It’s been said before, but all of the talk about whether Android (or the Motorola Droid, in particular) is an “iPhone killer” misses the true significance of this emerging mobile device platform. For years, technophiles, industry analysts, media pundits and just about everyone else has been trying to predict which mobile phone will dominate the rapidly expanding and highly fragmented smartphone market. The reality is that, unlike Microsoft’s hegemonic control of the desktop, it’s highly unlikely that any one mobile phone or mobile OS vendor will enjoy such preeminence.

People view mobile phones very differently than they view notebooks or other computers. After all, many of us keep our mobile phone within arms’ reach the majority of our waking lives. Given our personal attachment to these devices, people have radically different notions of what a “killer” phone is. Price, business needs, prevailing trends, advertising, personal tastes and many other factors influence our choice of mobile phones. That said, there are almost as many opinions about which phone is the “killer” device as there are mobile phones in circulation. iPhone users are passionate about extolling the merits of their chosen device as are users of RIM BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Nokia Symbian and other devices. A quick Google search for the “best mobile phone” bears this out; we’re not all likely to agree any time soon.

Android may eclipse Apple, RIM and others in terms of market share or it may not. What’s significant is that the latest crop of Androids have real appeal and that the Android platform has further splintered the market. For users, having yet another platform to choose from is a good thing – if nothing else, it gives us all more to blog about! However, for IT, managing all these devices is a nightmare that keeps getting worse. The idea that a business can “standardize” on a single mobile device platform falls apart as soon as users go out and buy the latest “killer” device – be it a Moto Droid or something else. Businesses must employ a multi-platform mobile application and device management strategy to stay ahead of the curve. After all, it won’t be long until we’re talking about an “Android killer.”

By Benjamin Wesson, senior director of product management

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