The VAR Guy

On March 2nd 2010, Apple filed a suit against mobile phone maker HTC for patent infringement. HTC, who notably supports Android and the Google Nexus One is fighting back. What’s more, Google is backing HTC. Is this just another court-spat between companies, or the start of the oncoming mobile wars and Steve Jobs’ increasing hostility towards Google…?

Intel and Nokia have merged their respective technologies: Moblin and Maemo, to create “MeeGo.” Simply put, it’s a Linux-based platform claiming support of hardware architectures from something as simple as a mobile hand-held device to in-dash car-computers and everything in between. Is this a Google Android alternative or wishful thinking on the part of two big-name companies?

It’s finally here, Windows Mobile 7, or as it more colloquially wants to be known: Windows Phone 7 Series. It doesn’t really roll off the tongue and it’s not exactly the seventh series of any kind of Windows Phone, but that’s what they’re sticking with. So what’s the scoop on the new dialer from Redmond? Well, it all started at the Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona…

If you’re not familiar, Adobe AIR is a platform-independent software development environment that’s positioning itself as the successor to Java. And like Java, AIR is moving into the mobile phone market, adding support for Android, BlackBerry, and, yes — iPhone. Here’s why independent software vendors (ISVs) should take note.

For all you Apple partners out there, or maybe those thinking about becoming one; here’s an interesting tidbit from ARNnet.com.au. The Apple channel partner network is launching down-under. Here’s the news…

Whether Apple’s iPad will be a hit or miss for business is yet to be decided. But one thing is for sure: Apple’s iPad A4 chip is turning heads in the IT world. If you’re a mobile VAR with ties to Apple, Intel or Qualcomm, you should pay particularly close attention. Here’s why.

Is Microsoft ready to hedge its smart phone bets? As Windows Mobile struggles to match the iPhone, Blackberry and Android hype, there are signs Microsoft may take a new direction in the smart phone market. The chatter involves a potential Zune smart phone. The question: Would Zune smart phones really strengthen Microsoft’s position in the consumer and/or corporate markets? Hmmm…

Dear Apple, I love you. It’s true. There’s a deep seeded unabashed, unconditional, unrestricted outpouring of adoration and I don’t care who knows it. Today, you showed me how much you love me. You gave me the iPad. And I have yet another reason to take a savory bite from the tasty tree-ovum that you are.

One day before Apple’s alleged Tablet launch here’s a rather interesting tidbit that may prove the devices really exist: Analytical company Flurry Analytics has detected about 50 alleged Apple Tablets inside the Apple campus. Here’s what’ they’re saying…

Rumors persist that Microsoft is launching Windows Mobile 6.6 in February. The big question: Can Microsoft energize the Windows Mobile effort amid such fierce competition from Apple iPhone, Blackberry and Google Android initiatives. With so many great contenders, can the mighty Microsoft muscle its way back to relevance? Here’s some speculation on the future.

We already heard rumors about Apple entering the point of sale (POS) arena, but now there are whispers that Apple is looking to break into the health care vertical. With what? Why, none other than their alleged tablet, of course. Think it’s far-fetched? Don’t be too surprised. Read on for the details.

Here’s another sign that Apple iPhones and iPod touch devices could become point of sale (POS) solutions for VARs and their end-customers. Mophie, an iPhone accessory creator, is releasing a new product called the Mophie Marketplace. It features a magnetic strip reader and some software that could transform the iPhone into a point of sale device. But Apple has already made a similar point of sale move. How do the two efforts differ? Here’s some quick analysis.

When Newsweek predicted Microsoft will oust CEO and industry fixture Steve Ballmer in 2010, I tried to ignore the story. Then, ZDnet’s Mary-Jo Foley fired back, saying there’s no way Microsoft’s board will boot Ballmer. Now, I offer my two cents — the case for (and against) Ballmer in 2010.

You read it here first. On November 24th The VAR guy speculated Apple might be making a leap into the POS (point of sale) device arena. Call it an educated hunch, based on recent trends in the Apple Stores. But it turns out, Apple might be turning around and trying to make a buck off their in-house POS R&D. Here’s the update.

Everyone’s looking for the iPhone killer, including Motorola and Verizon. And with the advent of the Droid, competition is alive and well in the mobile smart phone market. I’ve had the Droid for little over a week now, so I thought VARs and MSPs might be interested in know if the new Android phone is a good replacement for their customers’ iPhone or Blackberry.

The VAR Guy is broke. Cash flow looks good for June, but he needs to count his pennies until that time. Still, he keeps hearing about the new 3G Apple iPhone. Speculation is mounting that the new iPhone will arrive in June. Is it time for him to give his old iPhone to his lovely wife — so that he can take the 3G plunge? And if so, does anybody have $400 to spare?

BusinessWeek and some Web articles are speculating about Apple’s future in the business market. Is Apple finally ready to “push” deeper into business? That question may be moot. Fact is, Apple is creating business “pull” rather than business “push.” Here’s what The VAR Guy means.

The VAR Guy couldn’t make it to Hawaii for Cisco’s recent partner summit. But now he hears that Cisco demonstrated Apple’s iPhone working on a unified communications network. Sweet. Some of the details about the demonstration surface in this April 24 Podcast on MSPmentor.net, The VAR Guy’s sister site.

The looming Google Android vs. Apple iPhone battle could wind up looking a lot like the old Windows vs. Mac OS war from more than a decade ago. Here’s why.

Apple and Microsoft. Sometimes, they actually do get along. The iPhone will soon support Microsoft Exchange (as The VAR Guy suspected), along with a lengthly list of other enterprise features. Here’s the scoop.