Business apps to drive mobile data

A recent report from ABI Research says mobile line of business services revenues could reach nearly $5 billion by 2012.
The firm noted enterprise data is typically available to employees only on company premises via computers connected to a company intranet. But mobile business process solutions are gaining momentum, and revenues in the category are expected to grow at an annual compounded rate of 102%, said ABI.
“Two forces are driving development and availability of mobile line of business applications for the handset,” said Dan Shey, principal analyst at ABI. “Database vendors are supporting mobility strategies both internally and through the development of VAR communities; and businesses are requesting access and collection of company-relevant data on the mobile device.
“But these forces of supply and demand are only possible because of greatly improved handset capabilities and wireless broadband access,” said Shey.
The applications are typically targeted at field employees in sales, repair and maintenance, transportation, health care and protective services who access or collect information on mobile devices.
ABI said it also believes line of business applications will drive mobile data plan revenues to a 29% compound annual growth rate during the next five years.