iPhone and Google Voice: Time to Hang Up On Apple?

Sure, Apple's iPhone has gained critical mass in many corporations. But a disconnect between Google Voice and Apple's App Store highlights how Apple artificially limits iPhone opportunities for managed service providers and VARs. Frankly, The VAR Guy is mulling a move to a Google Android smart phone. Here's why.

The VAR Guy

July 29, 2009

1 Min Read
iPhone and Google Voice: Time to Hang Up On Apple?

google-voice-apple-iphone

google-voice-apple-iphone

Sure, Apple’s iPhone has gained critical mass in many corporations. But a disconnect between Google Voice and Apple’s App Store highlights how Apple artificially limits iPhone opportunities for managed service providers and VARs. Frankly, The VAR Guy is mulling a move to a Google Android smart phone. Here’s why.

First, some background on the dispute. As the Los Angeles Times notes, Google Voice:

“enables users to make cheap international calls, consolidate multiple phone numbers into one voice mail account and get e-mailed transcripts of their voice messages…

… [but Apple] refused to allow Google to distribute its Google Voice application on iTunes, shutting out iPhone users from easily tapping into the much-anticipated service.”

The VAR Guy has three words, er, syllables for Apple: Pa-the-tic.

Voice-over-IP and unified communications represent huge opportunities for channel partners. And the iPhone could be a fantastic platform for many of those emerging, disruptive applications. If only Apple wasn’t so shortsighted and proprietary.

Alas, Apple is protecting its AT&T relationship by blocking Google Voice from the Apple App Store — and artificially limiting opportunities for VARs, channel partners and customers.

Apple better be careful: The VAR Guy loves his iPhone … but not the bloated monthly AT&T service fee that comes with it. If our resident blogger falls for Google Voice, he might wind up looking at a smart phone that runs Google Android instead

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