Simplicity rules
Ease of use is crucial in a workplace that brings together tech-savvy geeks and technophobes. This simplicity of use is sought after both in basic voice- and text-only handsets right through to the sophisticated devices like the Blackberry. Vodafone’s manager of business devices, Dion Knill, says the Blackberry is often called the “Fisher Price Solution” because it is so intuitive and easy to understand.

The camera question
It’s hard to find a mobile phone without a camera these days, but that’s exactly what some companies are looking for. Knill says security is a key reason for this, particularly in industries like defence, government and companies that use proprietary information.

While Nokia produce some handset models that come without a camera, Knill says they are also able to customise handsets without cameras if needed. Alternatively, IT departments sometimes install camera-disabling software on handsets.

On the other hand, Telecom’s device portfolio manager Johnathan Eele says some industries such as civil construction, insurance and building are increasingly using camera-capable phones in the field for the fastest possible flow of information back to the office.

Twenty percent of respondents to our survey used photo messaging within their organisation, while 3% didn’t yet, but intended to in the future.

3G features a surprise winner
Eele says particular industries are realising that nextgeneration mobile phone features can make a real difference to productivity and efficiency.

Knill says Vodafone’s 3G features have been a hit with some businesses, particularly video calling. Although it was originally introduced as a consumer application, the service has proved popular for businesses with travelling staff staying connected with both the office and their families.

Video calling has also proven useful in service industries where it can be used to show the nature of a fault and ask advice. “Previously staff would have taken a digital camera, or simply tried to explain the fault,” says Knill. “Now they’re able to show what the issue is and get advice straight away.”

Eele says Push 2 Talk has been particularly popular in the agricultural and transport industries. Both Telecom and Vodafone have Push 2 Talk offerings. According to our survey only 8% of all respondents currently use Push to Talk, and just 2% of respondents say they intend to.

Office integration
Thirty eight percent of respondents to our survey said they send and receive email on their mobile phone or PDA, and a further 13% said they didn’t, but intended to. Knill says the Blackberry has been popular because of its “push” email system, which means email is received automatically, without the user having to log on and check their mail.

He tells the story of a CEO of a large corporate about to duck out of a meeting because he had another appointment. “It was clear that the meeting was going really well,” says Knill. “His phone beeped; he picked it up and it told him that his 12 o’clock was cancelled. So we went out to lunch and continued the meeting.” Knill says having real-time information available allows people to become more effective.

Both Telecom and Vodafone say that integration with Microsoft Office has been popular. Thirty four percent of respondents said they had viewed Word or Excel files on their mobile phone or PDA, but the more popular applications tend to be email and calendar synchronisation.

Knill says all terminals brought in by Vodafone are compatible with Outlook. Eele says the success of Telecom’s HTC Apache, introduced in October last year, is proof of the importance of Office integration for some.

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