WirelessDevices are computing devices (e.g.
SmartPhones using
WindowsMobile, microchip based
RadioFrequencyIdTags [RFID tags] and other
MobileInformationDevices) that can form part of an ICT (
InformationAndCommunicationTechnology) solution to serve a business need.
RadioFrequencyIdTags (RFID tags, commonly used as part of
ElectronicProductCode(EPC)) are hot due to their role in enabling
SupplyChainManagement solutions. An FAQ at
http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/207%23anchor serve to inform consumers about the technology and its use.
WirelessSecurity
BlackBerrys aside, lack of adequate security for
WirelessDevices can be a stumbling block to widespread adoption of
WirelessDevices. See
http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=52601030
WebServices and WirelessDevices
Beyond
WirelessSecurity,
WebServices involving
WirelessDevices have to consider mechanisms for dealing with discontinuity (services coming in and dropping out), bandwidth considerations, and challenges that is related to the limitations with the physical resources on the
WirelessDevices. See
http://searchwebservices.techtarget.com/tip/1,289483,sid26_gci1085478,00.html
An organization involved in related protocols is
OpenMobileAlliance.
Human behavior tracking by machines
Rental car
Foreigner who rented cars in US were reported by reader digest (Aug04 issue) caught offguard by heavy fines for speeding, recorded by
WirelessDevices in newer autos that are linked to GPS. The same type of devices were said to be used in at least one case of stalking individuals.
"Innovative use" of
RadioFrequencyIdTags have also been mentioned. It appears that "privacy legislation" has not caught up with the advances in technology.
Implantable chip
Veri Chip is a rice sized chip that is GPS linked, costs U$200 (in 2002 article). It has now been reported to be implemented on some proponents of this technology. See
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/1114279610
GlobalPositioningSystem considerations
GlobalPositioningSystem may not work well without line-of-sight to the satellites (e.g. in concrete jungle of cities). If a need exists for locating the
WirelessDevices then probably "
WiFi Positioning System" is the solution to the problem.
Another consideration for application designers is that GPS units drain energy, which is a precious commodity on
WirelessDevices.
ProgrammingOnHandHelds
At mid 05, the
SoftwareDevelopment field for
EnterpriseApplications will look interesting. Key players include:
We will need portable hard disk on these devices to store all the software stack required by all these different solutions :)
Not confined to SupplyChainManagement / WirelessDevicesEnterpriseComputing concerns
Companies, those in Australia, are finding "telemetry" applications achieve
BusinessValue over older technologies (e.g. cable, short range radio networks). Low data volume (but frequent communication) needs are being addressed effectively by cellular based data services like
GeneralPacketRadioService. Innovation in this area can lead to reduced travel needs of support staff. See
http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/8e/0c03558e.asp
CategoryHardware CategoryWireless