Mobile data and the enterprise - the time is now

NEWS Around half of all employees working in Western European businesses will make use of mobile data and applications by 2007. What's more, there is now no excuse for user organisations not to be preparing for this brave, wireless world. Those findings come out of research conducted by IDC and paid for by mobile operator Orange. Unusually, the analyst house has issued a 'call to action', encouraging businesses to start using mobile data technologies because the necessary networks, devices, security levels and partnerships are now in place and take up means demonstrable return on investment (ROI). Businesses are set to reap the benefits, with IDC research manager for European Wireless and Mobile Communications Lars Vertergaard saying: "We believe that the time for implementing mobile solutions has never looked better." The endorsement is notable for several reasons. There is a wide industry consensus that the move to wireless technologies of all flavours - from Bluetooth personal area connectivity through GPRS always-on blanket mobile data coverage to fast but localised wireless LANs - has yet to meet the expectations that will keep the industry's head above water. What's more, there is a general perception among many users that mobile and wireless working is dependent on the introduction of third-generation networks. According to the latest research, the number of SMEs in Europe using mobile data will increase ten-fold to 20 per cent by 2007. They will use simple mobile data, as well as integrated solutions based on WAP, email, CRM and ERP systems. Orange is among many operators that realise mobile data connectivity must become straightforward - the research noting that until now "back-end integration has been a huge turn-off" for businesses. Others, such as Vodafone, are trying to take out-of-the-box consumer simplicity to business services, for example with its new Mobile Connect GPRS data card offering.