Field Mobility 2011

By Integrated Solutions magazine

While I remain cautiously optimistic, it has been incredibly refreshing to hear the buzz of economic recovery. The effect of the past couple years has been different on every company — from slight slowdown to complete spending freeze to consolidation — but I'm sure we'd all agree it's a relief to believe we're on the upswing. As it relates to mobile technology deployments, VDC Research recently released some data to support the idea that economic conditions are improving and companies that were forced to cut back are increasingly beginning to invest in mobile technolohile I remain cautiously optimistic, it has been incredibly refreshing to hear the buzz of economic recovery. The effect of the past couple years has been different on every company — from slight slowdown to complete spending freeze to consolidation — but I'm sure we'd all agree it's a relief to believe we're on the upswing. As it relates to mobile technology deployments, VDC Research recently released some data to support the idea that economic conditions are improving and companies that were forced to cut back are increasingly beginning to invest in mobile technologies again. According to the VDC research, the large form factor mobile device market (i.e. laptops and tablets) is expected to grow 5.8% in 2010, after contracting by 10.5% in 2009. VDC expects the small form factor market (i.e. handhelds) to grow 8.6% in 2010, after contracting by 22.2% in 2009. VDC acknowledges cancelled/delayed projects in 2009 due to uncertainty, but claims that the mobile device market is on track for a gradual return to growth fueled by the introduction of new products with improved processors, lightweight and ergonomic design, advancements in operating systems, improved battery life, and advanced wireless networks.