The UK has the largest mobile workforce in Europe and the number of European mobile workers is set to surge from 8 million in 2001 to 20 million by 2005, an IDC* report revealed. The report commissioned by Novell, a leader in eBusiness solutions and Net services software, predicts a €13.5 billion (US$12.3 billion) growth in European mobile eBusiness services spending over the next 4 years as employees move towards remote working. The white paper reveals a growing demand for 'Mobile Hospitality' services that enable mobile workers to work as effectively whilst on the road as they do in the office.

The need for value-added mobile services, such as Internet printing and simplified network access facilities, is creating new revenue opportunities for travel and leisure establishments. The services are made available through Visitor Based Networking (VBN) technology which provides high-speed access services, secure network log-in facilities, and connectivity wherever and whenever the mobile guests require it. Service providers for the business travel market, such as hotel groups, airlines and conference centres, have the potential to retain guests for longer periods, enhance customers' experience and satisfaction and generate new forms of revenue.

Further findings of the report reveal the UK has the largest number of mobile workers in Europe and is expected to grow from 2.3 million in 2001 (8% of the British workforce) to a high of 4.8 million in 2005. But the highest percentage of European mobile workers in relation to population will be concentrated in Sweden - increasing from 0.5 million to 0.9 million by 2005 (from 12% to 23% of the total Swedish population). The largest growth will occur in Germany - rising from 1.5 million to 4.1 million mobile workers

January.2002

Novel