Further delivers on total communication provider strategy
Vodafone UK today announces the launch of the Vodafone Applications Service – a new offering that mobilises enterprise applications onto mobile smart devices. The Vodafone Applications Service includes pre-sales consultancy, delivery and integration as well as support for the entire solution which can comprise any combination of devices, network, middleware and the customer’s enterprise application.
The service launches with support for leading enterprise applications including - Salesforce.com, Oracle, SAP, Siebel and Remedy, as well as bespoke systems and is delivered, billed and supported directly by Vodafone UK.
Key benefits to customers from mobilising their applications include:
- Streamlined processes, time savings and increased efficiencies resulting in improved customer service and productivity for mobile workers (e.g. like mobile email, employees can benefit from accessing key applications when on the move)
- Reduced costs as a result of replacing paper-based systems and improved sales and service cycles (e.g. receipts and emails can be automatically generated, invoices can be issued more quickly)
- The opportunity to maximise previous IT and mobile device investment as applications become more valuable business tools through increased usage, enriched and more up-to-date data
- Improved two-way communication giving non-mobile workers immediate access to mobile workers’ data updates and ensuring users interact with the most up to date information, wherever they are
The Vodafone Applications Service is implemented and supported by a team of Enterprise Mobility Solutions specialists within Vodafone UK that examine specific customer needs and develop solutions for large-scale enterprise applications that have not been specifically designed for the mobile environment. The specialists can also provide mobile access to legacy or bespoke applications on a project basis.
End users benefit from the ability to interact remotely with their business applications from a range of BlackBerry, Pocket PC or Symbian devices. The client interface is designed in each case to provide only the necessary functions of the application that the user needs, optimising efficiency and keeping data transfer to a minimum. An intuitive user interface is also designed for the form factor and navigation of the device to be used (e.g. Windows Mobile stylus or BlackBerry Trackwheel).
Kyle Whitehill, Enterprise Business Unit Director, Vodafone UK, said: “This is an important part of our ongoing strategy to service the total communications needs of our enterprise customers. Through the Vodafone Applications Service, we are helping our customers maximise the benefits of their investments in enterprise software with a new service that combines applications, access and service in one complete package.”
Vodafone continues to extend its capability in the mobile applications arena. In December Vodafone UK acquired Aspective, the market-leading systems integration and enterprise applications vendor. This complementary acquisition allows Vodafone to benefit from Aspective’s extensive experience in delivering CRM, Field Service Automation and Business Intelligence solutions. This means that for the first time, a mobile network operator can offer customers a complete end-to-end solution, including the device, connectivity, mobile application, integration and the enterprise application itself, or as a fully managed service if required.
These developments are complementary to the evolution of the established and successful partner programme, Vodafone Applications Portfolio, which has grown to incorporate a range of back-office application offerings, productivity applications and a variety of mobile-enabling technologies including the Vodafone Applications Service, Appswing and partner solutions.