Burrus is spot on.  Innovation in mobile technology is driving job creation across the mobile industry – from wireless providers to handset makers to software developers.  According to a study sponsored by TechNet, almost 500,000 jobs related to apps development were created in the United States, up from zero in 2007.

The growing demand for mobility among businesses and consumers has increased the need for mobile-related jobs. However, a skill gap exists for many employers. Today’s workforce needs to develop its skills to keep pace with this evolving technology.

Here are some of the hottest jobs in the mobile industry right now:

Mobile app developers

Mobile application downloads and usage has exploded over the last five years. An infographic by Mobile Future indicated that by the end of 2013, we will be downloading two billion iOS and Android apps per week. As the demand for mobile apps surges, so will the need for application developers and programmers.

According to the 2012 jobs report from Elance, an online jobsite that connects businesses with freelancers, demand for programmers with expertise in Android is up 66% and iOS up 60%.  What we are seeing is a growing market, not only for consumer-centric apps, but also for business productivity and security apps.  More and more businesses are developing in-house app stores, as well as purchasing third-apps to control and protect company data being transmitted on both corporate-owned and personally-owned devices.

Mobile network engineers & technicians

Business and consumer appetite for data consumption on mobile devices has skyrocketed and will continue to grow in the coming years. Everyone wants to be able to stream movies, play games online, video chat, and download and share business documents at top speeds.  A study revealed that more than 13,000 jobs were created from broadband investment in Illinois in 2010-2011. That’s why we are seeing carriers like AT&T continue to improve and expand their mobile broadband network.  This expansion is creating a growing demand for network engineers and technicians to design and implement wireless networks, service cell towers, and test and analyze network coverage to ensure contiguous communication and network integrity and quality.

Mobile strategist

According to a recent Integration Developer News survey  of its 78,000 members on Mobile in the Enterprise, 73% do not have a comprehensive mobile strategy. However, a recent infographic by Antenna shows one in three companies are adding mobile strategist roles to help them increase their competitiveness.  Given the pace of mobile adoption, businesses are looking for talent to develop strategies that are scalable and that help them remain on the cutting edge of mobile technology. Whether a company is just getting in the mobile game or expanding on an existing strategy, the role of a marketing strategist is crucial to ensuring long-term business value.

Mobile marketing/advertising

Mobile is becoming increasingly important for marketers.  Whether it is mobile optimized websites, in-game mobile marketing, SMS advertising, or QR codes on print ads, big and small brands alike are jumping on the bandwagon to reach customers where they spend a considerable amount of time – on their mobile devices. With mobile poised to become a major marketing platform, we will continue to see even more demand for marketers with expertise in this area.

How can the mobile industry ensure that the workforce is equipped with the right skills to fill these positions? What training is offered by your organization? We’d like to hear from you.

The type of device you carry as a business professional really depends on a few factors: business need, personal preference, and your IT department’s ability to support if you are planning to use a personal device for work purposes.

What type of business professional are you?

No fuss business professional

Just about every business professional carries some type of mobile device.  For those that take short day trips and want to avoid the hassle at the airport, a smartphone such as the BlackBerry Bold 9900 may be ideal. You can check email and appointments, participate in conference calls, and  access corporate networks and the internet.  An obvious limitation to a smartphone is the miniature keyboard and small screen size, thus limiting mobile computing capabilities. If you plan on typing long emails or doing more word processing, a tablet device or smartphone-tablet hybrid with PC-like performance is a better option.

Agile road warrior

Road warriors are constantly on the go. They live out of a suitcase and pack only what is essential to streamline life for business travel.  Although smartphones are a staple for that businessman or woman on the road, the larger screen size makes tablets and lighter, slim-framed laptops more attractive to road warriors needing to access business apps, create and edit documents, stream product demos, and deliver customer presentations.

Flexible telecommuter

More and more companies are adopting telecommuting programs to help reduce real-estate and overhead cost, support sustainability efforts, and increase employee morale and productivity.  While smartphones and tablets are the hottest technology products right now, laptops and notebook PCs are still very relevant – at least for the short term.  The new breed of laptop and notebook PCs with their high processing speed and storage capacity make these devices ideal for employees that work from home on a part-time or full-time basis.

Choosing the device is only half the battle. Organizations have embraced mobile technology as way to get more done; however, just as important as the device is the need for adequate connection and coverage. Workers need secure and reliable voice and data coverage, whether broadband or WiFi, both in their local area and the places they may travel to.  Selecting the right carrier goes a long way in ensuring that business users are able to service customers and get their job done anywhere, regardless of the device.

What mobile device are you using for work? What are your favorite features and what are its shortcomings?

