Mobile & Wireless Slideshow: 10 Things CIOs Have Learned About the iPhone

1. It's Not So Consumer-y

Although the iPhone was a consumer-focused product at launch, it's not anymore. In fact, the device has some nice enterprise-focused features, including remote device management, the ability to create proprietary apps, and much more. And CIOs are quite happy to see it.

2. Apple Does Understand the Enterprise

Apple has been criticized over the years for not understanding the needs of the enterprise. Whether that's true is up for debate. But in the mobile market, CIOs have found that Apple understands the enterprise and wants to continue its relationship with corporate users.

3. Employees Love It

Employees have been a key driver for the iPhone's adoption in the enterprise. The BYOD craze was popularized by Apple products and now, it's hard to find employees who don't want the device for corporate use. The iPhone's Trojan horse into the enterprise was the employee.

4. There's No Substitute

Looking around the mobile market, it's hard to find too many other products that can replace the iPhone. Sure, the BlackBerry is out there, but what about Android-based devices? Chances are, CIOs will find little to like.

5. The BlackBerry Has Few Benefits

RIM's BlackBerry was once the only product that CIOs would allow into the office. But now, the BlackBerry has few benefits for enterprise users. The device's browser is sub-par, the operating system isn't new-age, and overall, the experience is not something employees want. It's a real problem.

6. It's A Gateway to the iPad

Apple's iPhone has found a way to attract corporate users to the iPad. In fact, after using Apple's smartphone, an increasing number of companies have warmed to the idea of deploying its slates. It's not such a bad idea - Apple's devices and software are well-respected among employees, and they're the products workers desire.

7. iOS Is Top Notch

If CIOs have learned anything about the iPhone over the last several years, it's that its operating system, iOS, is absolutely top-notch. The platform works exceedingly well, and thanks to some additional security features, it might also appeal to worried IT staff. iOS just keeps getting better.

8. Mobile Apps Are a New Opportunity

With the advent of mobile applications, Apple has delivered a new opportunity to enterprise customers. Now, companies can deploy useful apps from traditional software publishers. In addition, companies can create proprietary apps for use in-house. It's a win-win.

9. Productivity Is Still High

There has been a misconception in the enterprise that the iPhone hurts overall productivity, but according to many studies, that's not the case. In fact, the iPhone's combination of strong software and hardware only improved productivity, and keeps employees working far beyond their typical 9 to 5.

10. Security Is a Going Concern

Security is always a concern in the enterprise, and the iPhone, in some ways, exacerbates those concerns. After all, the device allows users to download apps from developers IT hasn't vetted. And with users sharing malicious links all over Web sites and social networks, employees using iPhones have become another major concern. Expect security to continue to be a problem with or without iPhones.