Enterprises are getting into the how phase

How is the Enterprise Mobile Application Market in India faring
in terms of market size, growth rate and players?

Enterprise applications market is classified into four broad categories,
namely applications on PDAs/smart-phones/Java phones, SMS-based services, push
email services (like BlackBerry) and GPRS-based services. In our view, the total
market size for enterprise mobile applications will be about Rs 200 crore with
key players like ValueFirst, Air2web, ACL Wireless, and Cellnext.

How is the Indian market when compared to others? How does it
differ from the rest?

There are multiple issues and challenges around adoption of mobility
applications in the Indian market. There is the case of multiple OS, for
instance Nokia comes with Series (40/60/90); Microsoft with Mobile OS, PalmOne
and a number of Linux-based OS have increased complexity of development and
deployment of mobile applications. There is often little or no support for
launching and promoting device-independent applications by mobile operators.
Also, there is the case of low RoI for application developer for the Indian
market. And finally, stand-alone applications are available with little
post-sales services backing.

Of all the applications, like SFA, CRM, SCM, and email, which
are the ones that are most popular?

According to me, SFA and CRM are the most popular in terms of
customer-centric applications. On the enterprise side, ERP, manufacturing and HR
are the most popular. Overall, email and the Internet remains to be the most
popular domain in terms of adoption.

What is ValueFirsts strategy for the market?

Customer education has been a challenge in the past. However, now
enterprises are getting over the what phase, and getting into the how
phase. The next phase will be how better.

Shashwat Chaturvedi

maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in