Wireless

Bluetooth security still a challenge

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Bluetooth offers a tremendous opportunity for mobile users, but Ooi Szu-Khiam, senior security consultant at Symantec, says that security is still a big issue. Indeed, research firm InsightExpress revealed that 73 percent of mobile device users are not aware of security issues that could put mobile devices such as cell phones and Bluetooth-equipped notebooks at risk. "There are many other methods that (launch) a variety of denial-of-service attacks, and even some that could allow an attack to eavesdrop on private conversations," Szu-Khiam told Cnet. He also noted that "numerous instances of mobile viruses, worms and Trojan horses" have occurred in the last year. Some of the terms used to describe these security vulnerabilities: bluejacking, bluespamming and bluebugging.

For more information on Bluetooth security:
- see the article in Cnet

Finding applications for RFID

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 06:59:58 -0400

All the talk was around RFID at this week's RFID World in Boston where a lot of the focus was on using second-generation active and passive radio frequency identification tags to provide security and authentication. Up for discussion was the idea of how the average wireless device could soon become an RFID reader or how it could be integrated to give a mobile user easy access to all kinds of data. One attendee told Computerworld that he was investigating how to incorporate RFID technology into cell phones which could be used like a "fast track" or "speed pass" to quickly have a credit card authorized for purchasing fuel or food. MIT also showed off some technology from its labs, including an application that allows someone with diabetes to read his or her blood sugar level with a cell phone that's set up to receive data from an arm patch.

For all the details on RFID:
- see the article in Computerworld

Verizon Wireless files FCC suit

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 06:59:59 -0400

Having failed to sway regulators at the FCC, Verizon Wireless has moved their battle to the courts, where they have asked District of Columbia Circuit Judges to review open-access rules on about a third of the 62Mhz of spectrum in the 700 Mhz-band to be auctioned in January. The open access rules allow would wireless customers to use their handset devices from other carriers on whichever network uses the slice of spectrum in question. Fearing a stampede away from their service, Verizon characterized the open access rules as "arbitrary, capricious, unsupported by substantial evidence and otherwise contrary to law." Open access proponents characterized Verizon's legal maneuvers as sending "lawyers, FUD and money" to overturn the FCC's decision. Open-access fans say there is more of a need than ever to help foster new service provider options. Indeed, they were hoping that the FCC would also require the winning bidding to provide access to competitors at wholesale prices.

For all the details in this lawsuit:
- see the full text of the suit here
- read the article in InfoWorld

Of wireless wonderlands and city politics

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 07:00:00 -0400

It is disappointing to see Chicago and San Francisco's municipal wireless initiatives falter, because the biggest losers in that delay are the citizens who are disconnected from the digital economy. This summer, Chicago unveiled, to great fanfare, a digital inclusion initiative backed by Mayor Daly, which was to serve as a national model for integrating the disenfranchised into a connected society--a society that increasingly depends on high-speed Internet access to accomplish even the most basic tasks. Indeed, many government services are now being offered online, including everything from paying traffic tickets to accessing financial resources from social services. Wireless access to network resources is a critical component of efforts to improve outreach and to serve those most in need. San Francisco, similarly, has turned muni WiFi into a political game of football, pitting city legislators against a popular mayor. Whatever the merits of the arguments on any side of the negotiating table, the big losers will be the citizens of these great cities.

I hope you have a great labor Day. I'm going to the beach and FierceMarkets is closed, so look for your regular issue of FierceCIO on Tuesday instead of Monday. Enjoy your time off. -Patty

Wired LANs losing marketshare to wireless

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

A new report out from the Burton Group compares gigabit Ethernet with the latest version of WiFi, 802.11n, and notes that now is the time for companies to begin switching their local-area networks (LANs) from wired to wireless. The report contends that 802.11n would begin having an effect on wired Ethernet's market within 24 to 36 months for a number of reasons, including: increased use of mobile applications and the deployment of voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. The report notes that advances in radio design, security and wireless management would soon make 802.11n the preferred LAN access technology. Nevertheless, wired Ethernet is not dead; it will continue to be necessary in switch trunks and data center networks for many years to come.

