Many IT professionals do not see the business case for wireless networks given the wired Ethernet infrastructure that is currently in place. While wired networks offer a more deterministic medium for data transfer, they cannot offer the pervasive connectivity inherent in wireless networks, which are designed for today’s mobile computing environment.

A key driver for pervasive wireless connectivity is the increase in the number of mobile devices capable of connecting to the network. As client devices expand in form factor and functionality, the benefit of wireless connectivity grows. Analyst firms confirm that for the first time ever, the shipment of notebook computers has surpassed desktops. An estimated 95 percent of those notebook computers have embedded Wi-Fi. And the growth of mobile wireless notebook computers shows no sign of slowing. Notebook computers in the enterprise are expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18 percent between 2005 and 2010. This is a significant trend for IT departments because thedesktop CAGR for the same period is expected to grow by only 3 percent. To respond to this market transition, IT must be proactive or risk losing to more tech-savvy competitors.

The preference for mobility within the enterprise can be seen by IT departments from both top down (upper management) and bottom up (department users). Upper management wants to improve their company’s competitive edge through faster decision-making, better access to information, and improved accuracy for employees. Users want to work more effectively from any location, whether they are at their desks, at any place within the enterprise environment, at home, or on the road.