In the halls of power, you’re more likely to see an iPad or an iPhone, as U.S. federal agencies toss BlackBerries aside for Apple technology. Could President Obama get an iPhone next?
President Obama, often seen with a BlackBerry in hand, is now an iPad fan. The Apple tablet “has been seen on his desk and under his arm,” the Washington Post writes. In another instance, ATF investigators view video surveillance using an iPad. (The ATF has 50 iPads and iPhone with promises of 100 eventually.)
The new policy, nicknamed ‘federal government 2.0’ is a departure from what the newspaper describes as “a ‘Little House on the Prairie’ pace” of changes. Indeed, you’re likely to get a government email that was sent through Google’s free Gmail service instead of an antiquated system.
Elsewhere, the U.S. State Department is testing iPad use and the U.S. Congress already permits iPads and iPhones on the floor. Clinicians at the Department of Veteran Affairs can use an iPad or an iPhone rather than forced to turn to a BlackBerry, the report adds.
All of this spells trouble for BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion. Long regarded as the defacto device when security mattered, Apple devices are making deep inroads into the once secure territory. The key is the federal government, like elsewhere, wants to keep employees happy. Being able to use your consumer device at work results in happier workers.
Another factor is the lack of BlackBerry apps compared to Apple or Android, coupled with the Canadian-based company’s failure to gain much traction in the tablet arena. Add that to a recent Reuters report RIM investors care calling for the ouster of the company’s co-CEOs and you have the making of another depressing month ahead for BlackBerry fans.
Ed Sutherland is a veteran technology journalist who first heard of Apple when they grew on trees, Yahoo was run out of a Stanford dorm and Google was an unknown upstart. Since then, Sutherland has covered the whole technology landscape, concentrating on tracking the trends and figuring out the finances of large (and small) technology companies.
22 responses to “Feds Ditch BlackBerry for iPhone. Will Obama Be Next?”
He’s already using an iPad. Why not an iPhone? This would be huge for Apple.
The headline reads the “Feds ditch Blackberry for iPhone. Will Obama be next?” I was excited for a brief instance when I thought it might be Obama the Feds would ditch….we can only “Hope” for that “Change.”
The headline had me excited for a minute, too.. Oh well, tea break’s over, back on your heads…
Keeping in line with his administration – Barack should use an Android: They look attractive, look busy, cost more than anything else and get absolutely NOTHING done.
http://whattheheckhasobamadone…
It’s bout time these guys, including Obama, bought American. Ditch that Canadian stuff.
That is empathy.
Tea Party supporters do not know that.
They side with the heartless rich, not knowing their own needs.
Tea Party people down there.
Funny, you did not accuse his administration of protectionism, the administration that is buying Macs also.
Like the auto bailout, because USA makes lousy cars.
Not to forget the last wasted decade because of Bush.
Is it lack of intelligence ( thinking with clear head ) or you just miss Bush and his neo-con dogmas?.
Aesthetically Apple is the less USA centric company, but unlike Google and Microsoft ( which have governments around the world + BBC in its pocket ) creates less jobs/wealth abroad.
If it wasn’t for the unfair tactics of the Windows and Android vendors cartel, i believe Apple will not ensemble its products in China.
Can’t wait to see BBM went sour… I really hate BB fans who keep texting in front of my face while I was talking with them! Let the end of the Canadian company start!
Too many Teabaggers here. I wish there was a Safari extension that would hide all Teabagger related texts, images, etc. from the Internet.