News
Issue #2002 - 44 (November 2002)
(Updated Nov. 20, 2002)

MARKET OUTLOOK & TRENDS

Yankee Group Forecasts Growth in Mobile Field Sales Support Products

A new Yankee Group report forecasts that U.S. sales of hardware, software and other support products for mobile field salespeople will grow from $132 million in 2002 to $825 million in 2006. The report predicts that savvy Customer Relationship Management software vendors, systems integrators (SIs) and mobile middleware providers will focus their selling efforts on early-adopter vertical markets like pharmaceuticals, financial services and high-technology manufacturing. Wireless and other mobile technologies are spurring the market for mobile field sales support products, but that is not the only market driver: Field sales is the largest segment of mobile workers (34 percent) among major companies, according to the Yankee Group's 2002 Corporate Wireless Survey. Many businesses trying to capitalize on sales-force automation (SFA) are hindered by slow user adoption, but new technologies are providing more options. Competition is pushing enterprises to improve sales efficiency and effectiveness. Mobile computing technology is one way to achieve this objective; and salespeople are adopting wireless and mobile technology on their own. (Source: Wireless NewsFactor) 

For more information: http://www.yankeegroup.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: We urge enterprises IT professionals to accelerate implementation off field force automation solutions. There is a clear business case. Application software and wireless infrastructure is in place. You do not need 3G for this application - 2.5G networks such as GSM/GPRS or CDMA 1xRTT networks are more than adequate. Moreover, FFA improves customer service as well and customer-centric projects should be high on the priority list of CIOs.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.