Mobility Needs Drive Software Gains

Compiled ByJill Jusko Increasing use of wireless and mobile devices is driving significant growth of software solutions that power those products, new research shows. Revenue from mobile-device-management software grew by 45.8% in 2001 to $121.3 million, according to market intelligence firm IDC, Framingham, Mass. Revenue is expected to reach $715.1 million by 2006, following slower growth in 2002. "The heightened adoption of enterprise mobile-enablement projects and increased product development addressing broader mobile and wireless connectivity options, mobile work scenarios and critical IT management issues are driving the growth within this market," says Stephen Drake, IDC program manager for its mobile infrastructure software service. The slower growth in 2002 is attributable to reduced IT spending and new products from large vendors that will not hit the market until 2003, IDC says.