Mobile Computing

Mobile Computing is a term used when referring to the use of portable and wireless computing and communication devices, such as laptops, mobile phones, pocket PCs and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) with Bluetooth technology. Mobile computing is still a relatively new concept, and has seen significant developments in the past five years. The increasing mobility of today’s workforce has seen a need for the introduction of these devices, enabling workers to be connected to business networks whilst on the move, locally, nationally and internationally.
Mobile Computing has come into prominence in recent years, with the development of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) ‘HotSpots’ and the relevant hardware. A user currently has the ability to connect to the internet through technologies such as mobile phones, laptops, pocket PCs or PDAs whilst on the move, away from the traditional office environment. This technology is still considered fairly new, and is constantly improving and changing. In Australia, communication companies such as Telstra, Optus and Three Mobile offer customers connection through pocket PCs, mobile phones with Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) technology, and broadband internet access. The recent introduction of the CDMA Network Communication Card from Telstra enables users to transform laptops into a connected office no mater where they are. In the United States and Europe, WiFi ‘HotSpots’ are becoming increasingly common in cafes, airports and even parks, with Australians expecting a similar movement in the coming years. 'HotSpots' enable workers with WLANs to connect to the internet and communicate with their office from wherever they may be. 'HotSpots' are particularly common in airports, as they provide the traveller the ability to work productively whilst waiting for a connecting flight.
Mobile Computing will initially be seen to present the most opportunities for businesses, thorough the creation of the ‘Mobile Office’. Companies specialising in any area (for example, healthcare, hospitality, education or logistics) have the potential to benefit from mobile computing, through increased flexibility, faster decision-making, higher employee satisfaction, greater accuracy, and improved productivity. By tailoring mobile computing to the needs of the individual user, businesses can expect a significant increase in the level of communication and employee efficiency. However, the initial financial investment in mobile computing is quite high. Whilst the technology continues to develop and change, companies remain wary of investing significant capital as the potential for mobile computing is still unknown. In 2004, Douglas Dedo of the Microsoft Corporation indicated that his company expects to see a rise in the use of mobile technologies as the number of products and availability of high speed networks increase. “Traditional offices may become obsolete, as workers are increasingly mobile�. This sentiment is shared by Steve Curran in Convergence Design (2003), where he states, “PDAs have the potential to become what mobile phones have; standard equipment for business people, parents and students�.
Mobile Computing currently presents many challenges for those businesses and individuals implementing the technology. Developers are constantly struggling to provide users with a cost effective and flexible service that is easy to centrally manage. It is anticipated that companies such as Microsoft and Intel will provide software and services to help mobile workers overcome the physical, cultural and technical barriers that often limit productivity. In business, these services “should enable people to seamlessly access their information any time, anywhere�. (Dedo, 2001).
The potential for the growth of mobile computing is exciting, and continues to see companies investment hundreds of millions of dollars in its development. The future direction for these technologies is constantly changing, as faster connections and improved software and hardware options are being developed. It is anticipated that by 2006, the number of users will rise dramatically, as more companies see the benefits of a sizeable investment in the future. Technologies will continue to improve and develop, with WiFi, currently IEEE 802.11 expected to be replaced by the more advanced WiMax, at IEEE 802.16. Individuals will have their own synchronised network of devices, with the PC remaining central to operation of ‘mass communication mobility’. In an article for PC World Magazine (29 July 2004), James Martin suggests that we are close to the ability to be “surfing the internet on your notebook at blazing speed� wherever you may be. The future is expected to see the ability to download a file to a handheld device from the office PC whilst on the move, simply with internet and WLAN connection.
As a technological field, the potential for advancement in mobile computing is seemingly limitless. As businesses and individuals evolve, their communication needs continue to be met be companies striving to connect the world, continuing to break down time and distance barriers. It is anticipated that we will soon be connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, changing the way we interact with people and technology.