Sybase on Tuesday announced the results of a survey gauging consumer opinion on the forthcoming iPhone 4 and iOS 4 software, finding that many of the new features are expected to increase the use of iPhone as a business tool. Over half of respondents who currently own an iPhone said that the new features of iOS 4 will cause them to use their iPhone for work purposes more often. More than a third of respondents who don't own an iPhone said they would consider purchasing one for work purposes based on the new features of both iOS 4 and iPhone 4.

Over 2,000 Americans were polled in the Sybase commissioned study, conducted by Zogby International, that explored increasing demand for iPhones in the workplace, most anticipated iPhone and iOS features for conducting work, and work-related usage habits between iPhone users and non-iPhone users.

Demand for iPhone in the Workplace on the Rise
With the iOS 4 update, Apple intends to introduce a number of new features that are designed to improve the functionality of iPhones for business, including being able to sort email conversations by subject, multi-tasking between applications, having the ability to remotely wipe sensitive information on your iPhone, and the ability to have company-related applications. The study found that:

• Approximately 56 percent of iPhone users surveyed were likely to use the device for work purposes more often with the new features, spurring a renewed emphasis on iPhone use for business purposes.
• More than a third of survey respondents who don't currently own an iPhone and whose employers don't provide them with a mobile phone, said they would consider purchasing one if new business-ready features became readily available.
• Of those surveyed where employers do provide them with a mobile device, more than half claim they would ask their company to upgrade to an iPhone based on the new features of either iPhone 4 or iOS 4.

Most Anticipated iPhone Features: Multi-Tasking Wins by a Landslide
Despite recent software updates, iPhone users continue to be excited by upcoming features that are likely to make an impact on work:

• The ability to multitask between applications is the most anticipated feature according to those surveyed, with 43 percent choosing multitasking over any other new feature. The fact that multitasking is expected to be supported on iPhone 3GS models as well as the new iPhone 4 bodes well for original iPhone users who want to extend their investment and may pose increased demands on company IT departments as they will seek new support.
• Despite consumer buzz around the video conferencing capabilities of the new iPhone 4, study results indicate that users are unsure of the implications of video conferencing on their mobile device. However, while 40 percent of respondents believe video conferencing may lead to stronger client and colleague relationships through increased face-to- face interaction.

Evolution of Usage Habits as iPhone Gains Traction for Business Use
The Sybase survey results show that consumers are increasingly using the iPhone for work-related tasks:

• More than half (64 percent) of iPhone owners use the device at least once a week for work-related tasks. The most common work related task conducted by users with mobile phones was making business-related phone calls, while the most common task for iPhone users was checking work email.
• More respondents (20 percent) use individually chosen business applications they have downloaded from the iTunes App Store versus using company supported business applications (13 percent). This demonstrates an increased opportunity for companies to harness the new capabilities of iOS 4 through custom-built enterprise applications that mobilize business processes.

Additional resources:

• For further details on the results of the survey, view the PDF or visit: http://www.sybase.com/files/Solution_Overviews/Sybase_iPhone_4_iOS_4_Study_Charts.pdf
• News: Sybase announced a full mobile device management and security solution for iOS 4: http://www.sybase.com/press
• Website: http://www.sybase.com/iphone
• Blogs: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/sybase and http://blogs.sybase.com/ithain
• Twitter: Follow Sybase news on Twitter at @MobileWork