At the SDK Roadmap event today, Apple announced that one of the most anticipated features, Microsoft Exchange support, would be added to the iPhone. With no change from the standard email, calendar and contacts apps, the cellphone will now be able to receive push messages; there’s also e and the ability for network admins to perform a remote wipe of the iPhone should it be stolen or misplaced.
In fact, the implementation is better even than Microsoft’s own Windows Mobile smartphones: instead of interfacing with an intermediate NOC and message server, the iPhone will use licenced ActiveSync to directly connect to the Exchange server.
All of the usual Exchange functionality will be present, but offered in typical streamlined Apple fashion. Simple toggle switches turn synchronisation for contacts, messages and calendar entries off and on, and Exchange is simply another option in the “setup account” screen (albeit one given pride of place at the top of the list, above even .Mac).
ummm…. Windows Mobile phones already use ActiveSync. Maybe you are thinking of Blackberries?