American Republic Online

While toiling away in corporate America, received the following email from our HR department regarding the iPhone (names removed):

Advisory: The Apple iPhone - It’s a Consumer Device not a Corporate One
With all of the hype over the launch of the Apple iPhone, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement over the device and want to get one and possibly have Company pay for it. However, be forewarned this device is intended for consumer vs. corporate use! AT&T and Apple have set up procurement of the iPhone so that only an individual can purchase one. Company and AT&T met recently to discuss the iPhone. Here are the key points:
* The iPhone is intended solely for individual purchase. The iPhone can only be purchased from an AT&T, Apple store or Apple.com.
* Procurement of an iPhone comes with a two-year contract commitment with AT&T. This commitment makes the individual liable and is associated with the person’s Social Security Number. This liability can not be transferred to a corporation like Company.
* There are no discounts available for the iPhone or the associated voice and data plans.
* The iPhone is excluded from any and all corporate negotiated pricing and discount agreements.
* AT&T’s internal systems prevent an individually purchased iPhone from being moved to corporate account.
* The iPhone can’t be set up to synchronize with Company’s Outlook/Exchange messaging environment.
Please also consider:
* Company does not support iTunes on our managed PCs.
* Company is not in the business of providing mp3 or digital audio devices as a business tool.
Therefore, although the iPhone may be a exciting consumer device, it is not an appropriate device for use within Company.
Thank you for your attention and compliance in this matter.

The last two points are nice: “please remember that you are supposed to work for us while on company time, not work iTunes.”