My Five Predictions for Enterprise Mobility in 2008

2007 was a great year for enteprise mobility, as its adoption in the market place increased considerably over the last 12 months.  What better time than January 2, the first business day of 2008, to make some predictions for what 2008 holds for enterprise mobility.  Here are my five....along with some companies I think we should all keep our eyes on.

1. 2008 will be the year for Fixed Mobile Convergence to become the next killer application for enterprise mobility. While there are other areas that are quite hot today in mobility, such as field service or vertical solutions in healthcare, etc., there has yet to be another application that has reached pervasive adoption as has mobile email.  I think Fixed Mobile Convergence, and its ability to create a borderless office much as did mobile email, will breathe new life into mobility, thus acceleraring its adoption.
   Companies to watch: Avaya, Agito Networks, Tango Networks
   
2. Mobile outsourcing will become strategic.  Right now, I think outsourcing is considered a taboo term in enterprise mobility.  My sense is some of that comes from the socio-economic impact outsourcing is perceived to have on our economy.  The problem is, why should organizations have to worry about the IT side of enterprise mobility?  Just as organizations have outsourced many of their IT functions, if not their entire IT departments, organizations will realize that they should not have to worry about procuring or managing the life cycle of devices and phone plans.  Once they see the value in wireless expense management, organizations will move up the value chain with their solution provider partners and realize they want and need full bourne outsourcing services.
   Companies to watch: Integrated Mobile, Rivermine, Movero
   
3. Sprint will abandon WiMax.  I've already said this before, but I don't see how Sprint will be able to continue investing in its WiMax strategy.  Verizon Wireless has shifted to GSM-based LTE, leaving Sprint as the only major US carrier NOT on a LTE path....and we all know how often the the odd one out succeeds.  Dan Hesse has too many issues he has to deal with (and many investors he must appease) to focus the required attention on WiMax.  Watch Sprint sell its investment to Clearwire.
   Companies to watch: Sprint, Clearwire
   
4. Apple will continue to innovate in mobility.  I actually wrote about this yesterday, so I don't need to repeat myself too much, but why is it that other vendors (yes, yesterday I only talked about Microsoft, but I'll branch out today) don't provide updates to their devices as frequently as has Apple.  Why can't other vendors make it as easy to do things on their devices as has Apple??? I know that there needs to be stability in enterprise mobility, but that doesn't mean that stupid bugs in phones or operating systems should be left unfixed!  While Apple may have a lot to learn about making its device more enterprise friendly, everybody else can learn a thing or two from Apple in terms of usability. (hint: start by making a better browser)
   Companies to watch: Apple, Microsoft, RIM, Symbian
   
5. Mobile security will rear its ugly head.  We all know about the challenges TJX corporation has faced through wireless breaches last year.  This year, you'll see a major data loss via a mobile device.  Why?  Because not enough companies are treating mobile devices like micro computers.  If your organization doesn't consider those mobile devices to be just like laptops, it needs to reconsider and review their mobility strategy.  These devices need anti-virus software and VPN software....just like your laptop does.
   Companies to watch: NetMotion Wireless, F-Secure

So these are some of my ideas around what's in store in 2008 for enterprise mobility.  Agree or Disagree?  That's what the comments are for...Happy New Year!

Comments

[Stephen Wellman]

I agree with most of your predictions for this year. It'll be interesting to watch FMC finally go mainstream.

As for mobile WiMax, I honestly think it could die this year. Unless Google steps up and saves it, I don't see it lasting.

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/01/will_mobile_dis.html

[David Posner]

I agree with you about FMC, but I think you are wrong re: Sprint. WiMax is the real deal for future growth and you'll see that they'll be able to make a deal work with Clearwire.