Gartner Says The Number of Hot Spot Users Worldwide to Triple in 2004; Enterprises Must Implement a Wireless Strategy
Analysts to Examine How Companies Manage Wireless Technologies During Upcoming Gartner Wireless and Mobile Summit, March 8-10 in Chicago
STAMFORD, Conn., February 18, 2004 — The number of hot spot users worldwide will total 30 million in 2004, up from 9.3 million users in 2003, according to Gartner, Inc. With such a large increase in hot spot users, Gartner analysts said, enterprises must take action in implementing a strategy that gives their employees secure access and control over the cost of access to hot spots.
By the end of 2004, more than 50 percent of professional notebooks will have wireless LAN (WLAN) capability. Employees will increasingly use WLAN in the office, at home and at hot spot locations. Gartner analysts warned that if organizations do not undertake a contract with a service provider to allow access to hot spots and to control costs, employees are likely to use hot spots and list the cost under other expenses.
"Build a strategy for use of hot spots by employees, but beware of entering into subscription contracts with service providers that cannot supply roaming agreements to meet the enterprise's needs," said Ian Keene, research vice president at Gartner. "Organizations should avoid long-term contracts because this service sector is changing. Be prepared to supplement subscription contracts with pay-as-you-go hot spot access. Companies should also put in place a mechanism to monitor hot spot usage so that the company will know what to contract for when the market matures further."
A hot spot strategy should include the use of a personal firewall and secure virtual private network login for all remote access. If managed properly, an organization can see some real benefits to implementing a WLAN strategy. By the end of 2004, Gartner analysts said traveling knowledge-based workers will be able gain 30 minutes a day in productivity from WLAN hot spots.
Managed service provides, such as iPASS, FiberLink and GRIC, will be key to enabling hot spot uptake among enterprise users. Alliances, mergers and acquisitions will dominate the second half of 2004.
The increased demand for mobile access will drive enterprises to reduce the number of wired networks they use while increasing the number of wireless networks in 2004.
"Enterprises must begin tracking hot spot expenses immediately," said Phil Redman, research vice president at Gartner. "Companies need to examine managed service providers and include local exchange carriers and cable service operators. Mobile network operators must cultivate business models that are aimed at how mobile professionals buy and use wireless services. While opportunity is present, success and profitability are still not assured."
Gartner analysts will provide detailed analysis on the impact wireless technologies will have on enterprises during the Gartner Wireless and Mobile Summit at the Chicago Downtown Marriott, March 8-10. Gartner analysts will examine the risks that mobile vendors and users will face in a future of accelerating technological and business change. Additional information is available at www.gartner.com/us/wireless. Members of the media can register by contacting Cindy Sandberg at cindy.sandberg@gartner.com.
About Gartner:
Gartner, Inc. is the leading provider of
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than 10,000 clients, including chief information officers and other senior IT executives
in corporations and government agencies, as well as technology companies and the
investment community. The Company focuses on delivering objective, in-depth analysis
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