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Why You Should Wait for Verizon's iPhone 5
By Don Reisinger on 2011-01-13



The corporate world has always been a cautious place. Companies are typically loath to change for fear of ruining productivity or investing in technologies that haven’t yet been proven. It has worked time and again, and there is a good chance it will continue to work going forward. And yet, speculation abounds that the corporate world will be acquiring the iPhone from Verizon when it’s finally made available at the beginning of February. Some say that companies have been waiting to make the switch to the iPhone on Verizon’s network, and now that the opportunity has presented itself, they’ll jump at it. But perhaps that isn’t the best move. The iPhone available to Verizon customers will certainly appeal to consumers. But it hasn’t been proven yet in the enterprise. And there is a very real possibility that enterprise customers might not like all that they see in the new device. At this point, just as it has done before, the enterprise should wait for the second-generation Verizon iPhone before opting for the device. Not only will Apple have enough time to get the kinks out, but it will likely benefit companies, as well. Here’s why.
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1. No Global SupportAs the enterprise becomes more internationally focused, having a device that works overseas is extremely important. However, the Verizon iPhone does not come with GSM chip, which means in the vast majority of countries around the world, users won’t be able to place calls. That’s a real problem for many enterprise users. And it’s undoubtedly a deal-breaker that IT decision-makers must keep in mind.

2. It’s the Same DeviceFor the most part, the Verizon iPhone is the same device as the option available to AT&T customers. It’s running a slightly updated version of iOS that allows for mobile hotspot functionality, and it comes with a reportedly improved antenna. Beyond some changes to the buttons on the side, the Verizon iPhone is the same device AT&T customers are using, which means enterprise customers might not like all that they see -- including the virtual keyboard.

3. Wait for 4GApple has decided against supporting 4G with the first release of the iPhone on Verizon’s network. To consumers, that might not matter much. But to enterprise customers, it’s undoubtedly an issue. Verizon’s network is available in 38 cities right now and it will be adding many more in the coming months. Having the ability to connect to the company’s ultra-high-speed network could have made the iPhone a must-have for enterprise users.

4. The BlackBerry Is Still PreferredThe Verizon iPhone might be one of the most anticipated releases on the carrier’s network, but that doesn’t mean it’s better than a BlackBerry for corporate users. As mentioned, the Verizon iPhone is very much the same device AT&T customers have. And if that didn’t appeal to enterprise users more than a BlackBerry, why should the latest Apple release change that sentiment?

5. Wait For Android to Apply PressureOne of the best moves enterprise customers can make is to wait for Android to start applying pressure on Apple and its iOS platform. For once, Apple is going head-to-head with the top Android products on the market. And the company will need to show off something special in the fifth-generation iPhone in order to keep pace. That’s the device enterprise customers should want.

6. Carrier Concerns?Verizon is a top carrier for the enterprise. And many companies might be happy to see the carrier finally get the iPhone. But there are still far too many question marks related to the new device, including how much data will cost, how it will impact the carrier’s network, and much more. At this point, keeping a close eye on how Verizon handles the iPhone is probably a smart move.

7. More Time to PlanBy waiting for the next-generation iPhone, corporate users can hold off on making quick moves that might come back to be mistakes down the road. Waiting allows IT decision-makers to better plan the deployment of the iPhone in their operation. Most importantly, it helps them ensure that the device will be right for employees.

8. It Won’t Be A Long WaitWaiting might not sound like the best option, but Apple will likely unveil an updated version of the iPhone 4 this summer. In other words, impatient IT decision-makers won’t need to wait all that long to get their hands on the next-gen iPhone. That’s something that corporate customers should keep in mind as they determine their next move related to the Verizon iPhone.

9. Remember AT&T’s Growing PainsBefore IT decision-makers jump into acquiring the iPhone, they should keep in mind all the growing pains AT&T experienced when it first launched the smartphone on its network. Not only did it have service problems, but even dealing with the company’s customer service was a pain. Simply put, the iPhone is a game-changer for carriers, and companies must keep that in mind.

10. It’s the Typical MoveThe iPhone might be a special product that has earned the respect of the enterprise, but its launch in February on Verizon’s network shouldn’t be treated any differently than other devices. IT decision-makers should exercise the same caution they do on other releases. And along the way, they might realize that waiting -- as they normally do -- is the best idea right now.

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