Understand smartphone operating systems

Microsoft has just launched its new operating system, Windows 7 Phone, with gadgets to launch in Australia later this year. It’s designed to compete with Google and Apple in the smartphone market and take back some of their market share.

More SMEs are now supplying smartphones for their staff. If you’re thinking of doing the same to help organise your workforce and keep employees organised, you need to start looking for some phones.

Ten years ago a phone may have been defined by its hardware, but now software is playing a part. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the main mobile operating systems.

iOS – This is the software used for Apple devices, and currently, the iPhone. The iPhone’s software allows you access to the App Store, which can be helpful for finding business programs to keep your business mobile. However, iPhones are expensive and often costly to repair if they break – but they should provide all you need in an enterprise phone.

BlackBerry – Businesses have used BlackBerrys for years and they don’t seem to stop. The BlackBerry operating system allows solid integration with Exchange servers and will be easy for your IT crew to help set up. However, BlackBerry devices don’t have access to as many apps as iPhones.

Android – Android is Google’s own operating system. It’s a powerful piece of software and can be tweaked to your own specifications and wants. The apps available are powerful and there are several good business programs, but it’s also complicated. Android devices aren’t necessarily carrying the same software versions and incompatibility can be a problem. Android gadgets are also somewhat complex to navigate.

Windows 7 Phone – This is Microsoft’s new, stripped-down version of its operating system. It’s the easiest of the software packages to navigate, but it’s also the newest and it may be some time before the market catches on. It’s solid, but it may be more suited to consumers than businesses.

Symbian – Nokia’s OS of choice is losing market share, and fast. If you want to get your business on the smartphone bandwagon, then you’d best look to these other devices for most of your enterprise needs. However, keep an eye on Nokia – they’re developing a new OS soon.