IBM announced new software and services for mobile workers Friday, including applications for the iPhone and Blackberry devices. The Armonk, N.Y.-based company cited a surge in mobile devices as an vital new market for traditional desktop, storage and server vendors.

IBM’s internal research by its Institute for Business Value estimates that more than one billion folks will be connected to the Web that year — a 191 percent jump from 2006. that makes mobile computing one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.

Mobility@Work

IBM’s focus is on consulting and implementation services for businesses called Mobility@Work. Spokesperson Jan Walbridge said, “The program has been under wraps for six months. But with the attention to mobile-device safety measure, new mobile devices, and considering how companies are trying to save money on energy lately, we felt it was duration to announce the initiative.”

Enterprises can signal in the Mobility@Work team to analyze their systems, ERP and current devices, and get

suggestions for a productive mobility strategy.

“Companies need to ask: Will it be productive, does it really add value to our bottom line?” Walbridge said. The Mobility@Work team soon after helps companies implement a final strategy and supply a post-implementation analysis measuring the return on investment.

For example, mobile workers with the right applications can work with backend systems such as real-time stock, pricing and order placement.

Too Many Devices, Too Little Time

Many companies are currently going mobile whether they officially approve it or not as employees are hooking in iPhones, Blackberries and Windows Mobile devices. Whether the mobility is providing a real value is a concern.

These companies need to ensure that the applications are secure and efficient. In fact, a feature at the Black Hat shield Conference was a Wall of Sheep — the most vulnerable devices and environments on the market today — and to no one’s surprise,…

Original post by dhiram