Apple's special event to launch the iPhone software development kit (SDK) and reveal its enterprise and security strategy for the iPhone—including, among other things, support for Microsoft Exchange and the Cisco IPsec VPN, two factor authentication and enterprise-class Wi-Fi using WPA2/802.1x—took place today. Update: For those who couldn't be there, Apple has just posted a video stream of the whole event.

It has licensed Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft, which will soon become a default feature of the iPhone. This will enable the iPhone to support push mob-e-mail, calendaring, and contacts, as well as global address lists and remote wipe in an enterprise environment. Apple is clearly targeting RIM's BlackBerry hegemony in the enterprise here. But what about Lotus Notes?

As for the SDK section of the event, Apple outlined the technical details, which include a very real-looking iPhone simulator for the desktop. Programmers from a number of large application developers, including EA with Spore, Sega with the game Super Monkeyball, salesforce.com, AOL with AIM support, Epocrates, showed everyone some things they've done with the SDK.

The SDK works with both the iPhone and iPod touch. Developers can start building applications now, but consumers won't see them until June. Downloading the SDK is free.

It costs $99 to join the Apple's developer program, however, see here. This is the program that enables you to get your apps to iPhone and iPod touch users.

The $99 gets you an electronic certificate, which will tell Apple if you write and distribute a bad or malicious application, so they can stop folks from accessing it should the need arise. An 'Enterprise Programme,' will be available to those wishing to develop in-house iPhone apps for their company.

Developers can download the SDK here. You must use an Intel-based Mac to use the SDK. No PowerPCs or Windows machines allowed.

So how will consumers will be able to obtain these iPhone applications? Why through an new App Store that'll sits right on the iPhone, of course.

They'll be able to wirelessly download any of the apps available for the iPhone there. The store, which will be accessible both over Wi-Fi and a cellular connections (unlike with the iPhone iTunes store), is going to be included with the next iPhone software update. Programs can also be loaded through iTunes and the following category of software won't be offered: porn, privacy, bandwidth hog, illegal, malicious, and 'unforeseen.'

Developers get to pick the price they want to charge for their program and receive 70 percent of revenues, paid to them on a monthly basis, to Apple's 30 percent cut. All credit card, hosting and marketing services are included in this percentage and Apple won't charge developers a dime for free applications. You must still pay the $99 fee to get the electronic certificate to be able to access consumers though.

One question: What about shareware? These applications fall somewhere between free and bought and don't seem to be covered by the distribution model described by Apple today.

Apple is going to ship the software update (called iPhone firmware 2.0) to every iPhone customer with all the new software and enterprise capabilities in June for free. iPod touch users will be able to get the upgrade for a "nominal" charge.

A $100 million fund, called the iFund, is being setup by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. With it, they'll invest in companies they feel are developing innovative iPhone and iPod touch software.

If you can't wait until the software update to leverage all of the iPhone's new enterprise features, you may want to consider applying to take part in Apple's iPhone Enterprise Beta. It is not known how Apple will choose those who will take part from all those who apply.

Links to live blogging of the event: