SAN JOSE, Calif. — Apple Inc. is leveraging its iPhone success as a Trojan horse to break into the market for business cellphones and computers that has long evaded the company, according to a research report released Wednesday (August 12).
"Three U.S. government agencies have each deployed 30,000+ iPhones [and] three
Fortune 100 companies have each deployed 25,000+ iPhones, including 19
Fortune 100 companies that have deployed 10,000+ iPhones," said Brian Marshall, an analyst with Broadpoint AmTech in his report.
The iPhone sales will drive more adoption by businesses of Macintosh computers, given the close links between the products, he said. More than 150 salespeople in the U.S. are focused on winning enterprise customers for Apple, he added.
Apple has long taken a back seat to the Windows PC in business. The iPhone to date has focused primarily at consumers while the Research in Motion Blackberry and smart phones based on Windows Mobile have focused on business users.
"While we believe the company has only begun to scratch the surface with regards to realizing its true potential from the enterprise client opportunity, we have not yet formalized our financial sensitivity analysis on this market opportunity," said Marshall in his report.
Earlier Apple tried to gain entry into corporate accounts through rolling out its Xserve server. But the server has had "lackluster" sales so far, Marshall said.
Apple has several prospects for growth ahead despite the sluggish economy said Marshall. In addition to rising business users the company is expected to launch the iPhone in China, refresh its iPod line and release a media tablet, he said.
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