
"Simply mobile isn't enough"
By Tim Ferguson
Published: 28 June 2007 17:04 GMT
Vodafone has launched a beefed-up remote access offering which it says will give users secure and transparent mobile access to their corporate networks.
Most operators have for years provided data services to their customers but with few assurances.
Speaking at the launch in London, Vodafone UK head of enterprise mobility solutions David Hughes, said: "Our customers are looking for a level of services over and above what we've been offering."
He added: "Services is a wonderful differentiator if you can crack it."
Vodafone hopes to see multimillion-pound revenues from this offering, called Vodafone Secure Remote Access, within the next three to five years, according to Hughes. The product includes a technology platform as well as consulting services to help businesses roll out and manage the technology.
In developing this service, Vodafone has recruited staff from IT services giants Accenture, Capgemini and IBM.
Vodafone teamed up with mobile working company Fiberlink to create the offering.
Cheat Sheets
♦ Mobile location-based services
♦ FMC
♦ 3G
Quocirca analyst Rob Bamforth said: "To do this from an operator point of view is a fairly new thing. To my mind, there's a lot of sense behind what [Vodafone's] doing. Simply mobile isn't enough."
He added that revenue from mobile voice services has been on the decline for several years due to competition and price pressure and mobile operators need to adapt with new offerings such as this one.
He said: "There's a recognition that the whole landscape is changing."
Bamforth cited Vodafone's strong brand as a key asset in selling the new offering.
Vodafone partnered with Fiberlink, a provider of a secure mobile platform.
JOB TITLE: Vodafone Global Account Director. SELLING TO: Vodafone. YOU MUST HAVE/BE THE FOLLOWING - The Vodafone Global Account Director must have ...
You need to be a calm and assured person who works well under pressure and to tight deadlines, is very well presented and has very good communication ...
The ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure, and to understand and respond to business priorities are essential in a role such as this. ...
Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.
Managing a growing threat: An Executive's Guide to Web Application Security
5 Sources of Value Through a Telecom Expense Management Initiative
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery with CA Recovery Management and VMware...
Adopting Server Virtualization for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Stories from the web...
Copyright © 2008 CBS Interactive Limited. All rights reserved. Top of page
Peter Cochrane Peter Cochrane's Blog: How the telcos could save themselves Doomed network operators could thrive with a bit of innovation
Peter Cochrane Peter Cochrane's Blog: Facebook saves teen from prison Another unexpected impact of social networking