ETMA Thought Leaders Discuss Why Software Is Not Enough to Manage Enterprise Mobility
The Telecom Expense Management Industry Association (ETMA), the authoritative voice for Telecommunications Management and Solutions Providers in related areas, recently hosted a conference call to discuss enterprise challenges for managing mobility. This discussion was part of evaluating the agenda for ETMA’s upcoming March 23-25 Orlando, Florida member meeting.
Organizations are grappling with complex enterprise mobility projects that integrate their smartphone apps with enterprise software, mitigate cyber security concerns, leverage the Internet of Things, tackle BYOD policies, and staunch escalating costs for mobile services. The solutions have evolved from Mobile Device Management (MDM) software to offerings that combine software and services to manage more wide-ranging challenges that enterprise face. Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) programs address advanced application and content management for program design, management of procurement, ongoing support and deployment. While many of these functions can be automated, software is not enough. Enterprises must be careful to avoid underestimating the complexity and level of effort needed to manage enterprise mobility.
Nitin Khatri, VP Sales and Marketing at Etelesolv stated, “Powerful software makes it possible for companies to drive revenue through optimal use of their wireless fleets. However, it’s not enough on its own. There has to be active commitment and contributions toward mobile usage optimization from all members of the C-suite. Every domain uses wireless services to serve the business in different ways; the executives responsible for each domain can therefore improve the company’s overall strategy by advising CIOs on how to best implement mobile device policies and tools.”
Jeff Poirior, COO and VP Sales at Valicom stated, “The complexity and costs of organizations’ mobile environments has grown exponentially over the last few years. Effectively managing these mobile expenses must be a tandem effort between software tools and telecom analysts, with buy-in from the executive suite. This collaboration of tools, telecom analysts and executives allows organizations to strategically control their IT and telecom budgets, giving them competitive advantage. This advantage is not happenstance; it is a conscious and concerted effort by all parts working together.”
Managing enterprise mobility programs is likely to get more complex as organizations implement new programs that harness the benefits of mobility. In 2015, enterprises will reach a tipping point with employee deployments, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and the Internet of Things (IoT) with an increase in activity, complexity and costs that will require programs that go beyond software to manage mobility programs.
ETMA member firms are well positioned to understand enterprise challenges and develop innovative solutions to address them through active engagement with enterprises and analysts. In addition members plan to engage in spirited discussions at its upcoming meeting March 23-25 in Orlando, Florida.
About ETMA
ETMA’s ongoing mission is to raise awareness, to improve the quality and value of solutions and to cultivate shared industry knowledge for Telecommunications Management, Telecom Expense Management, TEM, Wireless Expense Management WEM, Mobile Device Management MDM MMS and EMM solutions. ETMA seeks to do this through the development and promotion of open industry standards, and industry knowledge among solutions providers, business partners, telecom service providers, and enterprise clients. Further, ETMA members subscribe to a Code of Ethics, which clearly differentiates their level of commitment to their clients. For more information about ETMA, visit https://etma.org.
