Making good on an earlier pact, Cisco Systems and Apple have begun to explore ways in which their respective iPhone devices can work together.
As part of the agreement, Cisco and Apple also agreed to investigate opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications.
Already there are about a half-dozen ideas on the table, according to Cisco Chief Development Officer Charlie Giancarlo, who revealed in an interview last week that Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs is discussing with members of his team ways in which to make the Apple iPhone compatible with Cisco's business and consumer equipment.
"We're optimistic, but it's still early," said Giancarlo, adding that ways in which the companies' products can work together "are now being investigated by both technical teams."
The discussions, however, aren't centered on making Cisco's iPhone, an Internet-based home phone, compatible with Apple's wireless device. Instead, Giancarlo said Cisco wants Apple's iPhone to work with its corporate phone systems, allowing users to get the same services, such as instant messaging and teleconferencing, on their Cisco desk phones and Apple iPhones.
Apple has said it will begin selling it's iPhone handset by the end of June. Cisco's vast array of iPhone branded devices were introduced back in December.
43 Comments
...The discussions, however, aren't centered on making Cisco's iPhone, an Internet-based home phone, compatible with Apple's wireless device....
Bummer Cuz that's probably the way the owners of the iPhone would get best use and value out of the freekin ~$500 phone. Thanks to Apple selling out to Cingular, we may never see free wifi features on the iPhone. It's like they just want to oppress the consumer all the way.
Bummer
What? This is great news. One of the biggest issues with the iPhone is how well it will work in a corporate environment, and this is going to help a lot.
Bummer Cuz that's probably the way the owners of the iPhone would get best use and value out of the freekin ~$500 phone. Thanks to Apple selling out to Cingular, we may never see free wifi features on the iPhone. It's like they just want to oppress the consumer all the way.
I think you've misunderstood. Making the iPhone compatible with Cisco's systems is exactly the kind of thing that makes voice over Wifi IP closer to a reality on the iPhone. I don't doubt that someone will find a way to get VOIP on them eventually, and then I will find it VERY hard to resist (maybe even pay the cingular cancellation fee as soon as I sign up, just to get this sweet device). Of course, I'll also want to experience how reliable the keyboard software is first, I have my doubts.
Sounds like Cisco is very excited to jump on the iPhone (Apple's iPhone) bandwagon.
Apple typically wants to run the show. I don't see anything coming of an Apple/Cisco partnership.