Morgan Stanley has just released the Mobile Internet Report, which estimates that within five years, more users will access the Internet via mobile devices than desktop PCs. The growth in mobile Internet usage, according to Morgan Stanley’s analysts, is being driven by five technologies:
- 3G adoption – especially as more devices come out that support the wireless broadband standard at a lower price point than in previous years. Subscription costs for data access across the world have also been decreasing as service providers build out their infrastructure and achieve cost-efficiencies with scale.
- Social networking – which is driving a “constantly online” behavior among users engaged in communication, information sharing, and relationship building.
- Video – which has encouraged users to exchange rich, multimedia content online
- VoIP – which is lowering the cost of communication while improving the user experience by not tying them to their desks.
- Interesting new devices/initiatives – such as the launch of the iPhone, Palm Pre, and lately Google’s Android.
What does this mean for SMEs? Well, for one thing this will require more vigilant monitoring, control, and oversight. Mobile devices can pose a significant security risk, since it’s getting difficult to track the data going in and out of these devices. Also, audit and control tools and procedures are simply not as mature as those available for desktop computers. The risks associated with theft and loss also increase since mobile devices’ small sizes make them easy to conceal or misplace.
Is your organization ready for what’s coming? As mobile devices become the primary Internet access for consumers and workers, it’s time to for your organization to become aware of the issues surrounding their use.
