Extending
email
Most organizations that have deployed even simple mobile applications can
leverage those Mobile Application Development to encompass a broader reach of user and company needs. For
instance, enterprises that have a wireless email solution can extend the core
capability of the application to deliver push, two-way data to the user by
including targeted connectivity to back-office solutions, particularly if the
interactions can be contained in a forms-based approach. Most modern Mobile
Application Development, including virtually all wireless
email systems, provide a mechanism for such application extensions.
Certainly, the limitations of the device need to be taken into account, and complex, visually interactive Mobile Application Development are best reserved for higher-end devices (e.g., notebooks). But a significant portion of mobile workers can be empowered with relatively simple applications that use existing infrastructure through XML and other Web-based interfaces and with readily available visual application development tools. While not suitable for all situations, the relative ease of deployment and lower cost make these extended solutions attractive for a variety of business needs.
Increasing
complexity
There is, of course, a need for more complex, custom solutions where highly
complex workflows and/or interactions are required. Such Mobile Application Development must include selection of devices, mobile middleware
extensions of existing application platforms, and connectivity options that
optimize the user experience and provide for ease of back-office platform
integration. While more complex and more expensive than the solutions outlined
above, these deployments generally represent a more flexible and more highly
integrated approach.
Here, too, companies should look at their existing infrastructure to choose a Mobile Application Development that most easily fits in with their platforms, solutions and tools strategy. This will minimize any additional investments in one-off technologies and also minimize the need for enterprise staff to learn new technologies and tools. Companies focused on specific technology choices (e.g., Microsoft .NET, JAVA, IBM Websphere, SAP, Oracle) can find targeted solutions for mobilizing their environments from both the vendors themselves and from third-party providers.
End
users matter
In order to succeed, no matter which path is chosen, companies must focus on
the needs of the end users. The majority of failed Mobile Application Developments
result not from bad technology but from poor implementations that often produce
negative productivity gains for the end user and are consequently abandoned. It
is imperative that companies understand the needs of the end user, and they
should include end-user representatives in the early stages of solution design
to maximize the ease of use and productivity of the resultant application. This
is a step that is often overlooked by IT in defining and creating solutions,
frequently resulting in re-architecting and changes during the trial phase that
could have been eliminated with up-front end-user input.
Companies must also focus on the overall security of the solution, as the need to safeguard corporate data assets and comply with existing and future regulations is of paramount concern, particularly in such highly regulated industries as financial services, healthcare and retail. Careful evaluation of the inherent security of any application platform or extension -- including any email or other existing mobile solutions -- should be undertaken at an early stage of the design phase.
It is only through a holistic approach -- taking into account user needs, company infrastructure, security, and business needs -- that mobile solutions can be successfully deployed, providing maximum gain to the whole company and its workforce.
Despite a need to move toward Mobile Application Development for the workforce, the majority of companies have not yet formulated a sound mobile strategy (our research indicates less than 35% have a mobile strategy in place). This lack of strategy often prevents companies from achieving maximum benefits in their deployments and further prevents them from formulating a sound strategy for future integration and deployments. We believe that nearly all companies should create a mobile strategy. A number of key points must be included in any mobile strategy if it is to be successfully implemented.