Enterprise mobile cloud computing will grow to become a $5.2 billion market by 2015, creating new revenue streams for both IT and mobile suppliers serving businesses.
The reasons? An evolving IT supply chain, business adoption of cloud platforms for IT services and greater business use of handsets and smartphones, according to ABI Research’s (News - Alert) recently published “Enterprise Mobile Cloud Computing” study.
By 2015, more than 240 million business customers will be leveraging cloud computing services through mobile devices, driving revenues of $5.2 billion.
“The immediate opportunity lies in leveraging cloud platforms to develop mobile applications, particularly mobile applications that leverage enterprise data,” said ABI Research practice director Dan Shey. “Directly and indirectly, Microsoft (News - Alert) and Google are major players both influencing and enabling these developments. Mobile operators have the most to gain through offers of cloud services to the enterprise leveraging their networks, application enablement and data centers.”
In the longer term, ABI predicts the increase in cellular connected devices beyond smartphones and laptops to MIDs, netbooks and smartbooks will further expand use of cloud services.
“The longer-term opportunity is in mobile devices accessing IT services from the cloud and paying for access on a per-use basis,” Shey said.
ABI Research’s “Enterprise Mobile Cloud Computing” study, which provides an in-depth review of cloud services used by businesses, and their application to the mobile supply chain, is included in the ABI Research Business Mobility Research Service.
As mobile cloud computing evolves, so does the market for high-tech equipment. In 2010, enterprises will require technology to address virtual data centers and cloud deployments, Greg Shortell, CEO, NEI, told TMCnet in an end-of-year Q&A.
“We are just beginning to see appliance virtualization come into play, and this is very exciting,” Shortell told TMCnet. “I believe our virtual appliance deployment model is unmatched in the industry, and we are seeing interest from customers and prospects alike. Our virtual appliance model enables customers to meet the scalability and efficiency demands that their customers require to address virtual data center and cloud deployments. Virtual appliances allow end customers to more effectively provision software applications, reduce hardware dependencies, make better use of IT assets and go green.”
Marisa Torrieri is a TMCnet Web editor, covering IP hardware and mobility, including IP phones, smartphones, fixed-mobile convergence and satellite technology. She also compiles and regularly contributes to TMCnet's gadgets and satellite e-Newsletters. To read more of Marisa's articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Marisa Torrieri