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Multi-Network Remote Access
The following is the executive summary of Quocirca's research into movements in the market for Multi-Network Remote Access.
Key Findings

  •  45% of European corporates have taken their first steps with Mobile Office
    Almost half (45%) of the corporates interviewed in Q4 2003 declared they were running at least one Mobile Office pilot or production system. This includes applications such as Collaboration (email, diary, etc) and Sales Force Automation. Wireless is therefore now firmly on the map.
  • The Notebook PC is still the "killer device" for mobile professionals
    IT decision makers and influencers were almost unanimous (98%) in regarding the Notebook PC as the most important mobile device for professional workers. The significance of Wireless PDAs and SmartPhones was also acknowledged by 60% and 52% respectively. This tells us that mobile enabling the Notebook PC is a priority, but that companion devices are growing in importance
  • GPRS is hot, but WiFi and 3G will be important too
    Wireless data in the form of GPRS is now rivalling fixed line dial-up in terms of perceived importance for mobile professionals. Over 85% rate GPRS importance as significant or higher. Interest in WiFi hotspots is less, but two thirds of respondents see a place for this approach in their overall mobile strategy. Something that is encouraging for cellular operators is that 44% are already taking 3G seriously, despite the current lack of real 3G solutions for the corporate sector.
  • Coordinating the use of multiple wireless networks will be a challenge
    It would be convenient if a given type of user could settle on a single connectivity option for all their mobile data needs. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to happen in the real world. 57% of those interviewed believe that users will sometimes need to use different connectivity options (e.g. GPRS, WiFi HotSpots, 3G) at different times depending on their situation and requirements. This figure grows to 83% when we home in on those companies with existing experience of delivering Mobile Office.
  • The risk of cost escalation drives the need for a coherent approach
    86% of those who see a need for multi-network access believe there is a risk of cost escalation if users are left to make their own decisions on how to connect. This highlights the problem of users making their own arrangements (e.g. paying for WiFi HotSpot access on a credit card as a business expense) and/or users failing to select the most cost effective connection option based on laziness or ignorance. Not surprisingly, 57% of those indicating a multi-network requirement viewed a coherent remote access strategy as "Crucial", with 42% saying it was "Important".
  • Corporates will welcome combined offerings from Service Providers
    Coordinating cellular and WiFi remote access through the same service provider is an obvious move. Almost 70% of those seeing a need for multi-network access are considering a move in this direction or are already working with such services. The attraction of having a single point of billing, management and customer support is clear. This will challenge the historical dominance of the cellular operators and will drive a market in which wholesale
    deals and partnering between suppliers will lead to much more comprehensive solutions.
  • Innovative high value connectivity services will start to alter customer expectations.
    More forward thinking service providers are moving from the delivery of simple connectivity, offering complete mobility solutions. In some cases, these incorporate fixed dial-up and security elements such as managed VPNs, as well as wireless connectivity. In addition, we are just beginning to see the emergence of services that bundle usage and support of the actual device, as well as network access. Such services are likely to reshape customer expectations and have a lasting impact on the market as a whole.