Apple's move to add enterprise features to the iPhone is good news for the company and for corporate users alike, according to American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu. The biggest news from Thursday's enterprise and SDK event, according to Mr. Wu, was that the iPhone will be gaining support for Microsoft's Exchange Server product.

"While there was anticipation, the biggest announcement was native Microsoft Exchange support on iPhone," Mr. Wu said. "We are pleased to see Apple listen to customers and plug in this key weakness as we think it will likely bring broader adoption. Already, AAPL announced Genentech, Disney, Nike, Stanford University, and others as iPhone enterprise customers."

He added that Apple's implementation of ActiveSync appears to be superior to the existing offerings from other companies.

Apple may have some enticing offerings for the corporate world, but that doesn't necessarily mean Research In Motion's Blackberry will be going away any time soon. "We continue to believe it is difficult to replicate Blackberry's robust push e-mail, but iPhone has improved their product and is preaching the benefits of a simpler architecture," he said.

Apple's architecture will eliminate the need for separate server software, offers better leveraging of Microsoft's Exchange Server, and supports a direct native Exchange connection eliminating the need for third-party conduits. Despite these offerings, "Apple has a long road ahead in making inroads in Enterprise," according to Mr. Wu.

The iPhone's new enterprise features will be available as part of the free iPhone Software 2.0 update in June. iPod touch users will be able to upgrade as well for a "nominal fee," according to Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Mr. Wu is maintaining is "Buy" rating and US$175 target price for Apple's stock. Apple is currently trading at $122.29, up 1.36 (1.12%).