Mobility: The First Component of the Third Platform

IT industry research firm IDC describes the Third Platform as IT built on mobile devices, cloud services, social networks and big data analytics.

The mobile component, a technology that’s been part of business life since BlackBerry rolled out its first smartphone in 2003, continues to grow across both enterprise and small business as more companies incorporate BYOD and CYOD policies into their IT strategies. In fact, research firm MarketsandMarkets estimates the BYOD and Enterprise Mobility market will grow at 15% CAGR, reaching $181 billion by 2017.

While mobile devices are growing in market share of compute cycles, the overall computing market is also growing. It’s interesting to note that while shipments of smartphones and tablets exceeded shipments of desktops and laptops in 2013, desktop/ laptop shipments are holding steady, rather than being replaced by the new devices. Enterprise behavior also suggests that mobile devices are being treated as add-ons, not replacements.

Today’s top drivers for mobility strategies are extremely mobile employees and optimized connections with customers. In the near future, it’s expected that marketing, sales, and customer service groups will drive IT spending at almost 2.5 times the rate of corporate IT, as line-of-business mobile solutions take off.

Meeting the challenges of going mobile

As we work with clients, we find that the Enterprise Mobility ecosystem presents many challenges to IT professionals who must cede control in several areas to implement mobility solutions. The top challenge is the mobility skill of workers. Even though they may be using personal systems, employees may not be aware of all the functionality, especially when it comes to security.

The second challenge is making systems accessible securely. The overall security of mobile devices is the greatest risk in enterprise mobility. A lost device is the most common type of incident, but mobile malware is slowly becoming a threat to consider, especially in the non-Samsung Android ecosystem.

As companies decide on their support structures for mobile workers, they should consider the extent of in-house support as well as the tools they’ll use. The most effective tool for mobile support is remote access, but this is also the tool with the lowest level of adoption.

DaaS simplifies delivery and management

In the field, we see clients seeking to adjust the device delivery model. By adopting and migrating to a Desktop as a Service (DaaS) model, they can both flatten their annual cost and optimize the recognized value.

When clients provide the processes and procedures for configuration that represent the baseline assumptions, Zones can offer a DaaS model where off-site tasks will be enabled to complete the image load through automation.

In addition to new devices, there will also be a reallocation of existing devices that can be used as a pool for incidents where hardware repair is needed. Devices that are configured to a user readiness level, kitted with all designated peripherals and shipped directly to the user ready for password change, allow for a complete supply chain that optimizes device TCO. When coordinated with on-site teams, all tasks are aligned to optimize efficiencies and drive down costs. Communication, quality assurance and reporting can be governed by the assigned project management team through a regular cadence with the client team.

DaaS solutions offered by the Zones Advanced Solutions Group (ASG) represent a “best of breed” methodology that includes elements of ITIL, PMP guidelines, Six Sigma, LEAN & CoBIT influences. The DaaS Solution works across all form factors and must be calibrated for the appropriate life cycle of the corresponding form factor. Mobile devices are no exception; in fact, they demand a crisp service delivery model because of the velocity of change.

Our ability to concentrate a complex delivery effort into a single vendor experience is one of the most valuable benefits we can provide our clients. By consolidating the data gathering, analysis, logistics, reporting and project coordination under one partner, the probability of meeting the project timelines increases from 50 percent to over 80 percent.

In addition, by leveraging the agile model of local resources and command center deployment, our clients benefit from cost savings on travel and expenses, while maximizing automation options.

The combination of this cost saving model, plus the accuracy of a third party report, stands to further enhance ROI for clients.

Contributed by Chris Brown
Zones Solution Architect
Mobility / End User Computing

This article first appeared in the Fall 2014 edition of Zones Solutions Journal magazine. You can view the online version of the entire issue here.