Soon, we will walk around with 6 devices: Leif-Olof Wallin

The technological scenario is changing rapidly. While devices are expected to converge into a single gadget in future, IT research firm Gartner feels that the number of personal devices would go up. Leif-Olof Wallin, research vice-president, mobile and client computing at Gartner, speaks to Beryl Menezes about mobile computing trends that will redefine the technology landscape in the next five years. Excerpts from the interview:

Today, most consumers own at least two-three devices like a smartphone, tablet, phablet or laptop. Will all these converge into a single do-it-all device?
No, on the contrary, by 2016-17, we see the minimum personal hand-held devices increasing from today’s three to six, which will include the likes of even an X-Box. This is because technology is moving at such a rapid pace that just one device will not suffice.

That said, 2014 will be the year of the convertible (tablet+laptop), as it gradually gets popular the world over.

It is now possible to work from anywhere, on any device, saving your work offline in the cloud. Will this save costs, in terms of infrastructure, for enterprises?
Actually, it is still early days for cloud; and so far, it is not being used much for office web applications or taking official work offline, despite the synchronisation – perhaps because of security and other issues.

There is definitely a need to move to more platform-based apps, which is a huge opportunity for IT companies to develop.

A lot of companies are talking about the Internet of Things. How far away is India from reaching this stage of automation?
In India, upgrading is the first step. The setback is that the cost of labour here is far cheaper than automation. Thus, upgrading to cloud, machine-to-machine communication and platform-based applications on a global scale is a good 4-5 years away in India.

But most engineers working on developing these platforms are Indians...
Yes, about 90% of innovative app development by Indian software giants is for companies outside India, which means talent is there, but acceptance and change to new technology adoption is slow. Thus, even if these companies want to introduce these apps in India, the revenue opportunity is low.

Mobile computing is leading the next-gen technology curve, with smartphones being able to perform a host of never-heard-of activities. What are your thoughts on this?
Gartner predicts that in the next 2-3 years, clients will spend 4-5 times more on mobile-based apps, as compared with web apps.

What about the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend? Do you see Indian corporates adopting this anytime soon?
BYOD has been steadily catching up in India since the last two years. In fact, it is ahead of the UK in adopting this trend in corporate organisations. By 2017-18, BYOD will be more widespread for sure.