Motorola is focusing much of its energy on getting more developers to build applications for Windows Mobile, Hawver says. It recently launched Fast Track Center, a Web site that gives developers access to business and product development services offered by Motorola and its partners. The program includes discounts on hardware, software, and peripherals used for development. In July, Motorola created a company called CanvasM to develop custom wireless business applications and help companies implement apps and related services. The company is a joint venture with Tech Mahindra, a services company in India, partly owned by British Telecom, that specializes in telecommunications.
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Still, the Moto Q beat other smartphones that Lowe Enterprises evaluated. The BlackBerry was bulky, and the Treo 700w's screen was too sensitive. "The Moto Q has a great form factor and is sufficient for our people, who mostly need a phone and wireless e-mail," Belmonte says.
At $200, the Moto Q is cheaper than most BlackBerrys. But it lags on security and management capabilities, according to Gartner. Without embedded IT support features, the Moto Q is a tough sell to businesses and is more likely to appeal to individuals looking to save a buck. But there's more coming: A few months ago Motorola created a group within its mobile device unit that will focus on developing business-oriented smartphones.
THE OTHERS
Samsung, the fourth-largest smartphone maker in the United States, has some of the most unconventional offerings. In April, Samsung launched a phone that comes with BlackBerry Connect software for push e-mail; it also features a superthin clamshell design. The SGH-t719 technically isn't a smartphone because it lacks an operating system, but it's an option for companies that aren't interested in mobile applications yet want an affordable e-mail phone.Hewlett-Packard is known for its notebook computers, but the vendor is getting more serious about its smartphone offerings. In February, it created a business unit for handhelds separate from notebooks. Its newest iPaq smartphones, the 6900 series, come with an updated version of Windows Mobile and business productivity software. The iPaq hw6920, announced last week, offers GPS navigation, TeleNav directions, and Wi-Fi. With established leaders and flashy newcomers, HP must keep the new products coming--and tap its business ties as the PC market-share leader--to make a splash in the U.S. smartphone market.
