The insatiable demand for smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices is generating staggering amounts of mobile data and placing a crushing burden on networks. One barometer is the recently released Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI), which predicts that global mobile data traffic will increase 13-fold from 2012 to 2017, reaching 11.2 exabytes per month. The study also predicted that two-thirds of all mobile traffic will be video by 2015, and an additional 20 percent of this traffic will be devoted to both the mobile web and mobile data.

In parallel, we are witnessing a “perfect storm” in both Wi-Fi availability and customer acceptance that is resulting in a worldwide rise in the popularity of Wi-Fi. Consumers can now readily use their numerous Wi-Fi enabled devices in their homes, offices and increasingly in many of the other places where they spend their lives. Mobile users are actively searching out Wi-Fi connectivity as a cost-effective and adequate substitute or complement to mobile access to the Internet.

Based on this Wi-Fi “perfect storm” and the explosion of mobile data traffic traversing their networks, Service Providers realize that they now need to pay attention to Wi-Fi. In our conversations with SPs around the world they now recognize that that Wi-Fi is more than just data-off load and needs to be Read More »

Tags: business models, Cisco, data off-loading, IBSG, mobile, mobile data, mobile devices, mobile networks, mobile operators, monetization, Service Provider, wi-fi

Robert Metcalfe popularized the idea of the “network effect,” where the value of a network grows exponentially in proportion to the number of users and things on that network. Many people these days wonder if this principle applies to the “bring your own device” (BYOD) trend—where the complexity of all the devices, software, and standards that must be accommodated may cause some IT leaders to question whether the promised value is worth the headache.

Certainly there’s potential for tremendous value: the most recent report from Cisco Consulting Services onthe Financial Impact of BYOD reveals that with the right approach to implementation, companies across the globe could be generating an average annual value of $1,650 per mobile user. In the United States, than number grows to $3,150.

So, how can you know whether or not you are realizing the full potential of BYOD in your company? And more important, how can you progress from wherever you currently are along the value journey to where you want to be?

Read more at The Platform Blog

Tags: assessment tool, bring your own device, byod, Cisco, financial analysis, IBSG, Internet Business Solutions Group, value of BYOD

Robert Metcalfe popularized the idea of the “network effect,” where the value of a network grows exponentially in proportion to the number of users and things on that network. Many people these days wonder if this principle applies to the “bring your own device” (BYOD) trend—where the complexity of all the devices, software, and standards that must be accommodated may cause some IT leaders to question whether the promised value is worth the headache.

Certainly there’s potential for tremendous value: the most recent report from Cisco Consulting Services on the Financial Impact of BYOD reveals that with the right approach to implementation, companies across the globe could be generating an average annual value of $1,650 per mobile user. In the United States, than number grows to $3,150.

So, how can you know whether or not you are realizing the full potential of BYOD in your company? And more important, how can you progress from wherever you currently are along the value journey to where you want to be?

One place to start is the interactive BYOD Assessment Tool that Cisco Consulting Services developed as a companion to its latest BYOD research and analysis. Through a quick and easy six-step process, the tool highlights key findings and helps you identify which level of BYOD implementation your company might have. The Assessment Tool provides a quick estimate of the value you are currently deriving from BYOD in your company, and offers some general recommendations of next steps to take.

The interactive Cisco BYOD Assessment Tool estimates the value of a current BYOD implementation.

Of course, the interactive BYOD Assessment Tool is designed to provide just a general sense of your company’s progress along the BYOD “value journey.” A BYOD engagement with the Cisco Consulting Services Research and Economics team can take you deeper.

An engagement will produce a detailed assessment of your company’s current usage and capabilities, and the benefits your company is gaining from BYOD today. Our team will also take a close look at the increase in value you can expect by taking a strategic approach to implementation, which we call Comprehensive BYOD. You’ll have a better understanding of how employees across your workforce are using BYOD, and what you can do to help them be more productive and innovative using their own devices for work.

Like the “network effect,” BYOD requires a critical mass of users before you can appreciate its benefits. But to enjoy its full value, you need to be sure that you are enabling the right users, with the right capabilities, under the right governance model. Click here to request a customized BYOD assessment.

Find out more about Cisco Consulting Services’ BYOD financial analysis by clicking on the links below:

Explore BYOD: http://cs.co/byod-economics
Start Your BYOD Assessment: http://cs.co/BYOD-Assessment_Tool
Request a Custom BYOD Assessment: http://cs.co/BYOD-contactme

Tags: assessment tool, bring your own device, byod, Cisco, financial analysis, IBSG, Internet Business Solutions Group, value of BYOD

The online rebel jam is a joint effort of Rebels at Work, and Corporate Rebels United  and being sponsored by Cisco IBSG, who is contributing both speakers and the WebEx collaboration and communication platform that enables this global virtual event.

It’s easy to be an innovator and entrepreneur in start-up, but not so inside large organizations — companies, government agencies or healthcare systems. The competencies and mindset you need to create change and succeed are different for rebels inside the organization.

The good news is that in today’s hyper-connected world we have the possibility to join forces -- across distances and time zones -- and create a critical mass of change agents capable of accelerating innovation and transformation globally.

That’s why we’re holding a free, online 24-hour Rebel Jam with fascinating speakers, inspiring entertainment and provocative discussions every hour, with hosts from Europe, North America and Asia. Our aim: empower the rebel to be able to create positive change, understanding the considerable risks and challenges that will arise.

On May 30-31, 2013, Rebels at Work and Corporate Rebels United will hold a 24 hour on-line Rebel Jam via WebEx. All you’ll need is to be able to connect to the Internet and clear your calendar. Read More »

Tags: Cisco, events, IBSG, innovation

There’s no doubt that BYOD—“bring your own device”—is a huge and growing phenomenon throughout the world. Recent research by the Cisco^® Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG) looked at BYOD and its economic impact in six countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, India, and Brazil. In these countries alone, the number of BYOD devices is expected to more than double by 2016, to 405 million.

Clearly, introducing all those personal smartphones, tablets, and laptops into the workplace is causing complexity and uncertainty for many businesses. There is a strong appetite for BYOD, but our research shows that implementation has been largely reactive, resulting in a patchwork of ad-hoc capabilities and policies. Without a comprehensive approach, most companies are not realizing the potential value of BYOD—especially small or midsize businesses that do not have the IT resources or sophistication to manage all that complexity.

Enter the service provider (SP). BYOD opens the door to a number of SP opportunities: Read More »

Tags: bring your own device, byod, cloud services, economics, IBSG, Internet Business Solutions Group, managed services, mobility, network optimization, opportunities, Service Provider, SP