On March 7, 2008, Apple announced the launch of an iPhone Developer Program. Software developers now have the ability to develop, debug and distribute applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Kleiner Perkins, the famed Silicon Valley VC has set up a $100 million fund to invest in companies building applications for the iPhone. In addition, Apple announced an entry into the enterprise market, which could deal a huge blow to RIM’s Blackberry. Is this finally going to catalyze the long awaited convergence of mobile devices and make the iPhone as ubiquitous as the PC?

Mobile devices have been open to developers for a while – Palm, Windows Mobile and Symbian. Apple has a distinct advantage in that it is capitalizing on its incredible momentum first with the iPod and then with the iPhone. Also, Apple’s timing is impeccable; simultaneously announcing the availability of the SDK and its plans to enter the enterprise market. The buzz created in media is enormous. Secondly, Apple’s offering takes care of not only the development of third party applications but also provides a platform for its distribution. While all the other comparable platforms enable development, they fall short on offering a distribution mechanism, which is critical to drive adoption.

Finally, if I can read all my eMails, browse the web through a full-featured browser, listen to music, watch videos and take advantage of really cool third-party apps to come, all through my iPhone, I no longer have to carry any other mobile device. Which starts to beg the question, can I also make do without my laptop in most cases?