Most Businesses Adding More Mobile Apps to Employee Devices in 2014

 Frost & Sullivan’s new research analysis, 2013 North American Mobile Enterprise Applications, has revealed that mobile applications reached a tech plateau during 2013 but with advancements expected in 2014, most North American companies (71 percent) are deploying a large array of mobile worker software. The research found that 48 percent of decisions makers report that their companies deploy between one and 10 apps for employees on mobile devices. Wireless email was the app viewed as most necessary, followed by mobile sales force automation.

“Today’s businesses cite increased efficiency and productivity as their top reasons for providing mobile apps to their employees,” said Frost & Sullivan Customer Research Analyst Karolina Olszewska. “However, softer benefits such as enhanced customer engagement and improved collaboration also rate highly among their reasons for implementation.”

The most prominent deterrents for implementing mobile apps regarded the security of confidential company and customer data and the potential high cost of implementation. However, app providers are showing some flexibility when it comes to discounts for contractual commitments. Service level agreements (SLAs) are receiving the most attention here.

“This is a fragmented market with many stakeholders,” noted Olszewska. “Mobile app developers tend to be small and scattered, so direct sales are an insufficient strategy on their own. The correct channel partners are a key requirement for success. Additionally, stakeholders must continue to clarify the business benefits of their mobile solutions, especially the hard- and soft-dollar return on investment experienced by current users.”