With IT resources being consolidated and employees becoming more mobile, here’s a question: Is it time to deploy a mobile WAN optimization solution?

I’ve been talking with some vendors and analysts in preparation for a story on mobile WAN optimization trends and technologies. Vendors such as Riverbed, Expand Networks, Blue Coat Systems and Cisco offer so-called “soft WOCs” or lightweight, client versions of their WAN optimization controllers geared for individual users such as teleworkers and mobile workers.

Interest in these products is rising, industry watchers say, as the workforce becomes more mobile and expects stellar application performance even on the road.

Earlier in the year, Tim Richards, director of product management at Juniper Networks, predicted this year will bring more widespread deployment of WAN optimization technology. “WAN optimization will extend beyond branch offices to include home offices, contractors, and mobile employees,” Richards said. “This will be enabled by wider rollout of low-end, small footprint appliances and WAN optimization client software and supported by highly scalable management systems.”

I’d like to ask newsletter readers what you think. Please weigh in on any or all of the following questions, and I’ll incorporate your ideas in the upcoming trends story. (Send comments to me here) 

* Is demand for client-based WAN optimization software growing, even in this economy? What are the main drivers?

* What are the biggest challenges associated with client-based acceleration?

* Can client-based WAN optimization software reduce the need for optimization appliances at branch sites?

* Netbooks are beginning to attract enterprise interest -- will this trend spark demand for soft WOCs?

* What about smartphones and other small devices? When might we see acceleration options for handsets?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Ann Bednarz is associate news editor at Network World.