The iPhoneTM, Business Wise
By Randy Hook, Programmer Analyst
Micro Visions, Inc.
In spite of its limited availability, the overwhelming popularity of the iPhone has been no surprise. Its stylish design, incredible variety of applications, and ease of use has made it the shining example of what a mobile experience should be. While regarded as a great consumer gadget, businesses are well advised to consider this well-rounded platform. In fact, J.D. Power and Associates ranked the iPhone number one in the business smartphone category for overall customer satisfaction in October 2009.
Business users should consider two broad categories. The first is workflow, which includes application availability and productivity gains. The second is infrastructure, which includes data security, policies, and deployment. This article will address workflow. Specifically, we will take a quick look at the types of business tasks easily accomplished with the iPhone.
Ease of use is perhaps the iPhone’s greatest feature, and that is especially true for business applications. Shipping with several standard applications that make the day-to-day handling of business contacts and phone calls so simple and efficient, you may wonder how you ever managed with any other phone.
Spotlight SearchTM makes retrieving contact information extremely easy. When you begin typing a name, a phone number, address, and other standard information instantly displays. Touch the number to call. Or, simply speak the contact’s name into the iPhone. The contact will be automatically dialed (a nice feature, especially while driving). Spotlight Search also displays other relevant information, such as email conversations and upcoming meetings. If you're not sure where the contact’s office is, touch the address and Google Maps will automatically display the location with directions to get there.
Visual VoicemailTM allows you to quickly review voicemail messages and to listen to them individually in any order. Conference calling is easy, too. While on a call, simply touch "Add", find another contact, and touch the corresponding number.
LogMeIn IgnitionTM connects remotely so you can use your PC as if you were sitting in the office. Work with your MS OfficeTM documents with Documents To GoTM. Scanner ProTM turns your iPhone into a document scanner. Whiteboard CaptureTM does exactly that; take a picture of those important ideas and save them without tediously recreating everything on paper (also handy when you are actually in the office). EvernoteTM allows an iPhone to remember everything. Track your packages, process credit cards, record meetings, and many other tasks for which you would otherwise need another device or PC.
Travel AssistantTM puts all itinerary information in one convenient place, notifies you of flight status, gate assignment, and baggage claim location. Call your hotel or rental car agency by touching their numbers. Store important information during your trips, complete with location tags. While traveling abroad, the Currency Exchange RatesTM app gives you up-to-the-minute information on over one hundred different countries. Use several available language translators, some of which will speak phrases for you.
If your company is considering the move to a new mobile platform and could be well served by the cellular services provider offering it in your area, consider the iPhone. It's ease-of-use, wealth of applications, and overall ability to help you get things done quickly make it a strong contender in the business space. As of this writing there about 2,000 applications listed in the business category of the iTunes store and that number is growing. From news aggregators to presentation aids to travel assistants, "there's an app for that."
Micro Visions, Inc. does not sell iPhones nor is it affiliated with AppleTM, the maker of iPhone, or the makers of any of the applications mentioned in this article. If you would like an objective review of which mobile devices might best serve your business needs, please call us at 616-776-0400.
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