Next Generation Rugged Handheld Device Requirements

Given today’s myriad of mobile device choices for enterprises to consider when evaluating options for their mobile workforce, organizations are increasingly confused and uncertain about their investments. For existing end users, issues relate to the need or viability of an upgraded solution. For new customers questions surrounding selection of most appropriate platform, form factor, mobile OS, integration with legacy systems, etc. loom. Although the adage of “no mobile devices are created equally” remains true, in an age of streamlined product and component standardization, it has become increasingly difficult for end-users to discern among mobile devices. What’s critical is for end-users to carefully evaluate the application readiness – in the context of deployment, operation, management and support – of their solution.

What has become increasingly evident is that end-users are not interested in purchasing a mobile device; rather the focus of their requirements center on the capability of the device within the context of the mobile solution it is designed to support. These include capabilities relating to ease of integration and support, extensibility of support and management across a platform or series of products to accommodate a growing population of mobile workers and true enterprise lifecycle support. Ultimately what this boils down to is minimizing total cost of device ownership while maximizing the ROI of the mobility solution.