In-Depth Analysis: Wireless Data in the Enterprise: The Hockey Stick Arrives

SUMMARY

Since the early 1980's, the wireless industry has been anticipating the rapid growth of wireless data applications. The data in this study show that this long-awaited growth is finally here. The greatest obstacle to this growth has been for organizations to move past the evaluation process and begin implementing solutions.

This report found that the number of users in 2006, having at least one wireless data application in the field, has increased significantly. Most organizations start with basic applications, such as wireless email and virtual private networks (VPNs), but the larger and more experienced organizations have plans for more sophisticated solutions. This is good news for carriers that have been disappointed with earlier acceptance of wireless data. While wireless data has allowed average revenue per unit or user (ARPU) to remain about the same, higher adoption should increase this metric. Interestingly, companies are enthusiastic users of smartphones. While laptop computers are the most popular primary device, smartphones are a strong second choice. Going forward, there are two challenges: first, consumers struggle to distinguish the benefits of cellular data from wireless LANs. And second, more than half of the companies leave wireless data network selection and payment to individuals and operational managers. These individuals do not necessarily have the expertise to make the best choices.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Wireless Carriers and Wireless Data
  • Non-cellular Wireless Data
  • Survey of Users
    • Survey Respondent Demographics
  • Use of Wireless Data Applications
  • Plans for Wireless Data Applications
  • Budgeting For Wireless Data Services
  • The Effect of the Size of Business on Wireless Data Use
  • Choosing a Wireless Data Service Provider
• Conclusions
• Methodology
• Glossary
• Related In-Stat Reports
• Offices

List of Figures

• Figure 1. Perceived Benefits of Wireless Data Solutions (Multiple Answers Allowed)
• Figure 2. Use of Wireless Data Applications Among Respondents' Organizations Between 2005 and 2006
• Figure 3. Comparison of Amount of Wireless Service Dedicated to Wireless Voice and Wireless Data Among Organizations that Assume Corporate Liability for Wireless Services
• Figure 4. Size of Businesses in Survey
• Figure 5. Job Titles of Respondents
• Figure 6. Percent Of Employees Who Are Mobile Within A Respondent's Organization
• Figure 7. Wireless Data Application Implementation for 2005 and 2006
• Figure 8. Applications Currently in Use
• Figure 9. Sources of Wireless Data Applications
• Figure 10. Use of Vendors for SFA, ERP, or CRM Applications
• Figure 11. Primary Device Used for Wireless Data
• Figure 12. Plans to Add More Wireless Data Applications Among Current Users
• Figure 13. Wireless Data Application Categories Planned in 2005 and 2006
• Figure 14. Wireless Data Devices Used and Planned for the Future
• Figure 15. Perceived Benefits of Wireless Data Solutions (Multiple Answers Allowed)
• Figure 16. Percent of IT Budget Dedicated to Wireless Services
• Figure 17. Comparison of Amount of Wireless Service Dedicated to Wireless Voice and Wireless Data Among Organizations that Assume Corporate Liability for Wireless Services
• Figure 18. Percentage of Organizations Using Wireless Data by Size of Business
• Figure 19. Wireless Data Applications Used by Size of Business
• Figure 20. Primary Device Used for Wireless Data Applications by Size of Business
• Figure 21. Priorities for a Wireless Data Service Provider Comparing 2005 and 2006
• Figure 22. Coverage Areas Desired for Wireless Data Applications
• Figure 23. Plans for Future Sales Channels (Multiple Answers Allowed)