Apple’s iPhone is now open to third-party developers and the enterprise. That was the report Thursday as Apple announced the beta release of its iPhone 2.0 software, support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and a new App Store.

The iPhone 2.0 software, scheduled for June, includes the much-anticipated Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new features to assemble the iPhone welcome in the enterprise, notably support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.

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The SDK offers applications and tools for creating programs that run natively on the device instead of only through the iPhone’s browser. The beta SDK is now available as a free download, along with an accompanying iPhone Simulator that runs on a Mac. The APIs include access to the Core OS, Core Services, Media and Cocoa Touch technologies.

The tools include Xcode for source-code editing, project management and graphical debugging; Interface Builder; and Instruments to optimize real-time performance. Owners of the iPod touch will

need to buy a software update to run third-party apps. A new iPhone Developer Program was additionally launched to support the creation of native apps.

Apple described the App Store as “a breakthrough way for developers to wirelessly deliver their applications to iPhone and iPod touch users.”

At the store, users can choose, buy and wirelessly download third-party applications to an iPhone or iPod touch. The price of the applications — including free — will be determined by the developers, but Apple will keep 30 percent. Free apps can be delivered at no charge, and enterprises can set up a secure and private page for their employees.

Exchange ActiveSync has been licensed from Microsoft and will be built into the iPhone so it connects out of the box with Exchange Servers 2003 and 2007. The support includes such shield features as remote wipe, password policies, and auto-discovery. And Apple…

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