Enterprise Smartphone Planning

Processor writes a feature article on what companies need to consider when "it comes to deciding on a smartphone platform and deployment options." The article finds that "one of the most critical decisions has to do with who should decide on the platform and device."

According to a report from Gartner, "IT should be the decision maker, mostly because of how a smartphone must integrate with existing data centers." Others argue that the "end user should have the final decision on the platform and device."

Michael Gartenberg at JupiterResearch said, "There’s a lot that needs to go into this decision. End users are having a lot of input into the device they choose, whether it’s just a PDA with a certain form and function or a smartphone that connects into the existing back-end. What is right for one user is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. The critical decision is finding a device that most employees will actually use and not one that just fits well with IT.”

Gartenberg recommended "setting an evaluation period for researching department needs, discussing options with end users, and evaluating the current field of enterprise-capable business smartphones."