Nemertes Impact Analysis:

Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile Update Marks Growing Importance of Mobility

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) introduced an updated version of Microsoft Office Communicator Mobile, its unified communications dashboard for smartphone devices running the Windows Mobile operating system. New features including click-to-conference and policies to minimize roaming charges. This update reflects the growing importance of mobility in UC planning. Seventy-five percent of organizations now have a mobility strategy, up from just 41% in 2008--and we expect mobility to have a major impact on enterprises overall going forward.

Microsoft's efforts to meet mobile UC needs are hampered by its continued focus on its own mobile operating system. Nemertes finds the vast majority of participants are relying on BlackBerry, while just 6% plan to add support for Windows mobile in the next year (versus 38% who are adding support for iPhone).

Impacts:

Enterprises: If you are implementing Microsoft-based UC, consider Windows Mobile based smartphones for maximum integration. Pressure Microsoft to deliver enhanced support for BlackBerry and iPhone

Vendors: Make sure your UC strategy addresses mobile workers, differentiate your offerings via support for a wide range of mobile
devices.

Investors: The rise of mobile UC is good news for privately held Agito Networks, DiVitas Neteworks, OnRelay, and Varaha Systems.

Irwin Lazar, Vice President, Communications Research

http://www.nemertes.com/ongoing_research/nemertes_ongoing_research_spring_2009_research_benchmark_computing_and_communications
http://www.informationweek.com/news/telecom/unified_communications/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=219000206

Sign Up To Receive Nemertes Impact Analysis By E-mail

Follow Nemertes Research on Twitter