mobile applications

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

Ongoing changes at FierceCIO

Wed, 30 May 2007 20:01:40 -0400

Dear readers,

After discussions with a lot of you, we've learned that you're looking for more information on managing your career. Today we begin a new series of articles where we'll take a look at significant C-level personnel changes, this time at Yahoo and SAP. We also have an article that explains why you should keep you Rolodex filled with VC contacts--it's not just because they seem to have endless amounts of cash these days. VCs can offer a great deal of insight into technology trends and probably know a thing or two about what your competitors are up to as well.

Also, today in our technology section we'll take a close look at mobile applications--the market is expected to grow to an astonishing $9 billion by 2011. Businesses are using mobile applications for productivity tools and resource planning, but I found some pretty nifty consumer applications as well: Nokia has applied for a U.S. patent for a lightning detector system that could warn mobile phone users of imminent lightning strikes and Mobio Networks is offering an application that will help users locate the lowest local gasoline prices in an area. The possibilities are endless. -Patty

Publisher's Note: Wondering why you're only getting FierceCIO twice a week instead of daily? Read our publisher's note from Tuesday for an explanation of ongoing changes at FierceCIO.

Analysis: Using Mobile Computing Strategically

Wed, 30 May 2007 20:01:38 -0400

Today, mobile workers can access information just about everywhere. While benefits move beyond better productivity, CIOs are streamlining business processes and enabling better communication and collaboration through mobile applications. Network Computing says that we're witnessing these changes due to faster wireless networks, more sophisticated middleware and vendors that are listening to customers and giving them what they've been asking for: built-in support for mobile devices. less networks means fewer integration challenges.

See a synopsis of how to use mobile computing strategically:
- read this Network Computing article

Mobile Apps expected to grow to $9 billion by 2011

Wed, 30 May 2007 20:01:38 -0400

In the quest for innovation and the push toward the next frontier for applications, many companies are looking to mobile phones as a platform of opportunity. According to consulting and analytics firm Compass Intelligence, mobile apps are a good bet. The U.S. mobile applications market will grow to $9 billion by 2011, the company predicts, forecasting that U.S. businesses will spend about $3.8 billion on mobile applications this year alone. That includes custom-coded wireless packages, productivity tools, enterprise resource planning tools, email, and security applications. Compass predicts U.S. annual growth rates in the market to be between 20 and 37 percent from 2006 through 2011. Applications will provide SMS/text messaging, content relationship management programs, project management software, and file-sharing, InformationWeek reports.

See the full survey data:
- read this InformationWeek article

From tactical to strategic enterprise mobility

Thu, 10 May 2007 20:01:38 -0400

Enterprises struggle with the best way to imbue their companies with mobility in a strategic and effective way. To do so effectively, recognize mobility as the core of an overall IT strategy, rather than a silo application. When considering how to integrate mobility into your company's architecture, first consider management and security. It's paramount to have a good way to protect against unauthorized access and other security vulnerabilities, wipe data, disable access to lost or stolen devices, and encrypt data transmissions. Take an open approach that allows IT and line-of-business leaders to choose the best devices for their applications. Also, make sure that the units can work both online or offline to have "always available" access to business-critical applications, and make sure there is compatibility among mobile applications. After email, the first applications most businesses look to mobilize are field service and field force automation applications, as well as mobile helpdesks. Eventually, more mobile applications, like mobile IM, will become ubiquitous in enterprise environments to enable real-time collaboration and speed decision-making.

Read more about the mobile workforce:
- read the blog at InformationWeek

ALSO:
- read this on bolstering mobile security
- this on best practices in managing mobile devices
- this on smart mobile security
- and this on using mobile technology for secure application delivery

Up-and-coming IT jobs

Tue, 08 May 2007 20:01:39 -0400

Your IT department probably has a host of application developers, IT managers and programmers, but does it have an information steward? How about a mobile application developer? The IT department of the future will have both of these, and more. The information steward will determine who has read, write and copy access to information and will be in charge of how information is secured, backed up and archived. The service delivery manger will deliver all components of a company's technology to a business unit or group of users as a service. The service delivery manager is part project manager, part application developer and part contracting specialist. The technology-business relationship manager helps the CIO understand the business perspective and serve business customers better while explaining technology capabilities to business executives. The outsourcing relationship manager is responsible for holding outsourcing vendors to their agreements and fixing problems when they arise. The mobile application developer pulls together the latest technologies to support traveling executives, telecommuters and other virtual workers.

Learn more about the IT jobs of the future:
- read the article at ComputerWorld Malaysia

Kicking off a mobilization strategy

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 19:01:36 -0500

When it comes to mobilization, the first thing you have to realize is that mobile application development and deployment, as well as management and security, is far different from the PC processes you currently use. Once you understand that it requires a totally unique strategy and methodology, you can get rolling by following 10 best practices. The first is process analysis--identifying what you want your mobile applications to accomplish. Then it's time to identify your audience and to understand their needs.

For more on getting a jump start on mobilization:
- read the article at Optimize

Mobile apps that spur business innovation

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:01:35 -0400

The greatest thing about technology is that it never stands still and that's especially true when it comes to mobile and wireless applications. There are programs that stream data points into mobile email, tools for quick software client development, RFID systems that can help track corporate assets and some of the tiniest USB devices to hit the market for accessing and logging onto networks. Get a good look at what's available now and how these new mobile and wireless solutions can give your enterprise a competitive edge.

For a look at mobile application innovation:
- read the feature at NetworkWorld Article

Mobile apps that spur business innovation

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:01:35 -0400

Opera is focusing on the mobile market

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 20:01:37 -0400

There are only about 10 million people out there using Opera's browser; At one percent of all web surfers, Opera poses no big threat to Internet Explorer--yet. Listening to the company's leaders explain the race to grab market share and rival Microsoft's hold on the browser user base, it becomes clear that the browser battle is not a race of speed but is rather, driven by innovation and technological advancements. Opera Software just might have a shot at winning the race, as it's got a huge head start on a new market--the non-PC world of handhelds and other mobile devices. As CTO Hakon Wium Lie explains, the fact that Opera's code isn't as bloated as IE is makes it the perfect browser choice for the mobile application segment.

For more on what Opera's focusing on:
- check out an interview with Lie at C/NET News.com