Gartner predicts that the number of worldwide WiFi users will triple this year to about 30 million from 2003`s 9.3 million. This means companies must introduce strategies to ensure secure access and cost control.
The international research group says that by the end of 2004, more than 50% of professional notebooks will have wireless LAN (WLAN) capability. Employees will increasingly use WLAN in the office, at home and at hotspot locations.
Gartner analysts warn that if organisations do not undertake a contract with a service provider to allow access to hotspots and to control costs, employees are likely to use hotspots and list the cost under other expenses.
"Build a strategy for use of hotspots by employees, but beware of entering into subscription contracts with service providers that cannot supply roaming agreements to meet the enterprise`s needs," says Ian Keene, research VP at Gartner.
He says organisations should avoid long-term contracts because this service sector is changing.
Keene recommends that companies should be prepared to supplement subscription contracts with pay-as-you-go hotspot access. Companies should also put in place a mechanism to monitor hotspot usage. He adds that a hotspot strategy should include the use of a personal firewall and secure virtual private network login for all remote access. If managed properly, an organisation can see some real benefits to implementing a WLAN strategy, Keene says.
Gartner analysts predict that by the end of 2004, travelling knowledge-based workers will be able to gain 30 minutes a day in productivity from WLAN hotspots.
Managed service providers, such as iPASS, FiberLink and GRIC, will be key to enabling hotspot uptake among enterprise users. Alliances, mergers and acquisitions will dominate the second half of 2004.
The increased demand for mobile access will drive enterprises to reduce the number of wired networks they use, while increasing the number of wireless networks in 2004.
"Enterprises must begin tracking hotspot expenses immediately," says Gartner research VP Phil Redman.
He adds that companies need to examine managed service providers and include local exchange carriers and cable service operators. "Mobile network operators must cultivate business models that are aimed at how mobile professionals buy and use wireless services. While opportunity is present, success and profitability are still not assured."
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