Have iPhone will travel

With recent updates to its operating system and the adoption of the 3G networks, the iPhone is now an worthy business companion.

The iPhone as a consumer mobile handset has taken the market by storm. As a business user the mobile you rely on to keep in touch with your office is crucial to the efficient operation of your entire enterprise. Currently the Blackberry range of smartphones reigns supreme, but Apple has its eye on the lucrative enterprise market for its innovative handset. With the release of the latest 3G version of the iPhone, business support now takes centre stage.

For enterprise users the introduction of compatibility with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync is a major selling point for the iPhone to become the centre of your business world. Offering the ability to deliver push email in the same way as other smartphones gives the iPhone credence as a serious business tool.

If you have Exchange Server 2003 or 2007 at the heart of your business's communications platforms, the iPhone running its latest 2.0 operating system can connect to your network out-of-the-box. Fully encrypted using 128- bit standards offers confidence that your messages are safe and secure when pushed to any iPhone handset.

TAKING YOUR iPHONE OVERSEAS

The iPhone has been designed to be truly international handset. The 3G model can operate in UMT/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) compatible areas. Note that you may want to switch off data roaming when you take your iPhone abroad. You should be aware that this could affect how other data services on your handset might operate as they use these built-in systems.

In most countries your iPhone will operate as normal. You should be able to use your short codes and avoid having to use international dialling codes. Also, it is important to be aware of the download cost of any data you access when outside of your home country. Your free Wi-Fi access and data download allowances will not normally apply when you are overseas.

You should have full roaming access to whatever network(s) available in your destination country. When you arrive tap Settings > General > Network. Your iPhone should then scan for all available networks you can join. These may be fee paying and/or free Wi-Fi access points.

SEE BELOW FOR THE TOP 6 iPHONE BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

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Salesforce.com Mobile

Supplier: iPhone Apps Store

Price: Free 30-day demo

Web Address: www.salesforce.com

If you already use Salesforce products, the mobile version for the iPhone is the perfect companion.

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JetSet

Supplier: iPhone Apps Store

Price: £5.99

Web Address: www.britemac.com

Tracking your expenses when on a business trip just got fun and easy with this simple yet powerful application.

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iPresenter

Supplier: iPhone Apps Store

Price: £3.49

Web Address: www.makayama.com

With this handy application you can control your latest PowerPoint presentation from your iPhone.

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Lonely Planet Phrasebooks

Supplier: iPhone Apps Store

Price: £3.49

Web Address: www.lonelyplanet.com/mobile

Can't speak the language on your next business trip? No problem as your iPhone can speak for you with this selection of Lonely Planet phrasebooks.

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Flight Status

Supplier: iPhone Apps Store

Price: £2.99

Web Address: www.touchmeme.com

Never miss a flight again, and always be confident about making that connection as you can check the status of 1143 airlines worldwide from your iPhone.

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Skype

Supplier: Shape Services

Price: $5.95 (monthly subscription)

Web Address: www.shapeservices.com/s4iphone

Skype has become an almost essential companion to all business travellers. You can now make Skype calls directly from your iPhone with this simple application.

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Resources

Name: iPhone in your enterprise
Web Address: Apple.com
Learn how you can integrate the iPhone into your business.

Name: Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync
Web Address: Apple.com
How your iPhone can seamlessly work with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.

Name: Cisco Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Web Address: Apple.com
How to set-up and use the VPN that is built into every iPhone.