News
Issue #2003 - 08 (March 2003)
(Updated Mar. 10, 2003)

OPINION

Can Fujitsu Offer Integrated Mobile Services?

The consulting arm of Fujitsu Ltd. recently announced a comprehensive wireless services package for corporate customers in North America. The solution, which has been wildly successful in Europe and Asia-Pacific, offers an integrated set of business processes, technologies, networks and services that extend complete enterprise access to the mobile workforce. 

Based on similar offerings the company offers in Europe and Asia, Enterprise Mobility includes both consulting services and technology from Fujitsu, including middleware, network equipment and client-side devices. 

Officials said they consider IBM the chief competition for such services in the United States, but they think Fujitsu has a leg up because Fujitsu makes its own client-side devices. 

Furthermore, Fujitsu delivers network equipment to carriers in Asia; while it has no plans to do so in the United States, the company at least understands the problem inherent in deploying networks and can help enterprises plan accordingly, officials said. Still, the company does not plan to go head-to-head with competitors like IBM or Hewlett Packard Co. in all enterprise markets, choosing rather to focus on a few niches. 

Specific applications from Fujitsu include a mobile case worker application for state government social services departments, risk assessment software for the insurance industry, and clinical trials management software for the pharmaceutical industry. 

Source: Carmen Noble of eWeek

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: We do not think Fujitsu can offer best-of-breed solutions. They can and will offer best-of-Fujitsu solutions. If Fujitsu wants to compete in the big game with IBM or HP, it should buy one of the remaining business consulting companies (like IBM's acquisition of PWC) and start with business process consulting. That might give them domain knowledge and a semblance of independence. On the other hand, if you like Fujitsu hardware, it might as well be Fujitsu Consulting that is right for you.

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