This shift in paradigm has also created a new battle ground: applications stores. The success of application stores has driven operators, handset manufacturers, platform owners and others to launch their own application stores. Several handset manufacturers have launched their own application stores, and recently 24 mobile operators formed an alliance to build an open platform to deliver applications to any mobile device, in an attempt to emulate the runaway success of existing application stores. Other vendors will partner with operators to provide a fuller offering, integrating devices with operator services.
Mobile information workers will certainly benefit from this evolution. Handset manufacturers will focus more on business enabling smartphones as they will likely drive growth over the next five years. Companies, however, will need to ramp up their support capabilities (such as remote technical support and services) to cater to new needs and security threats.
Guillaume Sachet is ASEAN strategy lead for Accenture's communications, media and high-tech group