To read all about 802.11n:
- see the article in Cnet

Muni WiFi: One step forward, two steps back

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Well, it certainly wasn't a happy week for people waiting for ubiquitous access to wireless Internet in major metropolitan areas. Chicago and San Francisco, two cities with major initiatives to provide citizens with free or inexpensive access to wireless network resources, announced setbacks in their plans. Problems in Chicago arose after the city was unable to reach an agreement with the two companies that submitted proposals: EarthLink and AT&T. It seems they both wanted Chicago to pay to use the WiFi network for internal services. While Chicago agreed to help the vendors build the infrastructure, city officials were not interested in bringing cash to the table, despite the fact that other cities like Philadelphia have done exactly that. In San Francisco, EarthLink refused to accept city-requested contract terms. While these are obviously setbacks, observers note that the key to these types of projects is starting small and focusing on a couple of applications--then expanding out.

For more on the how municipal WiFi is evolving:
- read this article at Ars Technica

The wild world of wireless

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

As wide-area wireless network technology becomes a standard element in just about every enterprise network these days, a growing number of companies are exploring new ways to wrench out more speed and quality out of their mobile links. Such technologies include Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) and other 3G technologies. These wireless apps are helping IT administrators move beyond simply offering email to implementing business applications like salesforce automation that are optimized for wireless delivery. The hope is that early adopters will secure a competitive edge or build better efficiencies into their business processes. The sales force of large companies is a natural beneficiary of these sorts of technologies and industries like pharmaceuticals, financial services, insurance and media are buying into the technology at a rapid pace. The technologies can help companies and their sales staff reach rural areas, and can bring an end to the search for hotspots that support your network configurations. Cost has also come down and in most cases is no longer an issue for CIOs. The market potential for this technology is huge: "There's probably around three million EV-DO cards out there today, and there's somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 million users of wireless," Tim Donahue, vice president of business marketing at Sprint, told Networkworld. "We are still on the front end of this curve."

For more on 3G and EV-DO:
- look for the article in Networkworld

Nokia and Qualcomm duking it out over IP

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

In the high-stakes mobility space, Nokia and Qualcomm continue their pitched battle for the hearts and minds of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Nokia launched a fresh set of complaints and is asking the ITC to ban the import of Qualcomm chipsets that allegedly infringe on a series of patents. Qualcomm, meanwhile, points to a patent complaint that it filed last year with the ITC over GSM patents. For those keeping score, the number of suits filed globally breaks down like this: Qualcomm has filed 11 patent suits against Nokia; Nokia has filed six suits and counterclaims. The edge may be with Nokia however, as Qualcomm has lost some momentum as the result of setbacks in similar legal disputes with other players. In a patent infringement case a jury awarded Broadcom $19.6 million in damages. Not surprisingly, Qualcomm has plans to appeal the outcome.

For all the details on this legal slug fest:
- read the article in Infoworld

Enterprises still sweet on Blackberry

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:59:59 -0400

You got to give credit to Research in Motion executives for effectively managing their lead in the enterprise market. A new survey of enterprise users by Sage Research shows that the Blackberry enjoys a comfortable--really a dominant--lead when it comes to offering sophisticated mobile handsets to mobile professionals. But there is still a lot of room for growth (and for competition) in this vibrant market. The smartphone sector is still for the most part a white collar, sales and senior executive opportunity. Analysts believe that there is room to tap into the lower rungs of the enterprise structure. But for the time being --and for the foreseeable future--if it's mobile and it's in the enterprise, it's more likely than not a Blackberry. "They absolutely have the first mover advantage in this market. They've been around quite some time, so if there's a hangover effect, it's a pretty long-lasting one," Sage Research senior consultant Chris Neal told InformationWeek.

For more on the Blackberry:
- see the article in Informationweek

NAC and the mobile worker

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:59:58 -0400

Vendors, of course, would like to close the gap between NAC interest and acquisition. To that end, Aruba Networks, a wireless switch manufacturer is talking up enhancements it has made to its NAC offerings, by specifically focusing on the security risks posed by mobile devices. The key to securing NAC acceptance with enterprises that field large numbers of mobile workers is taking an open approach to NAC. Aruba says that interoperability with third-party network access control solutions can reduce risks and address vulnerabilities, and hopefully stimulate NAC sales. Aruba has established interoperability with the three leading NAC solutions, including Microsoft's Network Access Protection (NAP), Juniper's Unified Access Control (UAC), and Cisco's Network Admission Control (NAC).

For more on NAC and the mobile worker:
- see the article in TechWorld