Showing posts with label rugged devices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rugged devices. Show all posts

iOS Conquers the Enterprise

In a new report published by Appcelerator/IDC yesterday titled 2Q 2012 Mobile Report (download here), iOS appears to have conquered the enterprise mobility market.  Here is an excerpt from the report, "iOS has opened a dramatic 16% lead over Android in the mobile enterprise apps space.  Developers now think iOS will win over Android in the enterprise 53%-37%; in 3Q 2011 iOS and Android were tied at 44%."

It will be interesting to now watch how both iOS and Windows 8 will impact Android in the enterprise.  This report seems to suggest that Google's Android could be in for some stiff competition, "Developers are cautiously optimistic about Windows 8 tablets, and find Microsoft’s Metro UI especially compelling. Therefore a key dynamic to watch going forward will be Microsoft’s opportunity to eclipse Android as the number two operating system priority for mobile enterprise app developers, especially given Microsoft’s strengths in the enterprise market through Office and Windows."

This is an interesting development since the ruggedized handheld manufacturers are just starting to introduce their Android based rugged devices.  Read more on this...

I must share that in conversations and interviews with mobility vendors, especially those focused on the services industry that have a lot of ruggedized mobile handhelds that still run on Microsoft operating systems, there is a great anticipation and hope for Windows 8.  In recent discussions with large utility companies, they also expressed a great hope that Windows 8 would deliver for tablets and other mobile devices.

It is my impression, that many large enterprises would love to support a good Microsoft operating system for mobile devices.  They are just waiting to see one.
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Kevin Benedict, Mobile Industry Analyst, Mobile Strategy Consultant and SAP Mentor Alumnus
Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict
Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Mobile Expert Video Series: Accenture's Sailesh Tailor

In this interview, Accenture's utility and mobility expert Sailesh Tailor shares his insights into the UK utility market, and the demand for enterprise mobility and mobile devices in this market.  He discusses both software and hardware strategies.

Accenture Mobility offers the following five services:
  1. Mobile Strategy and Consulting
  2. App Development
  3. Device Platform Development
  4. Managed Services
  5. Business Integration Services (large workforce management solutions)

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Kevin Benedict, Mobile Industry Analyst, Mobile Strategy Consultant and SAP Mentor Alumnus
Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict
Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Thinking about Mobile Devices for Field Services?

Boise Foothills
It is interesting listening to mobility vendors today.  Many began as recent start-ups and their entire mobility careers have been focused on supporting white collar workers using powerful smartphones integrated with ERPs.  However, mobility vendors that started a decade or more ago see the world in a different light.  They are more sensitive to the needs and requirements of the field service technician, the lineman and inspector.  These users are in the field, on remote job sites and subject to the weather and harsh working conditions surrounding them.  These workers appreciate the term, rugged, especially as it relates to mobile devices.

PSION EP10
There is a big difference between working environments, which should be considered and influence the kinds of mobile devices selected for use by your mobile workforce.  When I am jogging outdoors it is very hard for me to stop in the bright sunlight of Boise, Idaho and read the screen on my iPhone.  It is very dim in bright sunlight.  What if my entire work was dependent on me using an iPhone app in these conditions?  It would be bad.  My eyes would suffer.  Different working environments absolutely need different kinds of screens, batteries, barcode scanners, RFID, keyboards and different levels of ruggedness.

Syclo, a mobility vendor with many utility and field services customers, has recently published a useful FAQ paper for organizations considering the merits of different kinds of devices.

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Kevin Benedict, Independent Mobile Industry Analyst, Consultant and SAP Mentor Volunteer
Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict
Full Disclosure: I am an independent mobility analyst, consultant and blogger. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Interviews with Kevin Benedict