Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 06 | Page 73

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology partnership approach with the business customer . Allow employees to select the mobile device , app features and user interface that are most suited to their role and working environment . The average enterprise mobile app development project requires at least 20 personnel , including business heads , developers , project managers , IT and employees . By collaborating and using the same technology standards and requirements , a Mobile Centre of Excellence or Mobile Steering Committee can guide mobile projects across multiple business units , without creating new silos .

4 . Consider the whole app lifecycle Apps require frequent updates and upgrades so choosing an infrastructure that reduces the management burden by enabling updates to be pushed or pulled from the cloud or an enterprise app store will pay dividends . Using an enterprise-grade mobile back-end as a service ( MBaaS ) with an API infrastructure enables legacy systems to be easily accessed by mobile devices . The best mobile app platforms transmit a small filtered set of data from the back-end to avoid overloading the handset .

5 . Take a MAP with you RedMonk analyst , Donnie Berkholz has commented that enterprises need to find ways to speed up their app production . He warns that providers that are not truly cloud-based will find it increasingly difficult to deliver the levels of app agility now required by enterprises .

Selecting a Mobile Application Platform ( MAP ) allows enterprises to plan their mobile app strategies , without worrying about redeveloping code for every new batch of devices or new OS . With some organisations requiring anywhere from 10-100 apps to serve different business units , the time required to build apps can appear prohibitive . The right mobile platform can reduce app development time from six months to just 60-90 days . The key is to reuse application code and back-end services where possible in order to speed integration .

Conclusion It ’ s time to dispel the old myths surrounding mobile app development being too costly , complex and lengthy . Enterprises need to be aware that today ’ s technology allows for the swift creation of apps without vendor lock-ins and without compromising existing IT governance . Agile , open , collaborative and powerful cloud-based mobile application platforms enable bimodal IT and allow enterprises to become mobile-first .

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Aruba , a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company , has announced a new suite of integrated networking software and hardware solutions that enable enterprises to address the digital workplace requirements of GenMobile , today ’ s mobile-savvy workforce , and the escalating connectivity demands of Internet of Things ( IoT ) devices . The new portfolio enables IT teams to anticipate and resolve connectivity problems , and create secure policies to build digital workplaces that are optimised to boost employee productivity .

Legacy networking models were built on the concept of static , wired desktop clients communicating with a pool of internal servers , an approach that is outdated in today ’ s business environment . The proliferation of mobile and IoT devices , as well as cloud-based apps , has caused enterprises to rethink traditional connectivity and mobility requirements to accommodate new workplace behaviour , where collaboration and non-routine schedules have become the new normal . As a result , organisations must adjust their approach to implementing employee-centric services to attract and retain top talent .

Aruba ’ s new set of networking solutions and software-powered approach advance its offering beyond fixed , hardware-focused networking solutions . The new , integrated wired and wireless portfolio , combined with innovations in network management and security , allow IT organisations to design and augment their networks for the digital workplace .

With massive volumes of devices connecting to the network , IT teams require detailed visibility into the access layer - at the user , device , and app level — to keep productivity high and ensure business continuity . Aruba Clarity , a new software module for Aruba AirWave network management , delivers powerful and intuitive forensics so that IT teams can anticipate and quickly resolve connectivity problems before the user is affected , rather than troubleshooting after the fact . www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO

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