Fast-forward to recent years, and cell phones have evolved into smart, mobile computing devices. The mobile enterprise landscape looks very different than it did a few years ago. Now, everyone from the repair technician, to the flight attendant, to the warehouse clerk is demanding access to information and business applicationsvia smartphone, tablet, laptop or other mobile device to perform their duties more efficiently, and many of these devices are self-purchased.

In some ways, developing a mobile strategy is like the old chicken-and-egg conundrum: do you provide employees with company-supplied devices or allow them to bring their own? If they bring their own, do you establish access and usage rules before the technology is deployed or do you wait and see what situations arise?

According to an IDC survey sponsored by Unisys, 95% of respondents indicated that they have used self-purchased technology for work purposes.  Organizations are deploying a diverse selection of company-owned devices including iPhones, iPads, Androids, and BlackBerry smartphones due to pressure from employees. Mobile cloud computing technology is also gaining acceptance in the enterprise space.  As a result of these trends, businesses are faced with the challenge of securing and managing a diverse portfolio of mobile devices from a variety of operating systems without compromising their IT infrastructure.

A mobile strategy goes beyond providing access to a calendar and email. Remote and mobile workers need access to critical business and other productivity apps, and depending upon their role in the company, some employees require access to social media sites to post communications and monitor customer feedback.

But how do you control who to give access and to what applications and websites? How do you keep company and personal data separate when implementing a BYOD program? How do you solve for security breaches and compliance risks?

The need to extend the enterprise to mobile employees securely, no matter where they are, and to make sure it works using a variety of devices can be quite challenging for IT departments.  Today’s highly complex mobile ecosystem requires a holistic and future-proof strategy.

To help shed light on this topic that is so important to enterprise and SMBs, Strategy Analytics and AT&T will explore the current trends that are shaping the enterprise mobility space and their impact to your organization in their live virtual event November 6, 2012 starting at 2 p.m. ET/11a.m. PT.

Join guest speaker Kevin Burden, Director of Mobility at Strategy Analytics, and mobility experts from AT&T for this live panel discussion. Register today to get practical advice on developing a mobile lifecycle management strategy for your organization.

In the meantime, what issues would you like to see discussed? Are you facing your own chicken-or-the-egg conundrum in developing an approach to mobile strategy?

Smartphones have become a major computing platform.  According to Visiongain, by 2016, almost every employee will have a smartphone that supports e-mail, can access the Internet and install a variety of applications. With employees using their devices to access password protected corporate networks, download unauthorized apps, and access unencrypted Wi-Fi network, these devices have huge security implications for businesses, large and small.

Rising Security Threats

Mobile security threats are heating up. Just like their predecessors, desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets have become vulnerable to cyber security attacks. Mobile threats come in many forms, including smishing (SMS Phishing), data breach, viruses, and malware. Businesses are at risk when employees try to access non-secure, rogue apps that conceal malware that can steal confidential information.  Cyber criminals also target smartphone users by smishing, a mobile phone security attack though which users are sent text messages with a link from what appears to be a reputable source. They are hoping users will click on the link and download a Trojan horse, virus or other malware onto their phones in order to steal their information.

Fragmented OS Landscape

The mobile OS landscape is fragmented and the level of security varies by device manufacturer.  As a result, there are management and control gaps that need to be address by IT departments.  We are seeing progress in securing and managing mobile devices with safer OS, hardware, and applications. However, as new devices are launched, attackers continue to adopt more sophisticated techniques to infiltrate these devices. Despite the risks, mobile devices are here to stay. They have become an important part of companies’ business processes.

Ensuring Maximum Mobile Protection

CIOs are responsible for protecting business sensitive data (i.e. customer and financial information) and intellectual property that are disseminated and accessed electronically. They must also comply with regulatory mandates and guidelines for securing mobile devices in the enterprise. The BYOD phenomenon adds an extra layer of complexity as far as data segregation and filtering are concerned. The best line of defense is for companies to employ a comprehensive and holistic mobile security lifecycle management strategy that supports varied mobile operating systems and secures their enterprise networks and mobile assets (both company-issued and personally-owned) without robbing users of the convenience that they expect from a mobile work option.

Check out this video and get tips from Dr. Ed Amoroso, AT&T Chief Security Officer on rolling out a mobile security platform:

What is your business doing differently with the advent of mobile opportunities and threats? What are you doing to keep your business-sensitive data safe?

A common perception is that the Android OS lacks robust security features business customers want to see before they adopt this platform in large numbers.  Among IT managers’ concerns are data security on the device, apps and API permissions, and enterprise support.  Smartphones are frequently lost or stolen, thus increasing the risk of exposing sensitive data.

