News
Microsoft: iPhone ‘not an option’ for business users
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Thursday, April 19, 2007
News Category: iPhone
Chris Sorenson, Microsoft’s head of smart-phone strategy for the Asia-Pacific region, recently told press that the iPhone will be irrelevant to business users due to its “closed” operating system and lack of Office support. “It’s a great music phone, and I’m sure it will be fantastic and have an interesting user interface,” said Sorenson. “However, it’s a closed device that you cannot install applications on, and there’s no support for Office documents. If you’re an enterprise and want to roll out a line of business applications, it’s just not an option. Even using it as a heavy messaging device will be a challenge,” the executive added. These comments echo those made by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer in January, when he stated “it doesn’t appeal to business customers because it doesn’t have a keyboard which makes it not a very good email machine.”
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21
Just because something is in the majority doesn’t mean it’s right, better, or even the winner (eg. slavery in the 19th century, betamax, voters for Al Gore in 2000, and PC users).
Posted by urbanslaughter on April 20, 2007 at 9:03 AM (PDT)
22
Um… Gmail applications has a fine web based, Word/Excel compatible software that should run fine via the Safari web-browser…
Posted by Yabooiiieee on April 20, 2007 at 9:32 AM (PDT)
23
Give me a break! Word and Excel on the current crop of smartphones are crippled and useless.
Posted by The Raven in USA on April 20, 2007 at 10:37 AM (PDT)
24
Of course Word and Excel on Smartphones are not useless. I use them all the time. And Exchange online Calendar and Contact push is essential for my business.
By the way… there are literally thousands of useful applications for windows smartphones. You cant compare this with the iPhone - which is a closed system.
Balmer is simply right with this one. I dont know why you people are bashing anyone who doesnt get aroused seeing a mac?
The iPhone is a stunning device (as is the iPod) with great interface… but it is certainly not a business phone.
Posted by saminegm on April 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM (PDT)
25
Microsoft just needs to keep all their mouths shut, especially Steve Balmer—that guy is SUCH AN IDIOT.
Posted by Carlito on April 23, 2007 at 4:45 PM (PDT)
26
Oh lord, the Microsoft on smart phones… gag me with my blackberry…
Posted by thenextbestthing on April 24, 2007 at 6:45 PM (PDT)
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