Much talk about the mobile market has occurred of late. Apple’s iPhone is eagerly anticipated, Palm recently introduced the Folio, and Microsoft brought Windows Mobile 6 to market just this past year. As the buzz grows, organizations are faced with a key question: how can we better manage and support our mobile infrastructure?
As this question is poised, one of the key considerations is: do we have a mobile infrastructure? Often within organizations, especially small to mid-sized environments, the mobile strategy is somewhat ad-hoc. Once the IT department takes stock of the situation, the task of reorganizing the business can look daunting.
Which highlights a couple of key motivators’ organizations cite when purchasing a mobile solution, of which, improving customer service was a logical response. In a recent Info-Tech Research survey of IT managers, 39 per cent cited customer service as the key reason for selecting a mobile solution. The second most popular factor was security (15 per cent), followed by replacing outdated technology (12 per cent), and reducing complexity (nine per cent). Once the primary motivating factors are understood, then steps can be taken to improve the process.
And this work should be conducted by both the end-user and by the IT solution provider. Both the independent reseller, plus the in-house stakeholder should be involved in the decision making process.
First off, how is the current environment set-up? How many different operating systems are in place? How many different platforms? Does it have an organized structure?
If there are different operating systems and platforms in place, consider migrating towards one. With different systems, come different security and control nuances that can wreak havoc from a control and costing perspective.
Consider, also, the workflow demands. Who is using the mobile devices? How are they being used? Are the employees telecommuting, or a group of mobile warriors, or perhaps a mixture of both? Each group has individual characteristics and demands that influence how they use the network. Which then leads to the question, are you putting your network at risk? Consider what information is being shared, and at which points is your network exposed?
From that point, consider streamlining the mobile processes. And once you streamline, circle back to your key motivations for installing a mobile solution: increased security, replacing outdated technology and simplifying management, all in an effective manner. At that point, look to add new, sleek, attractive products to the network.
Michelle Warren is a senior analyst at the Indaba Division of Info-Tech Research Group of London, Ont.
