By 2015, the worldwide mobile workforce is expected to reach 1.3 billion, or approximately one in three workers. That means companies need to extend applications to these mobile employees. Increasingly, that means mobilizing cloud services.
Mobile cloud computing means data storage and processing are done on a cloud platform, rather than on mobile devices. True mobile cloud services are device and OS neutral. An Internet connection still is required, with users generally accessing the Web through a Wi-Fi or mobile data network.
For businesses, mobile cloud services cut down on the need for traditional workstation setups — think software, hardware and wired networks. For channel partners, mobile cloud services offer new revenue streams to offset declines in legacy product and service sales.
Over the coming years, mobility-dependent verticals — including health care, professional services and manufacturing — will clamor for cloud computing that can be accessed from workers' devices, according to IDC. Mobile cloud meets this need, giving employees access to critical business systems no matter where they are located or which devices they're using. Thus, it's important that agents, VARs, brokers, dealers and other indirect channel partners support mobile cloud services or team with peers who will design and implement those platforms. To take advantage of the trend, however, channel partners need to have some knowledge under their belts.
Know what mobile cloud entails. The intricate layers involved create an application delivery chain with which partners need to be familiar. End users access solutions through browsers on their mobile devices. From there, the bits traverse a labyrinth of systems before reaching the data center. A failure at any point along the "information highway" puts the connection, and the user experience, at risk. The complexity of these systems makes the channel partner's role even more important, especially when added to other infrastructure within a business. Virtualization, cloud computing and mobility require an expertise beyond the firewall and traditional technology environment. Security and monitoring also are essential elements of a mobile cloud platform.
Understand what to sell. There are a number of mobile cloud solutions available for end users. If channel partners have a thorough understanding of what's out there, they can profit substantially. For example, mobile cloud services include:
