As Internet-ready mobile devices storm the market and threaten to surpass the global human population by the end of 2013 and cellular communication between machines and sensors trigger the M2M segment, it seems that we have a lot to celebrate about, but is that actually so?
Well, the answer is yes and no, for while this tremendous surge in mobility does pose challenges in terms of complexity and focus, it’s also a tremendous opportunity to integrate marketing and create meaningful relationships with consumers, prospects and customers- at least, according to new research by Cisco (News - Alert).
Cisco research indicates that the growth of mobile devices will tip seven billion and attributes this to the mobility surge in developing areas of Asia, the Pacific and Africa, and also to the growth in Internet-connected "smart metering" monitors that are being ubiquitously used across a wide spectrum of industry.
Further, mobile connection speeds increased by more than double in 2012, reaching an average of 526 kilobits per second, expected to surpass one megabit per second in 2014. As this further increases the capability of smartphones and tablets, there may well be a corresponding increase in mobile devices and mobile data services.
So, what we have on our hands is a heavily loaded Internet infrastructure threatening to burst at the seams. But, is there a silver lining? Cisco thinks so, as this is likely to encourage providers to move to the next-generation IPV6 system, which in turn will help more people to simultaneously connect to the Internet.
But, how prepared are we in terms of mobile infrastructure, portability and interoperability. These and several unanswered questions will be the point of focus at Mobile Engage, the IAB's flagship mobile marketing conference to be held on 16 May, 2013.
The IAB, which brings digital thought leaders together, will explore the challenges and opportunities of the mobile revolution and how to meet the needs of today’s mobile majority.
Edited by Brooke Neuman