A majority of companies will turn to wireless applications in the next two years, with 65% of companies having at least one wireless application by 2007, according to research by the Meta Group.
The research shows messaging will top the most-wanted application list, with 50% of organisations enabling wireless e-mail within three years and 75% within four years. However, Meta predicts that e-mail will serve merely as a starting gate for the enterprise wireless movement.
"As users grow increasingly comfortable with wireless e-mail, they will demand more sophisticated technology," says Jack Gold, Meta Group VP. "Companies will respond by deploying mission-critical wireless applications that address asset management, logistics, delivery and a host of other enterprise needs."
Meta says the average wireless deployment will be between 100 and 200 users and cost corporations roughly between a quarter and a half a million dollars. However, some companies are expected to expand the scope of deployment by 2007 to thousands of users, moving towards large-scale departmental or corporate deployments.
Eion Gibson, Meta Group senior research analyst, says companies and IT organisations throughout the world need to be more proactive in developing a pervasive computing strategy that will set the roadmap for offering mobile access to applications and information.
However, Gibson cautions against deploying technology for technology`s sake. "The whole area of wireless and mobility is a very fertile area for just this to happen, driven as it is by media coverage and vendor push," he cautions.
The Meta report says before starting wireless application deployment, companies should first resolve the critical issues surrounding device selection, security, connectivity, applications, management and return on investment.
"The reality of wireless is finally catching up to the hype that has surrounded the technology for years," says Gold. "However, there are still numerous challenges associated with deployment that cannot be overlooked. The smart CIO will evaluate business needs, identify technology limitations and calculate cost/benefit assessments before deploying wireless applications."
Share
