Although there are software and middleware vendors that can provide technology to interface between mobile and traditional back-office systems, many systems have to be customised to make them really effective, Mills added. Sales people in the field will have access to continually updated information, while customers will have more contact and self- help options,' he added. Gartner believes that the wireless transfer of data will improve as the data rates of connections increase. Despite the many benefits of wireless services, there are still concerns over security, high costs and integration problems, as well as rapidly evolving handset technology and unstable standards. But if they do not want to lose ground to rivals, firms should start to investigate the technology now.
Sales operations are likely to benefit most from wireless access to data.
Email, customer relationship and diaries are other typical applications. Hurdles to adoption include security, high costs and integration problems, but many firms are already testing the waters with low-cost SMS services.