The iPhone 2.0 software provides a configuration utility that allows IT administrators to easily and quickly set up many iPhones, including password policies, VPN setting, installing certificates, email server settings and more. Once the configuration is defined it can be easily and securely delivered via web link or email to the user. To install, all the user has to do is authenticate with a user ID or password, download the configuration and tap install. Once installed, the user will have access to all their corporate IT services. All of these factors will build a strong business base for the iPhone that was, in my opinion at least, just seen as more of a status symbol mobile handset than one that was truly capable of delivering any real usage on the business front. Entertainment-wise the iPhone had obviously no issues whatsoever.
The iPhone 2.0 software release will also contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch. The App Store enables developers to reach every iPhone and iPod touch user. Developers set the price for their applications - including free - and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues.
Enterprise customers will be able to create a secure, private page on the App Store accessible only by their employees. Apple will cover all credit card, web hosting, infrastructure and DRM costs associated with offering applications on the App Store. Third party iPhone and iPod touch applications must be approved by Apple and will be available exclusively through the App Store.
The iPhone SDK provides a reliable, fast and secure way to create applications for both, the iPhone and iPod touch. It also provides advanced tools for creating native iPhone and iPod touch applications including: Xcode for source code editing, project management and graphical debugging; Interface Builder with drag and drop interface creation and live preview; Instruments to monitor and optimize iPhone application performance in real time; and the iPhone Simulator to run and debug applications.
During the beta iPhone SDK program, a limited number of developers will be accepted into Apple’s new iPhone Developer Program and offered the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing. The Standard Program costs Rs. 3,987 ($99) per year and gives members an iPhone SDK and development tools; access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store. The Enterprise Program costs Rs. 12,0425 ($299) per year.
In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.
The free beta iPhone SDK is available immediately worldwide and can be downloaded here. The iPhone Developer Program will initially be available in the US first and will expand to other countries in the coming months. Apple is accepting applications beginning today from enterprise customers who would like to join the private iPhone Enterprise Beta Program.
From the Indian perspective, here's what one local student, Pankaj Nathani, who just happens to be a Forum Nokia Champion and a MobileRules Technology Innovation Competition 2008 Finalist was kind enough to give us his pros and cons about about the recent SDK that Apple has released -
The Pros :
- 30% "tax" very competitive compared to other offerings.
- Freeware and opensource are truly free.
- Proper simulator, not emulated.
- Apple marketing and branding machine working for you.
- Should be a good wakeup call for Symbian and their Partners
- Easy development environment, at least from the demo's shown.
- Easy to develop for if the demo's have not been staged.
- Reasonable developer program charges.
The Cons :
- Apple lock-in
- Need Mac for development
- What API's are not available to the public?
- Still questions about some issues (front screen, telephony, dialer?)
One thing I'm personally looking forward to after the latest 16GB version is a better camera without external accessories.
Fat chance, DDB. Keep on dreaming, dude! 
