According to a recent report by Forrester Research, only 1/3 of businesses have a clearly defined mobile strategy.  However, the research also showed that 70 percent of firms will increase their mobile budget in 2011, with one in four companies doubling or tripling their mobile budget.

Firms said mobility is seen as a way to increase customer engagement, satisfaction and loyalty, not generate direct revenues. Over half percent of firms see increasing customer engagement as their number one mobile goal.

So what is going to drive the take up of mobile solutions in 2011 and beyond?

Research suggests that giving users access to business applications and business processes is the key area that will drive adoption of mobile devices inside small and medium businesses – this is really when the next wave of adoption will be seen.

Mobile email and calendaring is already the number 1 usage of mobile devices but once end users have access to their line of business applications such as those from SAP, businesses will really begin to see the return on investment from equipping their people with iPads and iPhones as well as other mobile devices from vendors such as Microsoft and RIM.

Already users of the SAP solution for small and midsize businesses, SAP Business One, can have access to these solutions with SAP offering the mobile application for SAP Business One as a free download from the Apple App Store for professional users of SAP Business One.

Access to workflow approvals, customer and inventory information as well as rich graphical reporting from Crystal Reports are all features of the new mobile application and when paired with the mobile business intelligence tools from SAP Stablemate BusinessObjects, small and midsize organizations can really begin to profit from these devices.

Users of the SAP solution for small and midsize businesses, SAP Business One, are already enjoying the benefits of the mobile application that was designed just for them. With this free application available from the Apple App Store, SAP Business One users can access workflow approvals, customer and inventory information as well as rich graphical reporting from Crystal Reports.

Two weeks ago I experienced a simply delicious sensation…I bought an iPad. When I got my brand new iPad out of the box, I seriously felt my heart racing and I fell deeply in love without even turning it on. I love all things Apple, but t I have to confess that my iPad is now my number ONE.

For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been playing a lot with my beautiful and sleek gadget. So far I have downloaded a bunch of apps just for fun. Last night I got an e-mail that announced the new SAP Business One app for the iPad. Guess what was the first thing I did?

I spent all night playing with my new amazing app! At our office we run on SAP Business One, so downloading the app was free. The SAP Business One app for iPad is so user friendly, you really don’t want to logout. Being able to access your back office from anywhere really makes a difference. Seeing all the graphics, statistics, and information about my company on that “sexy”, glossy screen is really sensational. Before I got to the office this morning I was already prepared for the day ahead; I feel much more efficient, light and energetic.

All this beautiful and sleek technology really makes me happy. I remember the old days when I had to bring my heavy laptop everywhere to study and work. It makes my heart and  back  ( carrying my heavy laptop has been one of the reasons I have to visit a chiropractor at least once a month) happy to know that I can access all the data I need from a light and super ergonomic device.

What I experienced last night was a life changing experience. Knowing that my laptop can rest at my desk, and that all the data I need can be accessed from anywhere is really priceless. Today I have to admit I don’t know what I would do without my iPad and my amazing SAP Business One app. Thanks to SAP and Apple, the way we do business is becoming much more enjoyable, interactive and fun.

It is not a secret that the introduction of the iPhone and other mobile devices has revolutionized the way we stay connected, informed, entertained and productive. Mobile technology has become an integral part of everyday life, and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds are purchasing smartphones to be part of the not so new mobile era.

As the power of mobile devices grows, business applications that were developed just for computers are now available for most mobile devices. Companies of all sizes are constantly seeking competitive advantage and embracing mobile solutions to speed up business processes, increase sales and reduce operational costs. Business Mobile Applications such as SAP Business One for iPhone enable users to check and edit customer’s data, access reports, monitor inventory, receive alerts, share important data via e-mail, and process approvals while away from the office.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, small and medium enterprises need to integrate business processes within and outside the office. It is important for organizations to embrace mobility because by doing so, they will be able to generate more business and enjoy greater competitive advantage.