Mobile in the Future

New research sponsored by Fujitsu Services (formerly known as ICL) reveals that mobile working has already become a reality in many organizations today. Two thirds of managers work out of the office for five or more days a month --working from home or visiting clients. Laptop computers are supplied to 92% of these workers, a third of them have company-supplied mobile phones, and 20% have personal digital assistants.

Fujitsu Services' research is in line with other forecasts, notably from the Gartner Group, which believes that by 2003, 35% of all knowledge workers will rely on three or more electronic or communications devices to do their jobs. But if companies are to make full use of their mobile workers they need to build coherent strategies to manage the new business model. This involves giving mobile workers the technical support they need, plus providing them with the same access to corporate information as their deskbound colleagues.

"Mobile working is a business reality -- a phenomenon that is here to stay," said Maria Lorenz, mobile program manager at Fujitsu Services. "IT departments need to fully audit the use of mobile devices and the support that their users require in order to work effectively. If they do not, they could be putting the reputation and performance of their business at risk."

In response to this issue, Fujitsu Services has developed a ten-point plan to help IT departments better support their mobile workers (below).

In addition, Fujitsu believes that many organizations fail to see the mobile environment as an extension to the existing IT infrastructure and that this could have negative implications for business productivity and performance.

Companies need to take action now, as the number of mobile workers is set to continue increasing. According to the research company IDC, the number of mobile workers in Europe will grow from 6.2 million in 2000 to more than 20.1 million by 2005.

TEN TIPS FOR SUPPORTING THE MOBILE FUTURE

1. Face the facts
   Mobile working is a reality and mobile devices are almost certainly being used in your organization.
2. Find the facts
   Find out who is using mobile devices, what they are using them for and what type of support is needed.
3. Understand the mobile worker
   A mobile worker needs to be provided with the same degree of support as a desk-based worker.
4. Data is vulnerable
   It is easy to work outside the normal jurisdiction and rules of in-house IT support. Security must be a priority.
5. One size does not fit all
   A problem when implementing a mobile strategy is oversimplifying. The simplest solution: ask and listen.
6. Budget wisely
   Support can vary massively in cost. Look at what you require and ensure you know what it costs and why.
7. Talk is good
   When rolling out a mobile IT strategy, ensure that you understand the benefits and communicate them properly.
8. Education, education, education
   An educated workforce is more effective and to make any support strategy work, training must have a major role.
9. Choose partners wisely
   A support strategy for mobile workers is undeniably complex, it is vital that you get expertise for your money.