IBM unveils mobile computing focus
2012-11-23 10:08
Cape Town – IBM unveiled a suite of new software and services that enables global organisations to build a comprehensive mobile computing strategy.
The software includes securing and managing devices, to creating mobile applications and analysing data.
These new offerings are part of a move by IBM to capitalise on the growing market opportunity for mobile.
As organisations increasingly view mobile computing as the next platform to conduct business, the market is evolving beyond just the device.
Business leaders including the chief information officers, and increasingly chief marketing officers of global organisations such as airlines, retailers, governments and healthcare providers are among the businesses turning to IBM to ensure mobile services and solutions are readily available to constituents and in full compliance with IT strategies.
Solutions
They need solutions that can be applied across any mobile environment and device, whether a laptop, smartphone or tablet, and can provide an underlying IT infrastructure that is always available, secure, effectively manages data, and integrates both front and back-end systems.
According to latest reports, more than 10 billion mobile devices are expected to be in the hands of consumers, doctors, sales leaders and the like by 2020. Already, 90% of mobile users keep their device within arm's reach at all times, and complete many kinds of transactions across these smart devices.
By the end of 2011, there were 1.2 billion mobile web users worldwide, equivalent to 17% of the world's total population.
"Mobile is fundamentally changing the way we think, work, and act. But the speed at which this shift is occurring is forcing organisations to react, instead of proactively plan for this transformation," said Phil Buckellew, vice president, IBM Mobile Enterprise.
"We are evolving that approach. Just as IBM helped organisations capitalise on the internet more than 20 years ago, we are also doing the same for mobile computing. We will continue to partner with clients and help them get ahead of this trend by enabling them to become mobile enterprises."
Challenges
Mobile has shifted from a simple device for keeping in touch, to getting things done. We don't think twice about making purchases, getting directions, finding menus, monitor our health or conduct banking transactions, all via our smartphone, at anytime, and anywhere.
While the opportunities presented by mobile are significant, there are a number of challenges facing clients when adopting mobile computing.
This includes the management and security of devices and their underlying infrastructures, ensuring a quality mobile application experience for users across operating systems, new devices entering the market almost monthly, integrating data with the cloud, and analysing insights captured in real-time.
From consulting services to software solutions and industry expertise, organic R&D to key acquisitions, IBM offers clients a variety of offerings to quickly adopt mobile technologies throughout the organisation.