Many may not be aware, but a lot of progress has been made to boost Android devices’ readiness for enterprise. Device manufacturers are making Android devices more secure by delivering enterprise-friendly capabilities above and beyond the standard Android platform features. AT&T also offers a suite of mobile device management and security solutions that makes Android devices more appealing to corporations that need to be able to manage devices closely.

To help shed light on this key topic of interest to enterprise users, 451 Research and AT&T will explore some of those initiatives in their May 24 live virtual event starting at 2pm ET/11am PT.  Attendees will also be able to visit the virtual showroom to learn about devices and solutions and participate in live chat with AT&T experts.

Presenters will include:

• Chris Hazelton – Mobile and Wireless Research Director at 451 Research
• Hamish Caldwell – Executive Director, AT&T Business Solutions Product Management

Topics to be covered include:

• Android trends in the enterprise
• Steps device manufacturers are taking to make Android devices more enterprise-friendly
• What solutions does AT&T offer to give IT Administrators peace of mind when managing Android devices in the enterprise?

 Who should attend?

Business, Government, and IT professionals from small, medium, and large organizations who are involved in the purchase decision as well as the design and implementation of mobility solutions.

Attend this event to learn more on how you can adopt and support Android within the enterprise. Register today!

Although I can do the same activities on my BlackBerry® Torch smartphone, because of the form factor and screen size, I find it much easier to read online magazines, respond to emails and catch up on the news using my tablet.  Plus, it saves me from having to stop at the airport newsstand to purchase magazines and newspapers for my trip. My Playbook conveniently fits in my purse and the usability is well worth the investment.

Led by the iPad, consumer sales of tablet devices have skyrocketed…thus helping drive the growth and demand among business users.  According to Infinite Research, tablet shipments to enterprise customers are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 48% with shipments rising from 13.6 million units in 2011 to 96 million units in 2016. Tablets have revolutionized the media landscape and its rapid adoption in the enterprise will help mobile and remote workers to be more productive and drive value back to the business.

Why the growth of tablet technology in the enterprise? Tablet adoption in the enterprise is happening for a number of reasons:

1. Growing mobile workforce

More and more employees are being asked to travel or work from remote locations. They need to be able to access corporate networks, cloud computing systems, and enterprise applications to better serve the needs of their customers and constituents. Enterprise adoption of tablets is occurring in areas such as Healthcare, Education, Retail, and Financial Services. They are enabling organizations to increase productivity, improve customer service, and save time and money.

Tablets make it easier for physicians making rounds at hospitals to interact with patients, salespeople delivering presentations to share product demos, repair technicians needing to access diagrams and instructions for repairs and sanitation engineers to receive route information in near real-time. Education institutions like Abilene Christian University are using mobile technology such as tablets to transform the classroom and prepare students for the workforce of the 21^st century.  According to Gartner Research Vice-President, David Willis, by 2013, 80 percent of businesses will support a workforce using tablets.

2. BYOD Demand

Companies are being pressured by employees and senior executives to open their networks to consumer devices. The proliferation of these devices has resulted in iPads and other tablets gaining popularity in business settings.  They are using them to access corporate emails, calendars, CRM, and other business resources. According to a report by research firm Strategy Analytics, 61% of U.S. corporations have found that their employees are already using tablets for work purposes, whether they have been formally purchased by the company or not.  IT departments are being force to embrace consumer devices like tablets in the enterprise and must set policies to deliver and secure sensitive corporate information for both employee-owned and corporate-liable devices.

3. Usability

A tablet provides a more streamlined experience for mobile users than laptops and it is more of a computing platform than a smartphone.  It is a great form factor for document editing and perfect for presentations, email, content consumptions and other communications.  A tablet device instantly boots up and is more portable and has a longer battery life than the average laptop.

The tablet revolution has created both a challenge and an opportunity for the enterprise.  They allow organizations to mobilize business processes, and boost employee productivity and efficiency.  However, security is a big concern for IT departments.  With the burgeoning list of devices and the growing fragmentation of operating systems, support is also top of mind. The security issue can be addressed through password enforcement, mobile device management tools, and hardware and data encryption.  IT departments must also figure out how to integrate and support the diverse operating systems seamlessly and economically.

Will tablets replace laptops in the enterprise or are they a companion device?  How are you using your Tablet?  We look forward to hearing from you.

Do Android devices include core productivity and security features that business customers require to adopt them in the enterprise? The Android OS has definitely come a long way since its original release and now addresses some of the needs of the enterprise IT manager. With additional enhancements by device manufacturers such as Motorola and Samsung, some of the newer Android devices now offer solid enterprise capabilities that significantly advance enterprise mobility.

