Mobile technology now faster, more portable

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Workers who like their desks and the safety of four walls shouldn't get too comfortable, say the experts, because they're more than likely going to be taking to the road in the near future.|ret||ret||tab|

About 20 percent of the work force these days is mobile, according to a study by the Yankee Group, a Boston-based technology research firm. And that figure is likely to change dramatically in the next two to three years, say industry analysts for another major research firm, Meta Group. |ret||ret||tab|

Industry analysts for the Meta Group research firm predict that three out of four businesspeople will be mobile at least one-quarter of the time by 2003-2004.|ret||ret||tab|

An entire industry is dedicated to making life easier for the mobile professional. From the cell phones introduced in the '80s to the personal digital devices of the '90s, wireless technology has revolutionized life on the road. |ret||ret||tab|

Life and work are getting easier, or at least lighter on the briefcase, as high-tech tools converge into easy-to-use, fit-in-your-pocket, all-in-one communication devices.|ret||ret||tab|

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Wireless Web access|ret||ret||tab|

Most of us use our phones to talk to others, but in some countries mobile phones are bought almost exclusively to access the Internet, send two-way text messages and make occasional phone calls. |ret||ret||tab|

For the mobile worker, anytime, anywhere wireless Internet access is critical, particularly when content is quick to access, easy to use, cost-effective and relevant. |ret||ret||tab|

Wireless data offers a world of benefits; for example, workers can:|ret||ret||tab|

Manage e-mail, calendar and contact lists;|ret||ret||tab|

Work without talking, using mobile messaging, sending and receiving time-sensitive information without disturbing a business meeting or in places where it is too noisy to effectively listen and speak; |ret||ret||tab|

Get up-to-the-minute news, make travel arrangements, trade stocks and buy that last-minute gift;|ret||ret||tab|

Use the mobile phone as a wireless data modem for PC, Palm or Windows CE handheld computers;|ret||ret||tab|

Find industry solutions with Internet-based software applications developed by third parties to meet unique industry needs.|ret||ret||tab|

With the latest technology often referred to as "packet data" wireless has never been more convenient. In this technology, packet-based networks divide information into chunks or "packets" for efficient routing. |ret||ret||tab|

Packet-data phones, first introduced last year by Nextel Communications, feature an always-on connection to the Internet, faster speeds and the ability to receive calls while accessing data. |ret||ret||tab|

But is it enough?|ret||ret||tab|

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Computers and phones|ret||ret||tab|

By all accounts, handheld-computer sales are growing as workers realize that access to online information from mobile phones just isn't enough. |ret||ret||tab|

They need to be able to carry existing mission-critical applications into the field.|ret||ret||tab|

Accordingly, wireless providers and handset manufacturers have been working to integrate desktop business applications into the mobile phone environment. |ret||ret||tab|

The result: small, "smart" wireless phones with the features of portable computers. |ret||ret||tab|

By incorporating the most common computing language, Java, any program that can run on a PC potentially can run on a Java-enabled phone.|ret||ret||tab|

With these "smart" phones, mobile workers can take corporate and industry-specific applications on the road in one, easy-to-carry and easy-to-use communication tool. |ret||ret||tab|

Because the programs reside on the phone handset, they operate regardless of a network signal.|ret||ret||tab|

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Where we are now|ret||ret||tab|

It took 38 years for radio to reach 300 million listeners, 15 years for TV to reach 300 million viewers, and five years for 300 million people to sign on to the Internet from PCs. |ret||ret||tab|

Who would have guessed it would take just two years for wireless Internet to gain more than 300 million users or that it would eventually outpace wired Web users? |ret||ret||tab|

The convergence of technologies makes mobile professionals more efficient, productive and profitable. At the very least, it's lighter on the briefcase.|ret||ret||tab|

Finally, we live in a place where we don't have to be plugged in to plug in, where we can ride on the information superhighway from a parking space, and where we can access critical business information from just about anywhere, virtually anytime. |ret||ret||tab|

It's here. It's now. And it's revolutionizing the way we do business.|ret||ret||tab|

(Phil Callahan is an area vice president for Nextel Communications' southwest region.)[[In-content Ad]]