Voice remains "killer app" of Australian business: IDC

The study titled "Australian Business Mobile and Wireless Usage and Preference, 2004: Are We There Yet?" states that most Australian businesses are not taking "full advantage" of wireless technology despite the proliferation of technology and availability.

The report also described Australian businesses' present attitude towards the emerging 3G technology as "lukewarm". However, senior analyst for mobile and wireless solutions, Warren Chaisatien, says there is "encouraging signs of businesses taking wireless technology to the next level".

"We are also witnessing rising corporate WLAN deployment, impressive adoption rates for converged devices and smartphones, and very strong intentions to turn SMS and MMS into business tools, and to mobilise 'second wave' applications, like CRM, workforce and sales force automation," said Chaisatien.

IDC predicts that businesses will be the main drivers of Australia's cellular market in the next five years, with affordability and predictability controlling the successes in the wireless data usage market.

According to the report "improved economic and business climates are also putting wireless back on the corporate front burner"; making mobile and wireless technology a top ten investment priority to Australian companies.