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Always On Business Author: Martin Taylor, Managing Director of Impact Applications Monday, 16 May 2005, 14:50 GMT The talk is over; and always on networks is a reality. Unfortunately, while businesses are demanding mobile solutions that can be easily deployed to deliver real time communication with field based staff, software vendors are still touting thin client solutions that offer intermittent communication and demand costly deployment and upgrade of the mobile devices. The truth is that these vendors are struggling to adapt to the new way of working: real time communication between the mobile device and head office requires a new software model. Using a standard web browser the user connects directly to the server – akin to the days of the dumb terminal. There is no need for any client side software, no complicated synchronization, no expensive implementation or upgrade costs. Redeveloping legacy software to adapt to the always on environment is clearly a challenge and one that cannot be solved simply by slapping on a web browser to existing thin client solutions. But in an always on world, this is the way forward, providing zero client solutions to businesses that are low cost, easy maintenance and deliver real time communications - providing that business critical five, ten or fifteen minute head start can mean significant competitive advantage and financial benefit. The mobile environment has changed – and what business can afford to compromise? Why Settle? Despite the much vaunted benefits of mobile computing, many organizations have eschewed the technology, perceiving the cost of implementation and on going maintenance far outweighed the potential benefits. Can a business really justify the expensive client software on the mobile device when the communication between mobile and head office is intermittent? What value is being attained by these ‘almost now’ implementations – and does it outweigh the significant overheads associated with the deployment? With GPRS coverage now at 98%, the networks are in place to deliver always on communications – offering businesses the chance to improve response times to customers, reduce administrative overheads through direct, real time server to mobile information provision and minimize stock holdings through improved scheduling and instant response. So why are vendors still touting this thin client technology when it is, quite clearly, obsolete? Why settle for ‘sometime soon’ information when today’s robust network infrastructure supports always on communication? Of course, the hype about constant connectivity has been around for a couple of years; and the whole WAP fiasco did little to convince businesses of the reliability or relevance of the technology. Indeed, it is only recently that GPRS coverage has reached acceptable levels for commercial usage. But, surely, the writing was on the wall – why have so few software vendors been prepared for its arrival? For once, the IT vaporware model has been turned on its head: businesses can see quantifiable benefits for a technology that few vendors seem prepared – or able – to offer! The prevalent excuse is that organizations cannot risk the 2% of time when the network is not available – an excuse that plays well to an audience of IT Directors but cuts little ice with senior business executives who will take the benefits of real time mobile communication over occasional lapses in network coverage every time. Measured Benefits The truth is that these software vendors are struggling to make the technology shift: taking the old software model forwards. Always on communication is a new way of working and, as such, requires a different approach. There is no need for any client side software. Using a standard web browser the user connects directly to the server –just as in the days of the dumb terminal. The benefits of this approach are significant, and not only for organizations in time sensitive businesses. With no client side software, the implementation is simple – users require simply a user name and password to get access. There is no problematic synchronization of information between client and server and, critically, there is no expensive upgrade process. And, without resource hungry client software, users can be given standard mobile devices. Furthermore, with no data held on the device, there is little danger of business or customer sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. Instead, using SSL, the connection between mobile web browser and server is completely secure, overcoming one of the major headaches associated with deploying technology to a mobile workforce. New Model Vendors with traditional thin client software solutions are struggling to evolve their software to the new no client approach, which explains, in part, the delay in workable solutions. Yet even the mobile vendors seem reluctant to push always on networks to the business community for anything other than email. Why? How can a technology that can undoubtedly transform business communication and performance to improve competitive edge be ignored by its providers in favor of encouraging bored teenagers to send each other pictures? Are they waiting, perhaps, for full 3G networks before pushing the business button? If so, the wait will be a long one. 3G enabled devices may now be available but, quite frankly, the quality of the network and the design of the software are so deplorable that the technology is unusable – by teenagers and businesses alike! It will be a good two years before 3G has anything to offer. But with excellent GPRS coverage and zero client technology, always on connectivity is available today at a price point and simplicity of solution that appeals to even the smallest business. Why Compromise? For any organisation in a time critical business – from building services to cleaners and road maintenance – constant, real time communication transforms the business model. The organisation has total visibility of the location of its workforce; the job status and materials used. Job information is available in full, and in detail, immediately - reducing delays, miscommunication and errors. Customer response is faster, resource management slicker and administration costs reduced. Furthermore, problems such as illness can be flagged and addressed immediately, rescheduling on the fly to ensure customer commitments are met. This real time information can be shared – where appropriate – with customers via the web; significantly enhancing the relationship and reducing the administrative overhead associated with the customer update process. Of course, not every business will feel confident to invest in a solution that leaves mobile workers completely in the dark should network congestion or failure occur. As a result, they may opt to retain the traditional thin client approach, irrespective of cost and a delay in communication. But, for many companies, that ten or fifteen minute delay means the difference between winning and losing business, making or breaking a Service Level Agreement. For any organisation juggling people and resources to get to the customer in time, real time communication adds up to significant commercial advantage. Can you afford to compromise? |
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