Enterprise Friendly

With the release of Android 2.2 (aka Froyo) the Android OS boasts a fuller integration with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (EAS). EAS offers push synchronization of business contact, calendar, task, and email enabling greater productivity of mobile workers while on the go. Froyo also included application data backup, allowing IT managers to backup and restore corporate applications and data if the device is reset or a user upgrades to a new Android-powered device. Another feature introduced on Android 2.2 is Cloud-to-Device Messaging.  Cloud-to-Device Messaging allows IT managers to send “lightweight” data messages from their servers to their applications on Android devices. For example an Operations Manager can send critical work order updates to field technicians, which are directly pushed to their device.  This can help technicians better serve the needs of their customers and improve service revenue.

The latest version of Android, 4.0 (aka “Ice Cream Sandwich”) includes new features and functionality that can help improve efficiency for business workers.  Some of these enhancements include improved copy and paste, voice typing enhancements and a new calendar UI that make navigating calendar pages easier and more intuitive.  They also have added a new screenshot feature that makes it easier for business users to not only share images of webpages, but also capture error images and send them to their IT administrator.  This can be used to diagnose and resolve technical issues from the road.

Security and Device Management

A must for Enterprise IT departments is helping ensurethat their remote workforce has reliable and security enhanced access to corporate data when in the field. The Android OS boosts security policy enforcement and centralized management capabilities. The Android OS device policy management APIs allow IT departments to write applications that can control security features of the device such as remote wipe, minimum password, and lockscreen timeout through an exchange server.

For example, there are numeric pin or alphanumeric password options to unlock a device, enable remote tracking, and the ability to remotely manage standard application load sets for mobile devices. Exchange administrators can remotely reset the device to factory defaults to secure data in case the device is lost or stolen. In addition, the latest version of  Android 4.0 supports full on-device data encryption and includes facial recognition technology.  This feature allows a user to look into their phone’s camera to unlock it, rather than typing in a code to pass the lock screen.

Some have expressed concern about the ability to use the facial recognition with only a picture of the registered user. This technology is in the early stages and will undoubtedly go through much more testing before it is certified to be truly “enterprise worthy.”

Even with these enhancements, IT administrators, continue to have concerns.  As a result, Motorola and Samsung have taken steps to make their devices enterprise-ready.  The Motorola® ATRIX™ 2 and Samsung® Captivate Glide™ from AT&T comes with on-device encryption and SD card encryption. Motorola and Samsung have also integrated VPN (Virtual Private Network) and device management software into these devices, giving IT departments enhanced protection and management of the device as well as any applications installed on it.  In addition, Mobile Remote Access Services (MRAS) from AT&T provides added security that helps keep mobile workers connected to corporate applications and resources using almost any wireless device.

Business Applications

Businesses using Android devices can streamline employee productivity and improve service delivery with mobile business applications.  Mobile applications such as WorkBench, Pronto Forms, and Xora GPS TimeTrack from AT&T are now available for download on the Android market. With these apps, organizations can extend access to core back-office systems, allowing mobile workers to capture and update information while in the field and providing management with real-time access to field operations.

The Android Market also offers enterprise users tons of cool business apps that can help increase efficiency of their mobile workers.  A few of my personal favorite apps include Docs to Go , Scan2 PDF, Cab4Me, and Cashbook.

Docs to Go allows users to view and edit their Microsoft Office documents including PowerPoint on their device. Business users can save documents as a .pdf file and email them to customers or corporate office from the road using the Scan2 PDF app. With the Cab4Me app mobile workers can find cab companies on their GPS location including user reviews and contact information. There is no need to wait to get back to the office to track your business expenses. Cashbook allows users to easily enter and track business expenses from the field and it comes with password protection.

The Android OS by itself is not ready for Enterprise; however, some device manufacturers have invested heavily in filling the gaps of the stock Android platform to provide a truly enterprise ready experience.

So, what do you think?  What apps are most beneficial to you on your Android?  What features of your Android do you find in the “can’t live without it” category?  We look forward to hearing from you.

Curlis loves helping enterprise and small business customers find ways to enhance business processes with mobile technology.  She recognizes the increased importance of mobility in today’s fast-changing environment.  For many organizations, a mobile strategy isn’t just about increased productivity; it’s an essential part of their growth plan and competitive advantage. Curlis enjoys the challenge of helping others understand how to gain a strategic advantage by deploying mobile solutions, while maintaining top-notch security.

Curlis, who grew up in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, admits she pines for home during the Washington, D.C. winters, but she enjoys her job and believes in the potential of mobile technologies to transform the enterprise, as well as areas like government, education, and healthcare.

Curlis earned an MBA from Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in International Business from College of Notre Dame in Maryland.

She looks forward to crafting blog posts on mobility and other technologies that empower people to get more done from just about anywhere.