Rikke Helms, Dexterra

Reading, UK

Managing Director, Global Telecoms & VP EMEA

Google’s decision to make the Android platform available to many different handsets is certainly heating up the Smartphone market. Although Google has been making all the right noises about establishing the G1 as a serious business device, if it is to succeed, it will need to develop a strong portfolio of innovative corporate applications.

Tools such as Google Maps, calendaring and push email won’t be enough to convince many business users that the G1 is the device for them. These savvy users are increasingly expecting their handheld device to become a true extension of their office, and in the current climate, businesses will no doubt be keen to offer their staff better access to these applications so that they can better perform their jobs from any location. Perhaps it’s too early to expect all of this just yet, as the initial applications released this week are limited to those that are free of charge. When the Android application market properly opens in January, we’re sure to get a better idea of where the G1 stands in the corporate space.