Last week post, I mentioned:
Mobil Space– This is an interesting space, and I think we are rightly focused on this space. From middleware perspective, I think our focus should be on including numerous mobile based services such as a location based service/Mobile payment and mobile gateway services, security.. And more. I will continue to focus on this space, as I think this is current, relevant and area where we still have time to make our mark with respect to Application infrastructure.
This week I would like to focus on Mobile Space, in this post my attempt is to dissect the mobile space and open a dialog that fosters an understanding of mobile landscape and how and where I think we fit in…. and as always I welcome your comments and thoughts:
But before I jump into dissection and deconstruction of various components of enterprise mobile landscape, here are some compelling stats that will force us to think:
1. Over last year alone 3000% of WW mobile traffic ballooned. – Includes Voice and data
2. This space is expected to grow 40X over next 5 years
3. 11% of the world owns a tablet ( now we have 89% of 6+ billion and growing)
4. 90% of the world has access to the mobile networks ( well this amazed me as 90% of world does not have access to clean water and food, but has access to mobile network)
5. 2/3 of us get most of our news on mobile devices
6. 76% take pictures and video on mobile devices
7. in past 2 years mobile ready sites have grown from 150,000 to 3 million
8. 11 billion apps in 2010
9. On commerce front – this year $6.2 billion purchase were made from Mobil device --- compare that to $54.2 billion black Friday sales
10. If mobile users would be nation, it would be largest nation….. And I could go on…
The point : Mobile space is disruptive, engaging, controversial, interactive and international all the same time. Given the reach of mobile devices and recent innovation in this space, has certainly got the attention of business leaders and entrepreneurs alike. So let’s take some time and understand various components.
1. Basics : 3 components :
Device -<-------> Network <-----------> Enterprise
OS ATT/Verizon Design/develop/emulate
Install app Content gateway Host/push updates
Updates/transactions Carrier Services enablement
If we look at core components, we as application infrastructure/middleware folks fit into Enterprise space, however, there are a few things to ponder:
a. With Tight integration between the device manufacturer and service provider there is a set of dependency and new value propositions that is fulfilled by the Network or service provider. So for instance ATT/Verizon/Vodaphone/Orange etc are in better position to provide value add services as they are closest to the clients or end user, and have a larger degree of control. It is therefore conceivable that these service providers will also be in business of mobile application hosting space and other value add services – security etc. – We have seen this with UPS/FEDEX – with our laptop/system repair and parts replacements.
b. So we can see ourselves - middleware folks/vendors working with service providers and helping enterprise to position themselves to take advantage of the new markets created.
c. And if we are innovative with our offerings we can also envision the service providers the ATT, Verizon’s of the world partner with us to better enable the enterprise reach their target audience in Ocean of new consumers and services.
2. Players and Technology : So this newly emerged market also have new and non traditional players that can potentially compete with us or provide technology and services that we have traditionally enabled.
a. Google/Motorola /Apple etc– Are not only in device making business but also provide the software, applications and services on the mobile devices.
b. ATT/Verizon/Vodaphone/Orange etc – Carrier and service provider now also into application hosting and service delivery, since they are closest to the network and client.
c. iPass, ATT Mobile solutions, Mobileron etc are relatively new players that provide the services, ‘cloud’ based hosting and access --- so this gets even interesting as many of these new services are a marriage of “cloud paradigm” and “Mobility platforms”.
d. Technology: Now few things we all should know as middleware professionals are terms like HTML5, DOJO Toolkit, REST, dojox mobile, java scripts, and optimized solutions such as the device and how things like local storage can assist with asynchronous communication with application hosted in enterprise or cloud.
e. Discerning between UI and back end technology – we as technical sellers/consultants should be able to discern between what is on the device that is UI, Type of application – native/hybrid and web based and the back end technology or engine that supports the application. This also means now our sizing, network estimates etc are not traditional conversation.
3. What is MEAP ? - MEAP stands for Mobile Enterprise Application Platform So I think it is important to understand this Device and carrier agnostic framework which is recently adopted term and quite popular on the Mobile street! I also think this framework will allow us to break ice, demonstrate understanding of mobile enterprise space, and above all help discern where we stand. From all my readings MEAP has 5 elements:
a. Defining Development Environment – Application development for enterprise and device app.
b. Connector for Integration with other services – Allows for specific data models.
c. Application Management Infrastructure – Traditional environment
d. Runtime on SmartPhone/Handheld device -
e. Gateway Infrastructure -- This sits between device and back end systems
I think, and would love to hear your thoughts that we fit in at Application Management Infrastructure and Possibly in Gateway infrastructure is we partner with the service providers.
I think this is a good start for discussion on Mobile landscape, and Please add to this discussion.
:)
Nitin
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