The benefits of business mobility
Things will only get better
Business mobility promises great benefits for businesses which realise its potential. Coverage quality and data cost equations will continue to improve and, with an increasing number of software developers concentrating on the mobile arena, so will the design and utility of mobile applications. What’s important is more than the ability to do business anywhere, it’s the ability to do it quickly and efficiently, with instant access to business information and intelligence. Ultimately, the key to going mobile will be mobilising your business as a whole..
-Dave Stevens is managing director of Brennan (www.brennait.com.au), a leading business and IT solutions provider to the mid-market and a finalist in Microsoft’s 2008 Mobility Partner of the Year.
The Mobility Revolution
What’s changed?
• NextG coverage has opened new horizons
• Wireless data prices have become affordable
• Suitable mobile devices are commonplace
Why go mobile?
• Boost business speeds and efficiencies
• Provide new levels of customer service
• Cut administrative and compliance costs
• Put your organisation in sync
Where to start?
Look to use mobility to better utilize high cost assets. Immediate benefits can be found by rolling out mobile applications to support sales and on road staff.
Mobile platforms for business
Pros and cons
Windows Mobile
The most popular platform for business and enterprise applications.
+ Most devices have full sized QWERTY keyboards
+ Uses .NET, a common language for developers
+ Has a large range of peripherals, including barcode scanners and printers
- Less than perfect user experience
- Poor built in web browser
Blackberry
The pioneer of mobile email. Still the strongest enterprise email support.
+ Near full sized keyboard
+ Uses Java, a popular developer language
+ simple and intuitive to use
- Lack of multimedia support
iPhone
The flashy newcomer. Not particularly geared for business needs.
+ Great ‘touch’ user experience
+ Excellent media support
+ Desktop like web browsing
- Definite consumer focus
- No physical keyboard and few peripherals
- Batteries aren’t swappable