Overview:

Wireless is emerging as one of the single most transformational technologies for business. Rather than being deployed in the context of enabling business communications, IT managers are deploying wireless to facilitate business computing. Wireless spending is now a key component of IT spending and is tied to revenue production, as well. Transformation is occurring both on the company campus and on the road, as mobile workers increasingly use wireless as their primary means of accessing company data.

This new age of wireless (what Nemertes calls the next generation) is complex and involves a quickly evolving portfolio of new capabilities and applications. These applications are supported by the pervasive availability of mobile data-capable devices. In previous benchmarks, Nemertes’ research has disclosed an increasing trend towards the use of wireless in the enterprise. As an example, Blackberry use is increasing: in 2006, we found only 2.7% of enterprises we talked with supported such devices. In 2007, that percentage had increased to 13.8% in 2007. Now it is 23% of enterprises.

Yet, the sheer speed with which wireless is evolving is creating complexities associated with adoption and effective use of wireless for business. As an example, there are currently three competing wireless standards being deployed: HSPA (High Speed Packet Access), WiMAX (World Wide
Interoperability for Microwave Access), and EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized). There are at least three WiFi technologies, with a fourth already available. Choosing the wrong carrier or the wrong technology can drive up costs and decrease the utility of the wireless investment.

As in any fundamental change in technology, waiting for clarity in the wireless space comes with its own risks. Cell phones available to the general consumer are data capable and are becoming more powerful all the time. Employees are buying them for personal use and are using them to conduct business. Enterprises should not let the use of wireless for business evolve from the ad hoc application of employee-provided technology. This can expose critical company intellectual property to the possibility of disclosure, with potential harm to the company’s business a distinct possibility.

The key to mastering the new age of wireless for business is to understand the ways in which wireless is being applied by key IT decision makers. This paper, drawing from the experience of these market leaders, provides key insights into the evolution of next-generation wireless and provides tools for ensuring that your wireless investments are the right ones and are focused on the appropriate areas to ensure that they will drive business success.

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