Enterprise IT, Exchanging BlackBerry's for Free iPhone4? Read this First.

As an IT Manager, the time has come to swap out aging BlackBerry Bolds for a new device.  From a cost perspective, the free iPhone 4 is an attractive option, as it practically eliminates any transition cost.  However, the following must be considered:

When you compare the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 5, it’s a different case entirely. The iPhone is two generations behind the iPhone 5. It was released in June 2010. That means the device is using technology that is at least three years old at this point. While this might not matter to tech savvy consumers, I think the processing technology, camera, and other hardware on the iPhone 4 are too old to justify getting yourself locked into another two-year contract.

via cnet.com

Based upon the age of the technology in the phone is it worth paying the $99 for the iPhone 4S.  From my perspective, yes as the person with the phone will have it for 2 years under a new contract.  Guess I will see what happens during the actual refresh and see if folks are willing to pay a little extra.

thenextweb:

Below is a tutorial on how blind people can use Instagram on an iPhone 4S, aided by Apple’s built-in accessibility features. The video was made a few months ago by ‘Blind Film Critic’ Tommy Edison, who has been blind since birth but likes making videos about “the funny side” of it. (via An eye-opening video: How blind people can use Instagram on an iPhone - The Next Web)

Cool use of technology.

Are Enterprise’s Loosing Control with BlackBerry 10 Release?

This is an old story that was put in front of my eyes again this week when I received the following communication regarding BlackBerry BES licensing:

  • IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding BES CAL transition to new BDS server:  Earlier this month, I let you know that managing BlackBerry 10/Playbook devices will require BDS-Mobile Fusion as these devices will not connect to your current BES servers.  I am now happy to let you know that for customers with BlackBerry Technical Support contracts of Advantage level or higher (Advantage, Standard, Premium or Elite), RIM will have a process in place to exchange existing BES CALs for BDS CALs at no additional charge.  We appreciate that you have already made an investment in your BES infrastructure, and as we transition to the new BB10 platform, we want to ensure you will be able to leverage that existing investment.

While it was reported by several sites earlier this year that BES is going away in favor for BDS.  However, based upon initial reviews of BDS is that enterprises could potentially be losing control features that they have accustomed to with the BES. From my enterprise perspective this just another reason for enterprises to begin procuring iPhones instead of BlackBerry’s.