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Businesses Balk at Hidden Costs of Mobile Devices, According to SupportSoftReal Cost of a Single PDA Can Be 15 Times Original Price Due to Support ExpenseREDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Companies are discovering that the real costs for an enterprise adopting widespread use of handheld mobile devices for its employees may quickly outstrip the benefits, according to SupportSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPRT - News), the world's leading provider of support automation software. Thirteen million PDAs were purchased last year in the United States alone*. While the average cost of a PDA is about $200, Gartner states that the total cost of business ownership, including administration and support, for a single device is about $3,000 per year. Gartner further estimates that the annual cost increases to $4,342 for more complex devices with wireless services.To reap the full benefits of a mobile workforce and to ensure that the costs associated with technology don't outweigh the benefits, many companies are turning to support automation software. This includes Web-based solutions that can lower mobile workforce costs by reducing manual steps in the support process via self-service, as well as accelerate problem solving when assisted support is required. Support automation software can boost remote worker productivity and enables users to solve their own technical problems whether online or off. The result is that mobile workers have immediate access to IT support when they need it most. "Enterprises realize that the advantages offered by a remote workforce make adoption of new, mobile technologies a competitive necessity," said Bruce Mowery, vice president of marketing of SupportSoft, Inc. "But the full benefits of mobility will come to a stop if corporations can't affordably keep the technology up and running. Support automation software can ensure that mobile workers stay productive, significantly lower costs for the enterprise and drive higher performance for individuals and the company alike." While the popularity of mobile devices has been employee-driven in many enterprises, META Group believes that this will change over the next three to five years. By 2007, it expects 25-30% of enterprises to be deploying PDAs and nearly all will have a formalized support plan for users to be effective**. Tony Rodoni, vice president of SupportSoft, will be speaking on mobile support automation at this week's Planet PDA Conference at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, CA. His workshop will take place on Tuesday, September 24th from 8:30am - 11:30am (PT). For further information on this event, please visit www.support.com/news/events/events.asp . For further information on SupportSoft's Mobile Device Assistant, SupportSoft's knowledge automation solution for the mobile worker, please visit www.supportsoft.com . Gartner, "The True Costs and Benefits of Mobile Wireless Devices", P. Redman, May 2002 META Group, "Planning Mobile Deployments", August 2002 About SupportSoft SupportSoft (Nasdaq: SPRT - News) is the world's leading provider of support automation software. SupportSoft's patented software platform allows businesses to automate and personalize the support they provide to their customers, partners and employees, helping them reduce costs and drive user satisfaction. Global 2000 companies using SupportSoft's software include corporate enterprises like GE, Cisco Systems, BT and Schlumberger, plus OEMs and service providers like IBM, Sony, CSC, Comcast and BellSouth. SupportSoft has offices worldwide, and more information is available at www.supportsoft.com . This press release contains forward-looking statements, including the statements about the expected rate and usage of PDAs within an enterprise, are subject to significant risks and uncertainties including but not limited to the rapid pace of technological change. Additional risks and uncertainties are set forth in SupportSoft's SEC filings. SupportSoft assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release. Editorial Contact: Joi Deaser SupportSoft 650.556-8930 joi@support.com top of page |
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