BBC tests iPads internally, EU dumps BlackBerry for iPhone,HTC

Apple’s taken yet another step into the enterprise with its iPhone and iPad closing in on some huge endorsements for the firm, one from the BBC, the other from the EU Commission.

The BBC is running a limited iPad trial in some departments to evaluate how feasible it is to use the Apple device to reduce wated paper and boost efficiency.

iPads are being made available to the BBC’s UK production, location and technical departments. Several managers have also been given iPads to see if it can replace desktop computers.

BBC CIO John Linwood revealed the details of the trial in an interview with UK magazine Computing.

“We’re seeding the organisation [with the devices],” he said. “We put some iPads into production and some into management and other roles to see if people would be able to give up their desktops.”

Meanwhile, the British Army is also using the iPad. UK troops have started using the device to help with artillery training.

“A lot of our training is directed at young soldiers who don’t respond well to the traditional PowerPoint lecture,” said Major Richard Gill of the training development branch. “Our solutions are developed very much with the iPod generation in mind.”

There’s more: The European Union Commission rejected Research in Motion’s BlackBerry in favor of Apple’s iPhone and HTC smartphones, a spokesman said.

A 2008 evaluation saw the EU choose these devices as being the most suitable platforms for voice/mail-centric mobile devices. About 2,500 EU staff are affected.

British bank Standard Chartered said earlier this year it was giving its staff the option to replace the BlackBerry with the iPhone, a move that could eventually result in thousands of bankers switching.