The use of radio waves to carry data is an old and reliable technology. But its use in computer networks is new to most end-users and many network administrators. In this article I describe the purpose of integrating Pocket PCs into the enterprise and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Then I explain how radio allows handhelds to be truly mobile, and provide a framework for understanding where in the enterprise mobile computers are used.
The Purpose of integrating Pocket PCs in the Enterprise
The purpose of connecting a Pocket PC to a corporate network is to share information with servers and clients in real-time—the same reason why any computer connects. As with any computer, a handheld computer can connect with traditional hardware such as an Ethernet PC Card, Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair wire, and a hub or switch at the center of a star topology. But, a handheld hard-wired to a network shares the same limitation as any other hard-wired computer—there must be a place to plug in. This restricts a user's movements and can limit the distance he can be from the corporate network. The real objective is to provide complete mobility to the
user—the ability to have information at his fingertips regardless of where he is. By adding wireless capabilities, this information-at-anytime-and-in-any-place objective is met.
Wireless Advantages
Once mobile users in the enterprise go wireless, numerous and powerful advantages become evident. For example, corporate sales representatives while on-site with customers can upload and download relevant data from their company's databases in real-time. Executives can quicken their decision-making by having important information constantly at their fingertips. Warehouse and inventory operations are enhanced by having workers on site with Pocket PCs connected to company databases. And, for the computer professionals themselves, it is easier and quicker to reconfigure networks to meet changing employee and customer needs.
There are numerous vertical market applications for wireless Pocket PCs and cell phones. They include doctors and nurses using handhelds to transmit real-time patient data to and from hospital LANs while at the patient's bedside. Citizens in distress can improve their chances of receiving medical or police assistance quickly if their cell phones are equipped to register their location automatically with Emergency 911 operators. Students at universities can quickly access the Internet for research information or a professor's Web site for assignments, class announcements and grade postings. Even the military has found uses for wireless palmtop computers. As reported in a recent Wall Street Journal, sailors aboard the USS McFaul at war near Afghanistan are retrieving their e-mail and the ship's Plan-of-the-Day via 32 infrared ports using palmtops. It was reported that morale among the troops is greatly enhanced by their ability to keep in close touch with family and friends back in the United States.
Disadvantages and Technical Challenges
But, despite these many advantages, there are disadvantages and technical challenges that must be confronted by enterprise network administrators. These include small screens, limited capacity, central administration, and security.
One of the most important is security. Data that is broadcast by radio goes everywhere. The goal in the enterprise is to protect corporate data from viewing by unauthorized people. The use of Pocket PCs adds an additional dimension. Since much of a company's sensitive data resides on an employee's Pocket PC, if the Pocket PC is lost or stolen, this data could fall into the hands of those who should not have access. Adding location technology to portable devices will at least make it easier to track where they are. However, it might be easier to prevent the thief or finder of the Pocket PC from seeing what is on the device. Simple passwords are currently available on all popular devices. But, there are two methods for doing this that are more powerful: fingerprints and voiceprints. As yet, though, they are not in widespread use and tend to be expensive.
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