Experts are now saying that the Apple iPhone now has enterprise security that matches the BlackBerry platform in another blow to Research In Motion that continues to slide in market share.

A new report from TechRepublic reveals through interviews with experts and a data from a Trend Micro study that impression about iPhone security has now changed.

The report cites as a point in its case comments from BDO LLP IT Director John Turner who did not think twice about saying that the iPhone can now match BlackBerry enterprise security levels.

“The differentiation in the corporate world used to be security, but that has been significantly eroded to the point where it’s gone away now,” Turner said at an event reports TechRepublic.

“I’ve satisfied myself that Apple is there or thereabouts [in terms of corporate security], I think that Apple have caught RIM up,” he said.

Another evidence of this change in perception in terms of enterprise security for the iPhone is Trend Micro’s analysis of the iPhone and BlackBerry devices.

BlackBerry still led in their analysis but the iPhone was judged to have the next most secure platform.

According to Trend Micro’s Rik Ferguson, Apple has steadily been adding features to bolster iPhone security since it was released in 2007.

“Apple recognized long ago that having successfully reinvigorated the consumer smartphone market, they needed to make some big technological changes to really compete and gain acceptance in the enterprise space, and they have been steadily adding features over time,” said Ferguson who is the Trend Micro Europe, Middle East And Asia region director of security research.

Meanwhile, what is driving managers and experts in companies to consider iOS as corporate devices is the increasing incidence of bringing a personal device to work.

“People are using iPhones and iPads in their personal lives and asking the question why can’t we use them within the company,” BDO LLP’s Turner said in the event.

Furthermore, he said that “It should come as no surprise that Apple are finally taking on BBOS and RIM on their home turf, the release of iPhone 5 is expected to see a huge surge in handset sales and that can only lead to more consumerization of enterprise handsets.”

As for what will make RIM more competitive with Apple, Turner says that the company should aim for the kind of customer loyalty and appeal Apple has.

RIM already has “the minds of the enterprise but they need to be aiming for the hearts of consumers, and that’s a tall order,” he said.

The iPhone 5 was launched by Apple on September 12.

About Solon Harmony Dolor

A passion for technology and journalism makes this upcoming writer very interested in social media and technology news. Fresh from finishing an English and Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman, he aims to bring interesting news to our readers .