Attributes of Mobility and Wireless Services

Now that we’ve talked about the differences and complements between a wireless and a mobile application, let’s get a better understanding of the characteristics of the two and how they might be applied to a sample business scenario.

One of the first important points to mention regarding the attributes of mobility and wireless is the plethora of devices used to enable these applications. At last count, the number of mobile devices available to the marketplace was over 100 and rising. Many of these devices perform similar functions, whereas others are in a class of their own. We’ll get into the various mobile devices available today and their characteristics in Chapter 3. For now, take a look at Figure 1.4, which gives you a high-level idea of the categories of devices and whether they fit into the wireless or mobile attribute category.

In Figure 1.4, CGE&Y performed a study that indicates various devices and where they might fit in a spectrum between requiring a wireless connection to simply acting as a stand-alone mobile device. The most obvious nonwireless, nonmobile device is the desktop PC, because a wired connection is typically required and carrying your PC with you is an unlikely scenario. On the other end of the spectrum is a wireless e-mail device or a Pocket PC, both of which are easy to take along with you wherever you go and usually require some wireless capability for their applications to function. It is important to note, however, that a Pocket PC type of device also fits well as a fully functional nonwireless mobile device, whereas a nonwireless Palm III is primarily a nonwireless mobile device.

Always On
The term “always on” refers to the characteristic of a wireless device to have to have the capability to constantly send or receive data. In other words, it’s not necessary to initiate a dial-up connection with a modem, but the connection is constant. “Always-on” technology is quite often referred to in the third generation (3G) world of wireless systems. In case you’re wondering what we mean by 3G, take a look at Figure 1.5 for a brief overview of the timeline of the generations of wireless technologies.

Without going into great detail on each of the generations of wireless technology, it’s fairly easy to see in Figure 1.5 that each generation enables new functions and experiences for the mobile user. One of the best examples of “always-on” technology is an E911 (Enhanced 911) service. The basic idea behind E911 is to locate an individual who requires emergency attention. The device that is carried by the person needing attention transmits a signal that enables the home office to find the person within 50 and 300 meters. Not bad, but the device must always be on for the patient to be found.

Taken From : Enterprise Guide to Gaining Business Value from Mobile Technologies

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