Sybase study shows iPhone updates drive popularity at office

A survey by Sybase, an industry leader in enterprise and mobile software, has found that more than half of iPhone owners will use it to conduct work, and more than a third of non-iPhone users will consider buying one for business based on the iOS 4 update and iPhone 4.

“The survey conducted by Zogby International polled over 2 000 Americans and explored increasing demand for iPhones in the workplace, most anticipated iPhone and iOS features for conducting work, and work-related usage habits between iPhone users and non-iPhone users,” says Julie Tomlinson, director at Sybase South Africa.

With the iOS 4 update, Apple intends to introduce a number of new features that are designed to improve the functionality of iPhones for business, including being able to sort e-mail conversations by subject, multi-tasking between applications, having the ability to remotely wipe sensitive information from an iPhone, and the ability to have company-related applications.

The study found that:

* 56% of iPhone users surveyed were likely to use the device for work purposes more often with the new features, spurring a renewed emphasis on iPhone use for business purposes.
* More than a third of survey respondents who don't currently own an iPhone and whose employers don't provide them with a mobile phone said they would consider buying one if new business-ready features became readily available.
* Of those surveyed, where employers do provide them with a mobile device, more than half claim they would ask their company to upgrade to an iPhone based on the new features of either iPhone 4 or iOS 4.

Despite recent software updates, iPhone users continue to be excited by upcoming features that are likely to make an impact on work:

* The ability to multitask between applications is the most anticipated feature, according to those surveyed, with 43% choosing multitasking over any other new feature. The fact that multitasking is expected to be supported on iPhone 3GS models as well as the new iPhone 4 bodes well for original iPhone users who want to extend their investment and may pose increased demands on company IT departments as they will seek new support.
* Despite consumer buzz around the videoconferencing capabilities of the new iPhone 4, study results indicate that users are unsure of the implications of videoconferencing on their mobile device. However, 40% of respondents believe videoconferencing may lead to stronger client and colleague relationships through increased face-to-face interaction.

Evolution of usage habits

The Sybase survey results show that consumers are increasingly using the iPhone for work-related tasks:

* More than half (64%) of iPhone owners use the device at least once a week for work-related tasks. The most common work-related task conducted by users with mobile phones was making business-related phone calls, while the most common task for iPhone users was checking work e-mail.
* More respondents (20%) use individually chosen business applications they have downloaded from the iTunes App Store versus using company supported business applications (13%). This demonstrates an increased opportunity for companies to harness the new capabilities of iOS 4 through custom-built enterprise applications that mobilise business processes.