Understanding Information Worker Smartphone Usage

Understanding how information workers use smartphones and applications enables marketing executives across the mobile value chain to successfully develop products and services to address the needs of these workers. Currently, 13% of information workers use smartphones for work at least weekly, and we expect this segment to grow significantly as more employees work away from their desk or telecommute. Many information workers purchase and use smartphones that are not approved or supported by the IT department, creating security concerns for IT professionals. Information workers are going beyond vanilla email, calendar, and personal information management (PIM) applications, tapping into mobile application stores or operator portals to try out instant messaging, productivity apps, and location-based services. To take advantage of the fast-growing number of information workers relying on smartphones, business application categories must be clearly identified on mobile app store sites. Device manufacturers and mobile operators must ensure smartphone features and functionality address both personal and professional user needs.