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By Tony Hallett, 26 February 2003 11:36

NEWS Some of the biggest companies in mobile have responded to recent research showing telecoms managers at large UK companies will only think about deploying mobile data applications when 3G networks are up and running. Researchers Vanson Bourne, hired by mobile middleware company Intuwave, found 71 per cent of IT managers think the lack of next-generation networks are either a 'significant' or 'very significant' deterrent to deploying smart phones as business tools. This thinking is worrying for many companies in mobile. They need businesses to adopt data applications to bump up the amount of money they make from each individual - the all-important ARPU figure - but so far the move away from voice and SMS revenues has been slow, even when individuals own data capable 2.5G phones. Microsoft is one company trying to crack the mobile data nut. The success of its PocketPC and Windows Smartphone operating systems is dependent on the increased use of wireless data applications. Responding to the survey, Microsoft mobile devices division director Derek Brown said: "IT managers are in a difficult world where devices are often being brought in [to companies by users] through the back door." He said the answer is to build back end business products with wireless in mind. For example, now separate software is needed to synchronise Microsoft Exchange-based email servers with mobile devices but the next version of Exchange, Titanium, will have that functionality built-in. Symbian is Microsoft's main rival in providing an OS for smart phones. The company has been widely praised for the elegance and efficiency of its software but critics point to a lack of experience with linking to enterprise software. Morgan Gillis, Symbian EVP sales, told silicon.com: "Smart phones are clearly not just about 3G. They are already being rolled out but it is still early days." He said the challenge is to integrate them into enterprises, so the UK-based venture - owned by most of the world's leading mobile phone makers - is formalising deals with systems integrators, consultancies and others. "We can't understand all the detailed requirements ourselves," Gillis added. However, among most vendors there is one widely held view on how to convince user organisations to make the smart phone leap - show them what's possible. Bob Schukai, 3G programme director at Motorola, said: "IT guys will get nervous when smart phones - whether Microsoft- or Symbian-based - get in there [on their networks]. They're afraid about hacking and data leakage. But we can show them what's possible and it doesn't have to involve Microsoft. We got Motorola's IT department to do it." Motorola is a major shareholder in Symbian, though the company has not counted out using Microsoft software on its mobile devices. Last week it announced it would also be using the Linux OS on devices, especially for the Chinese market. The Intuwave survey questioned 100 IT managers across various sectors all at companies with annual revenues of over £250m.