Guide to Business Mobiles (July 2008)

The Scene

2008 is the start of a new mobile revolution. It’s all about data, or more precisely information. We have the BlackBerry to thank for that, and the new high speed networks. Discard previous ideas as to a phone’s use. New purchase decisions will be split between data and voice, and as it will be still in your company in 18 months buy for the future not the past.

Reliability

Select the manufacturer and type of handset, keeping in mind the way they are used. Are they likely to be broken or heavily handled? Will they be exposed to water, sand or dirt?

Support

Good manufacturers will provide any necessary firmware fixes and decent warranties. Bad ones forget what they made last week and try and sell you something new, some will even go bust. So consider whether in a year’s time the mobile you buy now will still be supported.

Network Branding

Manufacturers go to a lot of effort developing and testing handsets, that are then undermined by buggy and feature deficient network variants.

Try to avoid network locked handsets as changing to cheaper SIMs overseas will be impossible, and it will also make network negotiations easier.

Connectivity

With the exceptions of the Apple iPhone and RIM BlackBerry, there is no excuse to buy a handset that does not support HSPA. HSPA reduces the frustration of network latency that affects GSM/GPRS network.

WiFi is a boon to bypass high network data tariffs especially for Skype, Web2 apps and attachment downloads.

If you need to connect a laptop to the internet use either a HSDPA laptop USB dongle or card as Bluetooth can not keep pace with high data speeds.

Security

Widespread brand damage and considerable fines have been incurred through data theft. Yet no one thinks twice if they see a phone connected to a PC, yet handsets can store more information than a DVD.

To stop or track data theft, perimeter security, encryption, anti virus, VPN and SecureID should be installed.

Also consider what happens when, a handset is lost or indeed stolen? Often before a theft is reported the SIM will be extracted, so a remote kill command will not get through.

A centralised over the air backup system will be useful to keep a permanent record of users’ handset information for compliance, upgrade and inappropriate data deletion

Applications

All smart phones can now receive Microsoft Exchange email either through a BlackBerry server or a Microsoft Direct Push client. This is further enhanced by QWERTY keyboards making typing and dialling much faster, especially if married to a large touch screen.

GPS is becoming a standard in many handsets, especially from Nokia, BlackBerry and HTC. Look for A-GPS as this will generally work faster, but be aware that GPS drains batteries, and some third party applications are prevented from using the inbuilt GPS.

Remember corporate VoIP and Skype are now available to many handsets allowing cheap calls almost anywhere. Touch and keyboard interactions will differ markedly, as will screen size.

So when deploying large numbers of handsets concentrate development on a very few types. But be brave and make a decision quickly as handsets are rapidly superseded.

Tariff Issues

Keep in mind free of charge in the UK can mean a bill of thousands when overseas.  Each email or web page could also have a high minimum data cost.

So ensure all terminology is clearly defined and agreed before signing an 18 or 24 month contract.

Device Management

In the same way you control PC’s and servers, Mobile Device Management (MDM) will allow you to remotely control the settings, policies, applications, security and maintenance of your handsets.  

MDM will also provide a cradle to grave asset management approach to in field handset deployment.

Accessories

As well as extra batteries, a case and a T-Loop for hearing aid users, don’t forget a proper car kit as employers can be liable for their employees’ misdeeds!

“So what now?”

Choose carefully, and employee work life balance is eased resulting in a competitive and profitable advantage with your customers.

The following pages show some of the handsets that lead the industry at the start of 2008.