Intelligent CIO Europe Issue13 | Page 72

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Mobile Technology Technology buyers want to accelerate mobile workforce opportunities ///////////////////////////// T echnology buyers are in favour of spreading the cost of equipping their mobile workforces with notebooks, tablets and handheld devices, research reveals. their mobile workforces’ devices every two to three years. A large number (78%) of UK technology buyers said they would be interested in a subscription-based solution to equip mobile workforces. Buyers said an ‘as-a-Service’ approach for mobile hardware, as opposed to paying out in advance with a large, one-off capital expenditure, would help them to purchase up to date technology more quickly (54%), manage costs better (49%) and free up budget to purchase more accessories (34%). Currently, buyers say their top considerations when purchasing mobile devices for their workforce are cost (72%) and life expectancy of the product (54%). Yet the majority of buyers still expect to replace The new approach of payments for hardware spread over three years at 0% interest, with helpdesk support and secure, end of life disposal was also attractive to buyers for reasons beyond cash flow. Just over half 72 INTELLIGENTCIO (53%) said it would help them to maintain and dispose of devices more effectively and 33% agreed it would be a more secure way of disposing of mobile technology. The service elements buyers most wanted included in the subscription model were: a three-year warranty (65%); a payment plan with 0% interest (46%); and delivery of devices straight to the workplace (46%). Optional extras they were keen to see offered included: insurance (45%); extended standard warranty (43%); accidental damage warranty (43%); accessories (39%); specialist software applications (34%); and a trade-in programme (34%). n www.intelligentcio.com