Mobile devices are used in 85 percent of all European companies

Survey by Fujitsu Siemens Computers and TNS/Infratest finds that flexibility is the most important factor for business notebook users, followed by wireless capability

Munich, September 02, 2008 —

A survey conducted by Fujitsu Siemens Computers and TNS/Infratest found that a total of 85 percent of all companies in Europe currently use mobile devices for everyday business.* To put it another way, 34 percent of all PCs in European companies are notebooks. These numbers represent exceptional growth when compared with 2005, when the figure was well below 30 percent. More than 78 percent of those surveyed agree that Mobile Computing is an important issue within their corporation.

Because modern working life no longer follows a simple nine-to-five routine with employees sitting at the same desk for eight hours, five days a week, there is a constant demand for mobility, especially at management level. With employees in Munich today, London tomorrow, Paris next week – constantly switching from plane to train, waiting at terminals, and grabbing a few rare moments of relaxation in a coffee shop – business can’t wait until everyone is back in the office. The solution is mobile equipment such as mobile telephones, PDAs and – increasingly important in the business world – notebooks.

It is worth noting that large companies still lead the field when it comes to using mobile equipment, but small medium-sized business are rapidly catching up. Although this kind of mobile work was limited to top management in the past, more than 70 percent of companies now use these mobile aids in their daily business and in many departments to improve efficiency: for example, in field research, administration, finance or marketing.

According to the survey, the main reason for this huge increase in mobile use is flexibility. Participants ranked this as most important, closely followed by wireless communication, and as many as three-quarters of all companies already use notebooks for both. WLAN – particularly in home offices – is still the preferred means of access to the Internet and various communications channels. However, in larger businesses, the use of mobile broadband services is also gaining acceptance, as shown by the survey. Over 50 percent of companies with more than 100 employees already use mobile broadband services.

The advantage is clear to employees who travel; they are no longer dependent on office WLAN or hotspots when on the move. The key to this mobility is UMTS coverage, which is already widespread in many places, and low-cost flat rates, which make mobile broadband services particularly attractive in a business environment, as they offer complete cost control.

Therefore, modern notebook development has increasingly focused on features such as integrated high-speed 3G/UMTS so as to use mobile broadband services as easily as possible. Factors such as improved reception thanks to built-in antennas, longer battery times and greater security against SIM card damage or theft already make embedded mobile broadband an "important topic" for 60 percent of all European companies. It is hardly surprising that 71 percent of all wireless communication users consider it an important purchase factor for their business notebooks – and 68 percent of those already using embedded mobile broadband no longer want to go without.

Despite the excitement, many companies remain skeptical about mobile equipment. TNS market researchers found security issues to be a major concern for company managers. The threat of data loss tops the list, followed by non-authorized access to company data and the company network, device theft, and contamination resulting from viruses and Internet worms. These are some important reasons why Fujitsu Siemens Computers has equipped its business notebooks with a comprehensive security package, including features such as an optional integrated fingerprint sensor or SmartCard reader, which provide optimal protection against such dangers.

Many potential customers’ misgivings – including the fear of increased administration costs – are quite simple to manage. If a company pursues a specific mobility strategy, it will enjoy reduced infrastructure management costs; and, according to the TNS survey, 65 percent of all companies already do so. Environmental friendliness and design are important purchase criteria as well. 70 percent of all companies already buy "green" products – and more than 50 percent also pay attention to an aesthetic design choosing their notebooks.

"The results of the survey are a clear indication of what matters to business customers today when they choose their notebooks – and the demands that companies with a specific mobility strategy place on their mobile IT infrastructure," said Andreas Thimmel, Senior Vice President Volume Business at Fujitsu Siemens Computers. “We have implemented the majority of these findings in the development of our new generation of business notebooks. We understand that our customers above all want flexibility and 'easy-to-use' mobile communication. We responded with the widest range of products with embedded mobile broadband in the market. Our new, universal design for all our products proves that we not only know something about technology, but also about aesthetics."

Printable charts can be downloaded at www.fsc-mediaserver.com.

*“Mobility today – trends, opportunities, challenges. A Fujitsu Siemens Computers survey in eight countries” – conducted by TNS Infratest

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About Fujitsu Siemens Computers

Fujitsu Siemens Computers is the leading European IT infrastructure manufacturer and at the same time market leader in Germany. With its strategic focus on innovative mobility and dynamic data center products, services and solutions, the company offers a unique range of products – from notebooks and desktops up to IT infrastructure solutions and services. Fujitsu Siemens Computers is present in all key markets in Europe, Africa and the Middle East – its Infrastructure Services division is active in 170 countries. The company benefits from the global cooperation and innovation power of both its shareholders, Fujitsu Ltd. and Siemens AG. The focus is on the specific requirements of its customers, be they large, small or medium-sized companies or private consumers.  Fujitsu Siemens Computers is one of the pioneers in using environmentally friendly technologies and processes throughout the entire lifecycle of a product. It is also a member of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, Green Grid organizations as well as the United Nations initiative "Global Compact".

More information about Fujitsu Siemens Computers: http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/ More information about social responsibility: http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/aboutus/sor/index.html.

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