2010 will be a key transition year at the start of the mobile decade — not only will we start moving toward more mainstream mobile services audiences but a strategic shift will also take place. Companies of all shapes and sizes as well as governments and local authorities will start integrating mobile into their overall approach, rather than simply launching a few mobile initiatives. Expect new application stores and mobile payment solutions, significant innovation in the mobile social and location spaces, and another round of interest in mobile TV for the FIFA World Cup. One big question will remain: Will fragmentation be reduced? Unfortunately, the answer is no: It is here to stay. That's why everyone needs a mobile strategy in 2010.

With temperatures of -15 hitting most of the UK last week it became a struggle to beat the freeze while local authorities battled to keep the roads and schools open.

Temperature’s plummeted and people across the UK battled treacherous condition’s igroup battled to keep working through the week. However, with remote access, SharePoint and mobile working allowed igroup’s Chester office to perform as normal as many employees struggled to get to work.   

Chris, head of operations managed to struggle into work all through last week while the rest of the team dared not to brave the weather. Below are the snowy scenes from our Chester office.

Although ice, freezing fog and up to 11 inches of snow hit the UK igroup’s staff could work and continue as normal from their homes. As many organisations were struggling to keep to productivity levels normal remote working is a way forward. By employing a remote and mobile working philosophy productivity continues no matter what the weather and ensures that your business doesn’t lose out. During the decade employers will become even more flexible to suit our changing weather conditions and daily lives.

Anytime, anywhere working with mobile solutions and SharePoint keep’s ‘business as normal’.

Forrester have announced what mobility trends can we expect to see in 2010.Forrester, believe that 4G networks will continue to grow, along with the deployment of mobile apps. Devices based on Google's Android operating system may capture up to 10 percent market share. Employees will pressure IT departments to support their personal smartphones and other devices for business use. In addition, cloud-based apps that support the mobile workforce will become more popular.

In 2009, most companies reduced new technology investments in response to the uncertain global economic recession. However, the enterprise mobility picture was more positive as many firms continued to pursue mobility solutions to help them cut costs, improve worker productivity, and enhance business process efficiencies. We predict a more stable economic environment in 2010 and expect mobile network operators to implement programs to drive application development for fourth-generation (4G) and long-term evolution (LTE) networks not only for consumers but also for business. In addition, expect increased vendor and service provider focus on offering machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions to improve business process efficiencies in specific industries (e.g., healthcare, utilities, and the supply chain). More employees will also bring personally selected and purchased mobile devices (e.g., Android smartphones) into the office and use them for work-related mobile applications.

So 2010 is set to be a good year for paper forms to be brought into the new decade by being used electronically.