Apple-IBM deal: trouble for Google, Microsoft

InformationWeek:

But the potential windfall from the partnership will be constrained by Apple’s already considerable success. The company holds a commanding position in the enterprise mobile device market and might not be able to climb much higher. According to CEO Tim Cook, “over 98% of the Fortune 500 and over 92% of the Global 500 [are using] iOS devices in their business today.”

Recent figures from mobile device management firm Good Technology suggest slightly more potential for growth. In May, the company reported that among its customers activating mobile devices on its mobile security platform during the first quarter of 2014, 72% ran iOS, 27% ran Android, and 1% ran Windows Phone.

Compared to the previous quarter, Android activations increased one percentage point while iOS and Windows Phone activations remained flat. In other words, Apple’s leadership position in the enterprise mobile market looks fairly secure; neither Google nor Microsoft appear to be gaining market share very rapidly.

And (my favorite):

Google knows it has to push Android harder in the enterprise market, but Apple’s alliance with IBM has made the mountain it must climb that much more steep. Microsoft, after years wandering in the wilderness, has just arrived at the base of the mountain, only to realize it’s carrying too much baggage.