Apple officially announced the long awaited iPhone 2.0 software, which is due to be released this June, but a beta release is already available for download from iPhone DevCenter. The beta version will include besides Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support and Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks, the highly awaited iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK).

This SDK will give freedom to any developers to create native applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Prior to this SDK release iPhone application development has been limited to only applications that can run under Safari browser. Did I even have to mention that this SDK release could be the beginning of a whole new iPhone era, as Apple opens up to developers, allowing them to create all sorts of applications for the smartphone. By opening up iPhone to developer Apple not only opens the door to application richness but as well as to unlimited business potential.

The iPhone SDK opens to developers, enthusiast, and testers– everybody. Anyone can download the beta version for free and run the iPhone simulator on their Mac. The SDK offer a series of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and tools, enabling third party developers to create new sets of applications for the iPhone. IPhone DevCenter got everything you need to start on iPhone development, from reference videos, guides, sample codes, iPhone OS overview and reference libraries. However only registered iPhone Developers can log in to access the resources of the iPhone DevCenter, off course the registration is open to all.

For enthusiast developers there is also another $100 Million reason ahead of them to develop iPhone applications, as Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) announced yesterday the launch of iFund, a $100 million investment in companies that develop services and applications for Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch. So gear up developers and start thinking out of the box :). Regardless of what critics think of this iFund, in my opinion this will not only fuel countless start-up birth but as well flourish new innovative application development.

ZDnet’s Ed Burnette got a fantastic article that will give you a quick rundown on this whole new iPhone SDK.