Mobile technology and connectivity solutions are a driving force in the enterprise today. This movement marks a tremendous shift in the way people work and the way operations are run. From accessing Business Intelligence (BI) applications on the go from a smartphone to delivering PCI-compliant internet access for taking mobile payments from a food truck, new mobile-based platforms are creating business models and innovative channels for interacting with customers. In fact, research from IDC predicts that mobility spending is expected to be $1.57 trillion in 2017. Further, spending on mobile hardware, software, and services is expected to reach $1.67 trillion in 2020, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1 percent from 2015 to 2020 (Source: telecomlead).
How does 4G/LTE fit into the mobile enterprise?
Part of the influx of spending on mobile devices comes from 4G/LTE technology. 4G/LTE, also known as ‘Fourth Generation – Long Term Evolution,’ is making this mobile transformation possible by delivering the internet speed and reliability required for the enterprise today. It is the engine behind many of these enterprise mobility devices, like smartphones, tablets, laptops, mobile commerce and machine-to-machine (MTM) solutions such as fleet management systems. That’s because 4G/LTE connectivity delivers broadband speeds through a cellular signal, instead of traditional DSL cable or T1 connection, which can be physically disrupted more easily. As a result of diversifying the network through Ethernet, WiFi and WAN, 4G LTE offers much higher bandwidth, faster response times and increased network capacity. 4G/LTE also delivers full mobility and performance options for secure connectivity at broadband speeds.
Smartphones and tablets
Our increased reliance on smartphones and tablets at work, or where ever work is being done, makes the case for 4G/LTE. 4G/LTE broadband connectivity enables greater convenience and productivity gains by delivering faster speeds and enabling employees to work from anywhere. This allows for the faster sharing of large files and media streaming, as well as improved performance of UC collaboration tools like video conferencing and content sharing apps. For those enterprises considering the deployment of industry-specific mobile applications like those in construction or healthcare, or horizontal applications such as mobile CRM or messaging apps, 4G/LTE delivers an effective connectivity framework.
Routers integrated with 4G/LTE
Routers and adaptors integrated with 4G/LTE technology deliver broadband connectivity to enterprises looking to support a mobile workforce, as well as those with several branch offices or retail locations. These routers can also be used to create private networks that tie directly into a company’s main office or headquarters. While 4G/LTE routers offer similar internet connectivity as a WiFi hotspot or a data card, enterprise-grade 4G/LTE routers allow for multiple data connections and they enable greater enterprise security with WEP, WPA/WPA2 encryption and firewall protection.
Routers integrated with 4G/LTE technology also deliver greater network diversification and redundancy options. Relying on multiple WAN paths through 4G LTE gives enterprises an alternative backup to fixed broadband connections. Routers can instantly backup applications and data sources by converting 3G/4G wireless into a backup Ethernet connection.
At a time with when anytime, anywhere access to media-rich applications is a necessity in the workplace, 4G/LTE-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and routers are transformational. Companies considering implementing a more dynamic enterprise mobility strategy should look to 4G/LTE devices as a reliable connectivity toolset. The ability to leverage more reliable and cost-effective mobile connectivity, along with better application performance, improves competitiveness in the marketplace. Not only that, when employees, partners, and customers can collaborate and share information and ideas more freely, they are happier and more productive.
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