Verizon Business Revamps RAS Platform with Enterprise Mobility as a Service

Event Summary

May 11, 2010 - Verizon Business announces Enterprise Mobility as a Service, providing network-agnostic laptop management and security as a cloud-based Verizon Business hosted offering. The service (available next month in 30 countries) allows IT managers to manage and secure employees’ remote access by automatically installing software updates, IT policies and patches, and provides detailed inventory reports on hardware, software and devices, including wireless cards installed on corporate-owned equipment.

Quick Take

Analytical Summary

• Current Perspective: Positive on Verizon Business’ Enterprise Mobility as a Service as it uncouples network access from its client and management/security software platforms for remote laptops, which removes restrictions from users as access further commoditizes and as MNCs continue to use multiple carriers for 3G and WiFi. The offer also dovetails with Verizon Business’ “cloud” strategy which provides MNCs with network-hosted applications.

• Vendor Importance: High to Verizon Business, which has not released major enhancements to its RAS platform for awhile and needed a refresh. In addition, the company strategically focuses on professional and managed services rather than network services. Uncoupling the RAS software platform from access makes particular sense as Verizon’s remote access footprint is derived from partners’ networks anyway (with the exception of the dial and U.S. 3G access it offers through sister Verizon companies).

• Market Impact: High to the global RAS segment of enterprise mobility as Fiberlink and iPass have launched similar upgrades to their own RAS platforms, now billed as network-agnostic “mobility as a service” initiatives. Competitive facilities-based providers may need to rethink their own RAS value propositions and broaden out their platforms to embrace (Bring Your Own Access) BYOA more fully as the access itself becomes less profitable.

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Competitive Strengths and Weaknesses

Response & Recommendations

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Analytical Perspective

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