Wish #1: May there be less confusion in enterprise mobility

Today, IT and Line of Business decision makers are fraught with confusion around enterprise mobility. They are confused about what should be mobilized, how projects should be planned and implemented and, last but not least, managed. While choice is always a good thing in a growing market, the flip side of the coin is that so many options creates varying messages by vendors that make it challenging for organizations to understand what is the best approach for their needs.

The answer to this problem comes from the maturation of a market, but that will only happen over time. Until then, I wish we could begin having standard language around key concepts in the market (e.g., such as device management or outsourcing) such that buyers could make the most informed decisions possible. With less confusion in the market, we’ll see even greater adoption of enterprise mobility solutions, creating a windfall for all parties.

Wish #2: May Windows Mobile 7 come out as soon as possible and may it be a success

While Windows Mobile 6.5 was launched some months back, it has been widely considered a stop gap measure for Microsoft until Windows Mobile 7 is launched. Just recently however, there have been rumors that Windows Mobile 7 may be delayed until Q4 of 2010. There has been much commentary regarding the decreasing relevance of the platform, particularly in the consumer context. Additionally, some say the game may already be over for Microsoft in the mobile arena. I certainly hope that is not the case.

Unlike the desktop and server environment, IT departments can manage various mobile platforms. In fact, they are increasingly required to due to the continued consumerization of enterprise mobility. In this context, choice drives innovation and innovation drives value. Just like Palm came back to great acclaim with its new webOS platform, I hope we’ll see Microsoft offer an innovative and compelling mobile platform that provides real value to both individuals and the companies they work in.

Wish #3: May we have no major security breaches

While much has been made recently about device and data encryption, organizations need to be more vigilant about mobile security. Only last week did we learn that the US military’s “Predator” drones were hacked into by Iraqi insurgents with an application that costs less than $30. The reason? Because the final link of the data transmission to the Predators’ ground operators is not encrypted. While thankfully no lives were lost because of this error, organizations have much to learn from this mistake.

Organizations must take mobile security more seriously than they have in the past. It is not sufficient to simply encrypt the data on a mobile device when it is on the device, or when it is stored on a server. The data - and the connection – must be encrypted from end to end. We must have this end to end encryption in conjunction with other mobile security tools such as remote wipe, remote lock, anti-virus and (potentially) two-factor authentication (among others).

Wish #4: Let’s stop talking about Liability and instead start talking about Responsibility

Much of the past year has been spent talking about the implications of individual vs. corporate liable devices. I hope we can end this soon. As opposed to talking about liability and the implied “finger pointing” that is associated to the term, let’s instead talk about how both organizations and employees can each take their own level of responsibility in the symbiotic relationship that exists within (enterprise) mobility.

With the holiday season upon us, more and more people will receive smartphones as gifts and they will in all likelihood want to use them for both personal and professional use. IT departments have traditionally been reticent to allow these devices because of the loss of “control.” This will be a lost opportunity for employee efficiency. That said, employees must also accept that just like they accept to work under the rules and regulations of their company (per HR guidelines), they should also be willing to have (at least part of) their mobile device be visible and manageable by their employer. This is a question of bi-directional trust. With that trust, both parties will be able to focus on moving their business forward.

Wish #5: May there be more growth and adoption of mobile technology (It will help the economy)

Assuming our chief economists and financial strategists are correct, we are on the verge of exiting the recession and hopefully returning to a period of economic growth. With so many cost cutting measures having already been put in place, it is time for organizations to begin re-investing in people and the tools they will need for their work. One of the best areas for investment will be in mobility solutions. More and more employees are considered mobile. They will need tools to be as effective on the road as they would be in the office. They will need tools to do more than just email. They will need tools for mobile collaboration, unified communications and back-office processes.

Why? Because the adage “time is money” means more now than ever. Time out of the office shouldn’t matter anymore. Greater employee efficiencies create greater opportunities for companies to either increase revenues and/or control their costs more effectively. Measured growth and expansion will require organizations better understand how they can leverage mobile solutions in their workplace.

So there are my five wishes for 2010.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!

~ Philippe