Motorola Solutions announced the launch of the ET1 tablet,
its first of an emerging category of enterprise-class tablet computers designed
for a variety of industries.
The ET1 features enhanced durability, an optional barcode
scanner and magnetic stripe reader, hot-swappable battery packs, and secure
system software. Key industrial-strength accessories such as secure multi-slot
recharging stations are also available.
Built for demanding day-long use, the Wi-Fi-enabled ET1 is
based on log-in information and is password-protected for easy sharing and
instant provisioning for each employee according to his or her level of
responsibility and access rights, and for control and monitor use of approved
applications to help ensure on-the-job productivity is not compromised.
Retailers can seamlessly and securely run a variety of
applications developed by Motorola’s extensive partner and independent software
vendor (ISV) community.
ET1 runs an enterprise-ready hardened version of the Android
operating system designed to be used 24 x 7 by multiple staff members.
Motorola ETI tablet will compete with Cisco Cius. The seven-inch, Android-based Cius is designed with Cisco’s
existing customer base in mind. Cisco has an enterprise app store, AppHQ. This
new service addresses many of the concerns of business and IT managers, but its
Cius-only focus limits its utility and value.
The market for hard IP phones is estimated to be 15 -18
units this year, and Cisco’s device will
account for approximately one-third of this number. However, with knowledge workers
in particular abandoning their feature phones in favor of the smartphone and
contact center managers eyeing up the thin-client market, Cisco needs to come
up with a convincing replacement device that is able to satisfy the needs of
the business as well as the end user, according to Ovum.
The Cius presents a reasonably good replacement for an
IP-based feature phone. Key features of the device include support for the
company’s high-end video conferencing system and tight integration with its
business social software, Cisco Quad. However, perhaps the most alluring
feature of the Cius is its ability to replace the traditional desktop PC
through the use of virtualized desktop infrastructure (VDI).
Motorola’s sales in the enterprise segment
were $726 million, an increase of 13 percent from Q3 of 2010, which was led by
growth in our enterprise mobile computing and wireless LAN portfolios.
Mobile computing, Motorola’s largest product segment within
Enterprise, grew at double digits. The third quarter was a record revenue
quarter for this business as customers around the world deploy its mobile
computing solutions to streamline their costs, enhance their top line and drive
business transformation.
Motorola is tapping several segments for ET1 tablet. During
Q3 2011, demand for its enterprise mobile computing solutions among customers
in transportation and logistics was strong. It won deals with Posten Logistik
Group in Sweden for 10,000 MC65 units and with DHL in France for 1,500 units of
the MC9500 series enabled with proof-of-delivery applications.
Cisco is already ahead of Motorola in the tablet space.
Verizon announced it
is combining the power of its 4G LTE network with the Cisco Cius to help
customers decentralize and accelerate decision-making for better business
outcomes.
The Cisco Cius will be available to Verizon enterprise and
government customers around the world later this summer, and those located
domestically will be able to combine the device with a Verizon Wireless 4G LTE
mobile hot spot.
Motorola’s ET1 tablet will be available from fourth quarter
of 2011, with Motorola’s Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage
program for normal wear and tear as well as accidental damage to internal and
external components, significantly reducing unforeseen repair expenses.
As a mobile computing leader, we serve many enterprise
customers across many industry verticals and work closely with IT managers to
address their concerns. We see the rise of the mobile worker as one key
emerging trend businesses need to prepare for,” said Phey Teck Moh,
corporate vice president, Motorola Solutions Asia Pacific.
Industry forecast is that some 36 percent of workers will
become mobile by 2013 around the world. This makes managing total cost of
ownership and lifecycle support key concerns in business buying decisions when
considering next generation mobile solutions.
Supported by Motorola’s portfolio of enterprise-grade
software modules including RhoElements, a new HTML5 application enablement
framework, businesses can now quickly and cost-effectively develop enterprise
applications once and deploy them on both traditional Windows Embedded Handheld
and Android-based Motorola devices.
The ET1 will give enterprise users the familiar experience
of a consumer tablet in a sleek package, with all the enterprise must-haves
such as applications, durability, security, device management whether they are
from retail, logistics, supply-chain, healthcare or other industry segments.
Both Motorola and Cisco will compete in the enterprise
market space for grabbing market share. Cisco is more close to their customers.
Both are known for quality offerings. But enterprises look for bringing down
cost of ownership.
By Baburajan K
[email protected]
