Much of the advances in mobile computing are currently focused on business applications. The technology available and being developed is designed to increase productivity, efficiency and connectivity for workers in a range of fields from retail to professional. “The advent of wireless networking has created new opportunities in the design of instructional space. Computing facilities, once dominated by the requirements of physical architecture, no longer require bulky components and restrictive cabling� (McKimmy, 2003). Mobile (wireless laptop) computers can extend facilities into areas that lack network and electrical wiring for desktop systems – including outdoors. Conference rooms can become computers labs and revert to conference rooms with little setup and takedown. Furnishings can be rearranged to accommodate specific teaching activities without disrupting network access.
Currently, mobile computing’s most significant benefit is helping people keep in touch. Businesses can benefit from using mobile phones to reach employees in the field, or by having workers use wireless laptops to run applications onsite (Ewalt, 2004). Network communication cards enable workers to access the internet and office systems whilst traveling, and during periods that previously may have been unproductive time. Wireless technology enables workers to effectively transfer their working environment to wherever they may be, and with ease.
Koudounas and Iqbal in Mobile Computing: Past Present and Future discuss how mobile computing will have benefits for businesses from a professional organisation to a retail (point of sale) level. Whilst computing systems are currently present in many forms of customer service, mobile computing has the potential to have applications for a greater range of these businesses. Traveling sales representatives have the potential to offer consumers a demonstration of their product, simply through the use of a PDA, wireless laptop, or other mobile device.
Businesses are expected to undergo the greatest change through the advent of mobile computing. Ana Orubeondo (2001) suggests that businesses that have embraced mobile computing have seen increased productivity and gained a competitive advantage. The availability of inexpensive hardware, such as handheld computers, PDAs, and smart phones, along with less expensive services and faster wireless networks, has sped this development. In the corporate market, ultra-portable mobile devices with wireless connectivity extended enterprise resources to remote workers, taking them closer to customers. In the consumer market, the technologies enabled entirely new services and forms of mobile E-Commerce.
The market outlook for widespread adoption of wireless data is strong. Users recognise the need to access corporate information even when, or especially when, they are working. Wireless network enhancements, new devices, new software applications, lower prices and new industry standards will continue to fuel the mobile market.
Ewalt, D.M. 2004 Behind the Numbers: The Pros and Cons of Wireless Connectivity. Informationweek.com http://web6.epnet.com.gateway.library.qut.edu.au/externalframe.asp? (accessed August 11, 2004).
Koudounas, V and O. Iqbal. 1996. Mobile Computing: Past, Present and Future. http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~nd/surprise_96/journal/vol4/vk5/report.html (accessed October 13, 2004).
McKimmy, P.B. 2003. Wireless mobile instructional labs: Issues and opportunities. International Journal of Instructional Media, 30 (1) :111. (accessed August 11, 2004 from ProQuest: multiple databases).
Orubeondo, A. (2001). Mobile computing’s road to success. InfoWorld, 23 (5) : 72. (accessed August 11, 2004 from EBSCO Host Academic Search Elite database).
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Telstra Corporation Australia. 2004. Telstra Wireless IP. http://www.telstra.com.au/wirelessip/index.htm (accessed August 4, 2004).
Emma Hanson 08:34, 29 Oct 2004 (EST)
