Top 5 Predictions for 2012 and Beyond
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 John Gallagher, Sr. Public Relations Manager
Based on our studies on enterprise mobility and device trends, we have 5 Predictions going into 2012.
1. Mobile Workers on the Mobile Stack
As every knowledge worker adopts a mobile stack (the triumvirate of devices: smartphone, laptop, and tablet), the laptop will morph from a heavy, antiquated device, used only for desktop publishing and other back office applications, to include more lightweight tablet-like features. The real question will be if tablet innovation can push laptops out?
Perhaps, but tablets have some room to grow for this to happen. Tablet and smartphone adoption and advancement will continue to be key drivers behind mobile employee behavior. Smartphones will supplant cell phones in enterprises (how embarrassing to be the last employee in your department without a smartphone). In 2012, as the tablet market will continue to explode, number two and three tablet manufacturers will emerge to challenge Apple.
2. Technology can tip your balance
Work and life will remain imbalanced, as mobile employees learn to manage the work/life blend. As the ranks of mobile employees rise, workshifting will be the norm, as well as longer workdays and hyperconnectivity. This will have physical and mental tolls on some employees. While most will figure it out, some will need professional help.
3. IT’s strategic chance
The role of IT will change drastically with the rise of the mobilocracy. Strategic IT roles will remain, however tactical roles like IT help desk will be outsourced. The cost of help desk support and connectivity will be pushed down to departments, and employees will be encouraged to troubleshoot issues themselves. IT should focus on providing the backbone (negotiating rates, ensuring access exists, and removing barriers) but not necessarily paying for that backbone.
4. What you do; not where
The mantra in 2012 will be, “it’s not where you work, it’s what you do.” Offices will stand empty as more employees workshift or telecommute. Employees will take advantage of more flexible work policies which will become standard at most businesses.
5. You use it – you buy it
Mobile device liability will continue to shift to the individual. This will help grow the mobile workforce radically, and will help hasten the penetration of smartphones and tablets in the enterprise. Companies will take advantage of the mass deployment of these little computers among their workforce, and set policies to make it work for their own security and risk profile.
At the same time, this could create an outcry from employees as data plans get more expensive and limited. Employees may pick and choose how they use their personal devices for work (for example, not watching that mandatory training video on their smartphone). This may lead to a requirement of more enterprise funding of individual liable devices as data access costs and data throughput requirements for mobile applications increase.
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Tags: enterprise mobility, mobile workforce, smartphone, tablet
