the Future of Work

Consuming Apps on my iPhone

by Danny Kolke
published on: 07/03/2007

It seems odd to me that I would write a blog post from a phone, but that is what I am doing now. I have been reading recent posts about how the iphone (as a consumer device) will find it difficult capturing the enterprise market.

From TechRepublic:
"Make no mistake, the iPhone is a consumer electronics product. It's an uber-phone aimed at digital enthusiasts who want to use their phone to have a better Internet and computing experience on the go. Of course, no one wants and needs a better mobile computing experience than business users. That's why the iPhone could quickly spill over to have a significant impact on businesses. Many businesses and IT departments are already anticipating iPhone requests from employees. In response, Gartner analysts are advising businesses against adopting the iPhone for a variety of reasons..."

While I agree that the BlackBerry and Trio have quite a head start, I think that the very conversation itself validates the transformation of the what I call the "work experience" embodied in the new web movement. The consumer is invading the enterprise. Decisions are no longer made and dictated. IT departments are being advised on how to defend themselves against requests from employees.  It's a revolution. Oh no... Here comes the consumer.

I am "Consuming" vs. "Using"

For months I have been saying that Etelos is in the forefront of a revolution in how applications are developed, distributed and consumed.

I chose those 3 words after experiencing a movement in adoption of our technology as a CRM for Google Apps. Actually, more so a CRM that runs inside your iGoogle homepage. I describe it as a phenomenon where those who used to be users, are now consuming their CRM in a way that is enjoyable and liberating at the same time. I can assemble my life in my gadgets and control my world in minor views of what is important to me. I can do activities and come back to my gadgets (CRM) and mark off tasks, create projects, follow-up with contacts, make phone calls, etc.  I choose to work in an environment that makes me feel better about working.


Consuming work

For me, this experiential shift is represented by the fact that as a consumer I am choosing to work because I can do it in a way that let's me share ideas and communicate, vs. having to work where I am confined and restricted.

Take this blog post for an example. The sequence of events that lead me to write this post at this very moment went like this:

- my iPhone pinged with the new email chime
- I decided I would scroll through whats happening
- I saw a Google alert on Etelos
- I read a couple of blogs that mentioned Etelos
- I posted a comment on Ismael's blog and...
- I had an idea I thought I should share on my blog

Pre-iPhone I would have written a note for myself to do it later.
Here, I opened up my iPhone browser and started blogging.

I consume in the moment instead of manufacturing post-moment.

Dan Farber had said about Etelos that we are taking advantage of the blurring lines between consumer and enterprise applications. At the time, I found his comment validating about the movement that I see in the consumption of web-apps for enterprise use.  Now, with the release of the iPhone; I find their actions even more validating because although clearly aimed at the consumer, enterprises are moving forward with revolutionizing the work experience.

The Revolution Marches On

I believe that there is a real revolution happening in the software world.  The type of revolution that is shifting the very economics and ecosystems of the world of software, and the world of business. This revolution is driven by consumer demand not by top-down IT decision making. While at first this may seem trivial, it is an enormous transformation in the tradition of the last 20 plus years of software purchasing and distribution.

In a previous post, I wrote about the revolution that I see happening. As I read the reaction and predictions of what the iPhone will do in the marketplace, I am pleased to see a transformation of consumer focused solutions. So what will happen next?

 

What will happen next?

A new standard has been set by Apple with the release of the iPhone. This new standard is significant in 2 ways that I can see so far.

First, the iPhone interface and user experience is transformational.  It's an enjoyable device to use.  I have had a love-hate relationship with my 5 BlackBerries over the last few years.  I don't even want to talk about my failed pocketPC attempts. The iPhone is not a "i can do that to" device.  It's a new experience in navigation, applications, and connection with the user. The touch screen is a revolution in itself.  Now, the market needs to respond with their competitive solutions. I wonder if they will make improvements and be innovative, or are we just going to see a bunch of "me to" devices show up?

Second, the iPhone browser has challenged the rest of the market to step up and deliver better browser apps. So let's get to it Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and the rest of you guys. Can you top this?  How about on the network side of things.  Will this consumer demand for more bandwidth and browser based solutions on a phone increase the speed of the wireless networks?  No longer content with just voice and text email traffic, are we going to see the consumer demand drive improvements to wireless networks here in the US to meet this new demand?  hmmmmm

A New Day...

So as the sun comes up, I have to get out of bed and get to work... for real.  The anticipation is killing me.  So much to do and I am looking forward to it. The market is awaiting a next generation of apps to work on the iPhone, and we have partners building them. How exciting.  I hope the rest of the mobile device market rises to the challenge of the consumers who want to use them.  All the excuses and switching costs of the older models will eventually be overtaken by the revolution.  You can wait and see, or get started today. As for me, I am convinced the revolution is already starting

 

Note: Although this blog post was written from my iPhone, style and links were added from my laptop before approving my draft. 

 

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