Welcome to Mobile Business Advisor: we're here to help you make sense of mobile and wireless technologies."WORDS ARE AS PORTABLE as the human being who hears them." This is how James J. Jordan, Jr. described the phenomenon we know of as "word of mouth." But it also describes the flow of business information. The amazing a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. proliferation proliferation /pro·lif·er·a·tion/ (pro-lif?er-a´shun) the reproduction or multiplication of similar forms, especially of cells.prolif´erativeprolif´erous pro·lif·er·a·tion n. of mobile and wireless communications wireless communications System using radio-frequency, infrared, microwave, or other types of electromagnetic or acoustic waves in place of wires, cables, or fibre optics to transmit signals or data. and computing devices is dramatic evidence of our need to carry, receive and send information from anywhere at any time. Today you can tote powerful laptops, tablet PCs (1) A tablet computer environment from Microsoft that is based on an enhanced version of Windows XP. Designed to function more like a portable writing tablet than previous tablet-based computers, it includes handwriting recognition as well as the ability to retain handwritten words , integrated smart-phones, tiny cell phones, colorful PDAs, digital cameras, portable storage, tiny printers, pocket entertainment systems, GPS receivers, two-way radios A voice network that provides an always-on connection enabling the user to just "push the button and talk." Also called "dispatch radio," two-way radio has traditionally been used by police, fire, taxi and other mobile fleets. , dinky TVs, stuff that straps on your wrist and sticks in your ear, and clothing designed to carry it all "stylishly." You can use various operating systems Operating systems can be categorized by technology, ownership, licensing, working state, usage, and by many other characteristics. In practice, many of these groupings may overlap. , and choose from a wide range of powerful business productivity software. You can even develop your own mobile software with innovative programming products. Then there's the hardware and services that support your mobility: Wi-Fi network See wireless Ethernet and 802.11. access points, Bluetooth peripherals, wireless carriers and plans galore, 3G data services, worldwide roaming The ability to use a communications device such as a cellphone or PDA and be able to move from one cell or access point to another without losing the connection. , automobile computing, satellite services, and plenty more. You can do so much that is mobile and/or wireless (related, but not quite the same thing) that you need honest answers to tough questions: Do what? Why? When? How--exactly? And the big one: Cool ... but what exactly is the profitable business benefit? What if you don't get the answers and make the right moves, and your competitors do? How will you catch up? What if you don't firmly adopt mobile and wireless as a fundamental change in work, commerce and lifestyle? What will you miss out on? There's so much to mobile business that readers have urged us us to help. So, after five years of guiding you as E-BUSINESS ADVISOR we've transformed and renamed the magazine MOBILE BUSINESS ADVISOR. The mission of MOBILE BUSINESS ADVISOR Magazine is to be your "what with and how to" guide--to help you and your company take the next step (literally) away from the desk. Think of this magazine as your roadmap to smart, real, practical, and essential mobile and wireless business computing. We'll help you choose and use the best practices, products and services by packing each issue with mobile and wireless real-world advice, practical know-how, field-tested hardware and software evaluations, innovator interviews, mobile life advice (why not have fun too?), and even mobile business success stories so you can see what is really working and get ideas for your own business. For example, in this issue, Lee Barken explores whether you should provide wireless Internet access See how to access the Internet. to the public and/or your customers. Lee also looks at how you can get wireless Web access when you step out for coffee, wander your town or roam the world. You'll find several mobile/wireless hardware and software reviews in this issue, along with Steve O'Harra's advice on what to look for in a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). , and how to separate "near' from "needed." And, what could be more confusing than wireless phone carrier plans? John Vacca reveals how to find a good fit. Once you realize the power of toting corporate information in your pocket, the "fun" of enterprise integration begins. Louise Davey and Martin Lauzon give a reality check on mobile device management and "middleware Software that functions as a conversion or translation layer. It is also a consolidator and integrator. Custom-programmed middleware solutions have been developed for decades to enable one application to communicate with another that either runs on a different platform or comes from a ." You get all this, plus ADVISOR ANSWERS, ADVISOR TIPS, news, updates, and more, plus our intrepid investigative reporter Buzz Hunter, in this first issue of MOBILE BUSINESS ADVISOR. The whole package The other half of MOBILE BUSINESS ADVISOR Magazine is its Web site, MobileBusinessAdvisor.com. It grows almost daily as we add strategic and technical mobile and wireless information and resources. Magazine subscribers can access extended and bonus articles, downloads, and additional reader features and services. See the site for details on gaining subscriber access Feedback We created this magazine because readers asked for it. So please keep telling us what you want to learn about how mobile/wireless technology call keep you more in-touch and competitive. Go to http://Advisor.com/Help, or write to MobileBusiness@Advisor.com. If you have mobile/wireless expertise and advice to share, or even handy tips, see http://Advisor.com/WriterInfo. The new mobile/wireless world is truly a revolution, returning humans to their pre-industrial footloose foot·loose adj. Having no attachments or ties; free to do as one pleases. footloose Adjective free to go or do as one wishes Adj. 1. state--as long as there are radio signals and battery chargers. Don't miss it! If MOBILE BUSINESS ADVISOR helps you, tell a friend--word of mouth was the original mobile technology! |
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