3G represents an inflection point for enterprise mobility - report

October 13, 2004

The inflection point for enterprise mobility is the emergence of 3G wireless networks capable of delivering on the promise of high-speed wireless data access, according to the Yankee Group report, 3G Represents an Inflection Point for Enterprise Mobility. The user experience for mobile workers improves considerably as wireless wide-area data speeds exceed 144 Kbps, allowing greater access to mission-critical applications. This has positive implications on mobile application infrastructure requirements, ease of deployment and total solution costs.

Robust enterprise mobility solutions require high-speed WAN capabilities that provide mobile workers access to a broad range of applications. The arrival of 3G wireless networks (such as EV-DO and UMTS) in the United States represents an inflection point in the market for enterprise mobility solutions. Commercial launches by AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless, and planned launches by Cingular and Sprint PCS, indicate a strong commitment by carriers to provide the necessary technology to reduce wireless data complexity and allow enterprises to deliver cost-efficient and effective mobility solutions.

"Although higher data rates are crucial in reducing the overall complexity of mobile solutions, speed is not an elixir," says Eugene Signorini, Wireless/Mobile Enterprise & Commerce program manager. "While enterprises reveal they are ready to adopt wireless solutions, they also indicate that barriers to adoption remain, in addition to insufficient wireless network data speeds, such as security, cost constraints and lack of widespread coverage. The corporate-minded wireless carrier must assist enterprises by providing out-of-the-box applications or by partnering with third-party technology providers to solve mobile computing challenges."