Applications for data centric mobile communications technology are expanding rapidly and as a result the buying cycle has become a strategic corporate decision rather than an administrative task. O2’s data business has experienced explosive growth, with data related connections increasing by over 300 per cent in six months. This growth is being driven by corporate customers looking for solutions to meet a number of different drivers:
To enable the flexible workforce – Access to applications will improve productivity and help meet environmental concerns. According to recent research[1] from Affiniti, 40 per cent of the UK’s work force felt that working flexibly would help reduce transport and congestion. A further 37 per cent felt that it was an effective way to increase staff motivation and productivity.
Sally Fuller, Director of Lines of Business for Affiniti, said: “This recognition from O2 as a Centre of Excellence Data Partner is important to Affiniti. The support they are offering will help us to extend and further develop the mobile data solutions and services we offer customers. We have seen massive growth in data centric connection services to customers, driven by advances in the use of mobile communications technology, and O2’s robust GSM/GPRS network helps us to deliver these services to our customers’ advantage.”
Ben Dowd, O2 UK’s general manager – business sales, commented: “Affiniti already has a well developed strategy for mobile data solutions and is a specialist in this field. Affiniti knows the data market and will help O2 to understand and meet its business customer needs.”
Affiniti is one of an exclusive group of top UK business partners working closely with O2 to develop mobile data expertise. Members will gain from a range of benefits across key business functions, for example marketing, training, and recruitment of high-calibre data specialists.
The Data Centre of Excellence is also supported by RIM and Nokia.