2019’s Top 7 Enterprise Mobility Trends

A lot has changed from the time when the first mobile devices were launched. The small, bulky devices that were launched as a substitute and more portable versions of the telephonic devices, gradually evolved into devices with additional features like internet connection, online transactions, app based sharing, and now functions almost in par with most laptops and are now the pseudonyms for ‘Mobility’.

Mobility in enterprises stands not just for movability but also for adaptability, flexibility, versatility and adjustability, hence the term ‘increasing mobility in the workforce’. Goes without saying that the popularity of mobile devices, the flexible policies (namely BYOD) triggered the whole change.

Each year the upward surge of certain technologies, launch of new ones and the growing acceptance shown across workplaces, points towards certain trends that can take enterprises to the next level of operational effectiveness. In light of that, let’s take a look at 2019’s top 7 enterprise mobility trends.

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Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is no longer a concept and has been widely put to use by various organizations. And since 2017, AI has become a part of the mobile world too and the benefits have been quite evident, be it the assistance provided by Siri/Google Assistant (Voice-Activated assistants), Speech recognition on mobile devices that enables users to access information and work fast quickly, the facial recognition software, gestures and camera-based inputs that allows to connect faster with business applications. While this provides greater flexibility, agility to workforce and tackles security issues, it also assists in accessibility issues.

With Machine Learning in the fore, the possibilities of AI applications keep increasing. Take for instance the smart cars that are now driven by AI, which is nothing but a precedent for all things automated and the inclusion of mobile devices in the mix is more or less an inevitable step.

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An App or More for Everything

An app for everything is ‘so yesterday’, today there are multiple apps that cater to same functions, one better than the other, so much that the users are often spoiled for choice. While this is a trend influenced greatly by the increase in the number of devices and operating systems, the need for more context based solutions/apps plays and equally important role. In terms of offering mobility, offline mode, optimized apps that buffer/download easily aid well for remote locations whereas, based on the specific requirement there are apps for various function. For instance, different marketing apps for different functions, that ranges from lead generation to conducting promotional activities.

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Location-Based Services

One click, or one query and you have the answer for all the navigational issues. Thanks to the integration of location-based services, the integration of GPS location tracker and Google’s advanced search that allows users to locate the nearest store or outlet for whichever product required. It can also be used to deliver location/geography specific content, for location based features through Augmented Reality (AR) and more. A mobility trend at the core.

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Intuitive Security Models

Mobility has often been hindered by security issues. However, the surge of devices in the enterprise mix indicate nothing but increased flexibility towards device integration. Security models hence, will now take an intuitive approach and will change for the better. Multi-layered security model comes in as the safest option. Safety here is directly proportional to the security. Various levels of security that jumps between integrated biometrics to complex algorithms, the multi-layered security is quite difficult to breach. As the data of the enterprises are amongst its costliest assets, protecting this data is the biggest responsibility and more so when mobility is involved.

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Replacing Computing with Mobility

Mobile devices are versatile. From communications to computing the small devices now have almost all the capabilities that any desktop/laptop would possess, and it can be accessed faster too. While automation in enterprises has been a major change in the past few years, enterprise mobility solutions plays a crucial role in inclusion of mobile devices as an integral part of the change.

As more and more organizations are moving towards more mobile and agile enterprise-based apps. The use of mobile has increased multi-fold hence, decreasing the dependency on computers. A change that has undoubtedly brought mobility to the entire enterprise/workplace.

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The Coming of 5G

While 4G has already rewritten the way data was consumed and utilized across the globe. The coming of the 5th generation of mobile communications, will definitely be the next big thing. Enterprises are now eagerly waiting for its release and deployment. As AT&T Communications CEO John Donovan recently said, “with 5G, the early opportunities are going to be in enterprise.”

5G offers the promise to be ultra-fast in a low-latency network. With the opportunities that the Internet of Things (IoT) provides and the integration of mobile devices, 5G could take the enterprises to a new level of connectivity. Though still under wraps, 5G holds greats promises and potential.

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IoT and Growth

According to Statista, “the number of connected devices (Internet of Things; IoT) worldwide from 2015 to 2025. For 2020, the installed base of Internet of Things devices is forecast to grow to almost 31 billion worldwide.

IoT enabled applications are already a part of many enterprises, and many decision-makers are planning to use it organization wide soon. The availability of strong IoT software platforms by IBM, Amazon, Cisco, GE, and other giants, that offer multitier solutions with simplified design, creation, integration, and management of IoT infrastructure and enterprise data, the inclusion and growth is already faced paced. In 2019, most enterprises may aim to build, secure, connect and manage IoT-enabled technology and create a connected-mobile workplace.

While these are the top picks from the hundreds of trends that are been discussed about, there are additional trends like Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), Mobile Threat Defence (MTD), Augmented reality (AR) etc. are also gaining importance. According to Gartner, “By 2020, augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality immersive solutions will be evaluated and adopted in 20 percent of large enterprises as part of their digital transformation strategy.”

Most of the trends in synergy with technologies like AR, VR, AI and Machine Learning promise to increase mobility, interactivity, and add value to both the organization and the customers/consumers/users.

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Any additional enterprise mobility trends worth mentioning in this list? Do share your thoughts.

If conceptualizing and designing a mobile ecosystem is in your organizational developmental agenda, the Expert Mobility Consultants at QuadLogix Technologies are here to assist you. Speak to us for a quick overview.

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