Cisco recently announced a fixed mobile convergence (FMC) strategy and unified platform to improve delivery of enterprise mobility applications between Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Cisco will team with ecosystem partners that include Nokia, Oracle, AeroScout, Agito Networks and Airetrak, along with industry-specific application partners.

Cisco’s strategy, called Cisco Motion is built to address four key mobility principles:
• Unifying networks: Extending applications to devices regardless of the connection.
• Managing the client device wave: Securing devices, centralizing client provisioning.
• Facilitating collaboration: Selecting the right media at the right time and right place.
• Opening up development: Open API supports integrated applications and services.

The new platform, called the Cisco 3300 Series MSE, provides an open API to consolidate and support an array of mobility services across wireless and wired networks. MSE software is modular by design and the initial package offers include the Cisco Context-Aware Software, Cisco Adaptive Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS), Cisco Secure Client Manager and Cisco Mobile Intelligent Roaming.

The Cisco MSE and its software integrate with the Cisco Unified Wireless Network portfolio, Cisco Unified Communications Manager and Cisco-compatible devices. The Cisco 3350 MSE is scheduled to ship in June 2008 with prices beginning at $19,995.

Our observations: Cisco’s FMC strategy and the Cisco MSE bring the company to an already crowded table of FMC suppliers including Siemens Enterprise Communications, Aastra, NEC, Tango, Agito, and others. And the price tag may limit the MSE to mid and large enterprise customers.

However, we think that the by providing an open API as part of the package, Cisco takes a positive step to encourage applications developers that can bring more to FMC than straight-forward handoffs between the Wi-Fi and mobile network.

Handoffs between Wi-Fi and Mobile networks to a dual-mode phone may be interesting, but as with business drivers for VoIP and Unified Communications systems, the enterprise is looking for ways to improve business process—not just stand-alone network connectivity improvements. We think that providing support for specific FMC-delivered applications may be one of the keys to expanding the enterprise mobility market.

Steve Taylor is president of Distributed Networking Associates and publisher/editor-in-chief of Webtorials. Larry Hettick is a principal analyst at Current Analysis.