Apple has previewed its new iPhone software, which is slated for a summer release. The beta, available now to developers and some enterprise customers, includes the SDK and a number of business-focused additions.

New enterprise features in the iPhone package include support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync – which will enable push email, contacts and calendars, as well as the ability to remotely 'wipe' devices, and Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to secured company networks.

Apple is keen to foster a developer community for the iPhone and has introduced the iPhone Developer Programme and an App Store, which will be the home of third party programmes and applications.

ActiveSync is licensed from Microsoft and will let users connect direct to Exchange Servers 'out of the box'. Commenting on the deal Terry Myerson, corporate vice president for Exchange, said "We continue to compete with Apple in the computer arena and media player business.

When it comes to mobile phones, Windows Mobile still delivers the premier mobile e-mail experience for Microsoft Exchange Server, by delivering the Outlook experience on a mobile phone and with the most complete support for Exchange’s many enterprise device management policies. But, we also partner with many mobile device makers – including Apple – and believe that by making Exchange an open platform, our customers and partners, ultimately, will be the beneficiaries."

David Perry, director of mobile workforce management firm Cognito, said it still remains to be seen whether the iPhone will really take off as a business tool

"As the SDK is based on Apple’s proprietary development environment, a mobile application vendor would need to maintain a separate code base to other platforms for its iPhone applications," he explained. "I’m not convinced there is currently a business market for this in the UK: there isn’t even a business tariff available yet."