Earlier this week, Apple launched a highly anticipated (and free) upgrade to the iPhone operating system: iOS 4.  As there is already considerable discussion online about new features such as multitasking, folders and combined email boxes, let's look at the upgrade from a different perspective.

When a business has a handful of iPhones, management is generally straight forward and is handled by end users. When that number grows to the 50, 100 or even thousands, management becomes more complex and is usually handled by a centralized group. Features such as strong security, management tools and systems integration become key to implementation and upgrade decisions.  Fortunately iOS 4 lays a solid foundation through a number of enhancements targeted to larger businesses.

Here are five such foundational enhancements in iOS 4 and a business overview of each:

Enhanced Security

Although Apple iPhones have always had a strong level of security and encryption, iOS 4 takes it to the next level for businesses.  A new Data Protection feature enhances the built-in hardware encryption to further protect email messages and attachments by using the device passcode as an encryption key (further details are available on the Apple Support site).  New data protection API's can also be used by third-party apps to improve security.

Mobile Device Management

iOS 4, along with new Mobile Device Management protocols and appropriate management software, helps businesses manage their iPhone fleet more efficiently.  The foundation has been set for companies to remotely (wirelessly) manage their iPhone configuration, policies, compliance, applications and even lock or wipe a specific device.

Wireless App Distribution

To date, there are two main ways to get applications on an iPhone:  Through the App Store on the iPhone or via iTunes on a Mac or PC.  But what if a business wants to push out, update or remove an application for a fleet of iPhone users?  The upgrade to iOS 4 lays the foundation for such interaction to occur wirelessly – no physical connections/cables required.  The option for in-house developed applications is also available.

VPN enhancements

SSL VPN support in iPhone OS 4 adds to the existing VPN support already available on the iPhone. The new SSL VPN protocols can now be leveraged to connect more seamlessly to securely connect to a corporate network.

Multiple Exchange accounts

Microsoft Exchange is the mail, calendar and contact management solution of choice for many businesses, however the iPhone has long been limited to only one mailbox per phone. This presented a challenge for many mobile professionals who need to monitor multiple accounts for messages. Fortunately iOS 4 has enabled multiple accounts and users who upgrade can take advantage of this feature immediately.

Also of note, iOS is now compatible with Exchange 2010. As a result, businesses that plan to upgrade can be confident that their iPhone users with iOS 4 can continue to receive and manage their mail accounts.

Interested in more?

Do you have a specific question on how your company can better manage an iPhone fleet recently upgraded to iOS 4?  Is your business considering a switch to iPhone and don't know where to start? If so, you have two options:

1. Add a comment with your question below. Not only will you be able to tap into the experience of hundreds of other business professionals who are members of TELUS Talks Business, the team behind the scenes will bring in experts where appropriate to get you the best available answer.
2. If you prefer a one-on-one consultation, click the Contact link above and provide us with a way to get in touch with you.  Yes, the person will be a sales professional, but they're friendly and don't bite! Promise. 

Even if you don't have a question, we would love to hear your thoughts on iOS 4 for business through a comment below.