Mobile Cloud will be big thing of 2011: In-Stat

18th February 2011
Mobile Cloud will be big thing of 2011: In-Stat

Market intelligence research leader In-Stat suggests that Mobile cloud computing is set to take off in 2011. With the introduction of dual-core ARM processors, mobile computing devices have suddenly become a viable option for use in the cloud computing environment. With the increase in processing power rendered by these new dual-core mobile processors and RAM capacities increasing north of the 1GB range, mobile devices will play a much more significant role in accomplishing tasks inside and outside of the workplace.

"With the advent of HSPA+ and LTE networks in the US, Europe, and Asia mobile devices will become increasingly connected to wireless high-speed data networks capable of supporting cloud applications and services," says Greg Potter, Research Analyst for In-Stat (www.in-stat.com). "While faster processors and more RAM are not necessarily a requirement for cloud computing in the mobile space, the fact that most devices will also pull double duty as communications devices makes it more likely for businesses to opt for those devices with more robust hardware."

Apple is set to release the sequel to the incredibly popular iPad device, and while most of the media focus has been toward the consumer side of things, the biggest revolution will be in business. The new iPad should include Apple’s new dual-core ARM processor, the A5, which will be much faster and more capable than its predecessor, the A4, which relies mostly on software optimization for speed. It seems clear that companies will begin using the 2nd generation iPad in a mobile cloud computing environment.
Apple recently announced: “…over 80% of the Fortune 100 are already deploying or piloting [the] iPad, up from 65% in the September quarter.” Companies such as Citrix have already demonstrated their Citrix Receiver solution using Apple’s 1st generation iPad that validates this approach to implementing a robust mobile workplace. While the next iPad will not likely support LTE, the following iteration due out in the spring of 2012, will most likely support LTE. Other tablet devices will also begin to ship with dual-core ARM processors this year. Most of these devices will be utilizing the Android OS and some will be equipped with LTE radios. These devices equipped with LTE will become the most sought after for the purposes of mobile cloud computing behind Apple’s iPad.

Microsoft seems to be sitting on their hands while all of this tablet goodness goes on around them. Look for Microsoft to change that, albeit very slowly. Microsoft recently announced the development of a Windows version that will support the use of an ARM processor, marking a decided shift from their traditional x86 environment. While there have been tablets out for many years that run Windows, they have not sold very well at all. The shift to ARM will change all that and present a challenge to iOS dominance in the business and consumer markets. While some businesses are branching out to support other operation systems, IT managers are notoriously conservative in their deployments and will find comfort in the familiar Windows on ARM environment. With mobile device cloud computing, it is clear that the sky is the limit.

Feb 19 2011