'Successful companies will be those which can rise to the challenge and capitalize on the technology opportunities further enabled by the e-empowered employee -- coming up with innovative strategies and delivery models that are adapted to market dynamics and optimizing the employee's contribution to the organization's value chain. It has direct impact on organizational efficiency, access to real-time information, quicker time-to-market, and the ability of businesses to react to dynamic market conditions,' said Au.

'Improved technology applications, increased commuting costs and market conditions will find corporations more willing to extend the benefit of working remotely to employees this coming next year. This option is most likely to increase the loyalty of the workforce and possibly lower overhead costs,' said Peter Tan, president of technology provider firm Fujitsu Philippines Inc.

He added that a number of local companies, especially those in sales and logistics, are rolling out cell phone devices to their field workforces.

The key benefit would be to gain increased visibility into its operations and to be able to immediately pass information about pickups and deliveries to customers as well as give sales representatives a tool that could act as order entry devices. With orders being sent as soon as a sale is made, the company's inventory is updated immediately.

IDC also noted that the market for converged mobile devices -- handheld units with both voice and data capabilities -- are expected to significantly rise this year.