Cloud computing is shaping the IT industry. Although sometimes controversial and met with resistance from IT departments, enterprises are adapting the Cloud in order to fully support a mobile workforce. Perpetual internet access will be a requirement not a luxury. The addition of corporate data residing in the cloud coupled with the popularity of smartphones and applications has caused the carriers to aggressively bulk up their macro networks.
Old 2G and current 3G networks are being taxed (and will be eventually shut down), if connectivity is available at all (see AT&T’s coverage highly publicized issues in New York City and San Francisco). Carrier’s are focused on their macro networks and buildings sometimes will be overlooked. Cloud computing combined with 4G networks will bring a new wave of applications and services to make businesses more efficient and truly mobile. Smartphones will take on new abilities like full document editing services, reliable video conferencing, CRM access, reporting tools, and asset monitoring.
