The research showed that 54% of European large enterprises spend more on wireless infrastructure than wired. Respondents were also questioned on drivers for wireless adoption and 57% cited their main reason for going wireless as a strategic need for mobility while others included the need to upgrade or replace an existing wired LAN. The research also revealed that 88% of companies expect all their networked equipment to be wireless enabled within three years.
Marco Landi, acting VP and GM at Motorola enterprise mobility business, EMEA, commented: "With budgets being squeezed, companies in every industry sector are looking for ways to become more efficient and mobility gives businesses the means to be more responsive. It is therefore no surprise that the trend is towards all wireless networks. The applications for mobility are endless including, accessing patient data at the bedside, enhancing lessons in schools and tracking whisky casks to name but a few. The truth is that workforces are no longer fixed and employees need to be able to access data on the move, both inside and outside their offices."
The research also found that 76% of companies already have some form of wireless infrastructure in place and almost a fifth of businesses are 'mostly' or 'completely' wireless. Interestingly, the Spanish market appears to be the most advanced when it comes to wireless infrastructure, with 42% of Spanish IT directors who took part in the survey, stating that their organisations have a 'mostly' or 'completely'
wireless LAN today.
"Now that companies are moving towards all wireless networks they need to consider how to get the most from wireless technology," continued Landi. "For instance, wireless networks actually provide an extra level of security over wired networks if configured in the right way. It is of prime importance that organisations perform site surveys to ensure that their wireless coverage meets their business needs; for example, they might need additional access points if they plan to have voice over wireless."
Respondents to the survey were also questioned on any concerns they have on moving towards a completely wireless network. The top two concerns were security (63%) and performance (41%), showing a need for further education on how to secure and get the most from wireless networks.
However, the results showed that as long as these concerns can be addressed, 69% of companies expect to have completely wireless networks in place by 2010.
The research was carried out to understand adoption rates of wireless infrastructure across Europe, expected benefits and any barriers to adoption. The survey was undertaken by Vanson Bourne and questioned 400 IT directors at companies with over 1,000 employees across the UK, France, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain and Nordics.