Leveraging its strength as a leading management and consulting firm to most of the top companies in the world, Andersen Consulting has unveiled a new wireless portal designed for the businesses it serves.
The company is introducing what it calls the Mobile Corporate Portal, and it will allow businesses to give field personnel access to the Internet and corporate databases via mobile phones with microbrowsers.
Companies across the globe are recognizing the opportunity the marriage of the Internet and mobile devices will bring, but many are focusing on delivering Web access to the masses. Andersen Consulting sees a large opportunity in the corporate market.
“The convergence of IP technology and mobile communications has created yet another new Internet-driven business model at the enterprise level,” said Richard Siber, associate partner and head of Andersen Consulting’s wireless communications practice. “While dominant players have already emerged in the consumer wireless market, the enterprise market is still a green field.”
The portal, the latest development from Andersen Consulting’s Wireless Internet Development Lab in Kansas City, was developed to meet the needs of Andersen Consulting’s clients around the world. One unique feature is the ability for users to respond to real-time surveys through a quick polling capability.
The firm is using the portal in a pilot program involving hundreds of its employees who can access the company directory, update daily contact information, check travel information and flight status, and reserve office space.
The pilot program also demonstrated how quickly new wireless data services could be developed and deployed at the enterprise level.
“A key benefit to Andersen Consulting’s wireless portals is the speed with which they can be repurposed to support new applications and services,” said Fred Fosnacht, partner with Andersen Consulting. “This is critical in the world of e-commerce and mobile e-commerce, where new business models and new competitors are springing up continuously.”
Andersen Consulting has adapted the portal to offer services during this week’s CTIA Wireless 2000 show in New Orleans. The firm integrated features that allow selected users at the show to consult the show agenda, get breaking news reports and respond to audience quick-poll surveys following keynote presentations.
