There is a definite learning curve. Preparing employees for that is extremely
important to ensure productivity doesn't slip.
6. Evaluate iPhone plans
The iPhone is accompanied by some of the most convoluted mobile-phone plans
in the space. Depending on what the user needs, it can cost a little or a lot
to use the iPhone. Consumers especially need to be mindful of that. They need
to know what AT&T offers and, when the time comes, ensure that the new
carrier's deals are on-par with AT&T's offering. Simply walking to the
carrier's store, signing a contract and leaving with an iPhone isn't enough.
Knowing how many text messages and minutes a user wants should be step one.
7. Enact security policies
This step is for the enterprise. Any company that is preparing for the use
of iPhones in its operation needs to establish a security policy to ensure
sensitive data doesn't leak out. Unlike the BlackBerry, which has historically
provided a finite amount of socialization with the rest of the world, the
iPhone is a hotbed of social activity. With more than 85,000 applications, Apple's App Store provides
users with the opportunity to do much more than what some companies might like.
A security policy will help limit some of those issues.
8. Know the App Store, inside and out
A key component in the value users derive from the iPhone comes from
Apple's App Store. But it can also be a place where productivity slips,
security issues arise or wasteful spending is a common concern. Companies
especially need to prepare for an iPhone deployment by determining which apps
are allowed on employee phones and which apps are not. Some applications on the
service contain what might be objectionable content. Having those installed on
an employee's iPhone can spell serious trouble for the respective company.
9. Be prepared to switch
Preparing for a possible switch to another carrier is an important step as
users prepare for iPhone ubiquity. If and when Apple announces the iPhone's
availability on another carrier, both consumers and companies should know what
to expect. What kind of coverage do the various networks offer? Do they provide
3G networking? What are their policies on in-network calling? Being prepared
now cuts down on the research later. It means users will be able to quickly
pick up the iPhone and put the switch behind them.
10. Consider alternatives
Just because there is a possibility of the iPhone being offered on more
carriers, and thus, making it more appealing to companies and consumers who
don't want to switch to AT&T, it doesn't mean that it's a guarantee. It
also doesn't mean that there won't be other phones offered that can rival the
iPhone. As users prepare for the switch to the iPhone, they should consider
alternatives. They need to determine if there are other phones on the market that would provide an
iPhone-like experience. If there are, they should consider trying
them out.
After all, the iPhone is great, but it's not perfect.
