Business User Spending Intentions 2004 - European Mobile Devices

This IDC study presents the results concerning mobile devices (encompassing handhelds, smart phones, and mobile phones) from its survey of European business computer hardware purchasers. Recommendations are made regarding the requirements of IT directors from vendors and predictions on how architectures will develop over the coming years.

Specifically IDC examines the findings related to the following issues:

The extent of mobile device adoption by businesses Types of devices being utilized and relative popularity of device brands Applications being used on mobile devices and those considered most important by the user The individuals within the enterprise using various mobile devices Companies' purchase and investment intentions with regard to handhelds, wireless networks, and 3G The individuals/departments within companies responsible for purchase decisions and those responsible for purchasing

The findings from the 2004 IDC survey provide vendors, channel partners, and users with intriguing and valuable insights into the purchase and use of mobile devices within the enterprise.

Commenting on the 2004 findings, Geoff Blaber, research analyst, IDC European Mobile Devices, said "The utilization of mobile devices within the enterprise is in an interesting position in 2004. While the IT market is characterized by a more encouraging economic outlook, company IT spending is still overshadowed by lingering uncertainty and a concern that budgets are directed towards essential hardware renewals and infrastructure upgrades. Furthermore, as converged devices (smart phones and telephony-enabled PDAs) begin to gain momentum and sales of standalone PDAs level out, the IT decision maker is being met with an expanding array of devices with differing functionality and application potential to meet employee requirements."