Some technologists and IT managers have criticized the iPhone for not being business-ready, perhaps even being a toy. However, a deeper examination of the iPhone technology elements and possible Apple plans, reveals great potential for Big Business according to ChannelWeb on Monday.

Things may not be what they seem with the iPhone. It’s all to easy to conjure up the same old arguments. "It is a closed device, it doesn’t play nice with Lotus Notes, and you’re stuck with a choice of one carrier: AT&T. Why, then, would anyone think it should be taken seriously in the commercial space?" Ed Moltzen wrote.

The key is to dig deeper and look at technology options.

On email, Mr. Moltzen observed, "The iPhone has pretty darn good push email functionality ...You can also set up POP mail or Exchange (if IMAP support is set up on the Exchange Server.) For those who can access Lotus Notes via webmail, you can do that on the iPhone’s Safari browser although sending email or performing other Notes functions can be mind-bendingly difficult. ... The bottom line for email on the iPhone: for most people it will work well."

In other technology areas, voice mail, Airplane mode, integration with Google maps, the iPhone excels and "it can do between 80 percent and 100 percent of what you need a BlackBerry or Treo to do," the author observed in his two weeks with the iPhone.

However, these small technology invocations may not be the complete picture. Forthcoming integration with Leopard and the iCal server could "close the loop for business,"Mr. Moltzen pointed out.

Apple has the capability to extend the iPhone capabilities over time. Two different companies, Visto and Synchronica have already announced Exchange support. IM tools have already cropped up. Those who would write off the iPhone based on a superficial examination of current features without looking at the underlying technology and potential will underestimate the business capabilities of the iPhone.

The author’s conclusion: "Ready or not, Big Business, here comes the iPhone."