Networks and Mobile Computing
Our world is now "connected" to a greater extent than it ever has been. The first great revolution, the internet, extended the reach of the worldwide network into practically every home and office. Now we have this network available to us "on the go" through our wirelessly connected portable devices. What are some of the main benefits associated with having this network? What are some of the risks? What are some of the new issues that it has created? Would you purchase something using your credit card over the internet using a wireless connection? Why or why not?
Aside from bluetooth (which works only at an extremely short range) there are at least three different technologies in common use for providing wireless connectivity. What are these? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
The development of mobile computing devices has increased the use of GPS and GIS data. What are the key applications and benefits? Are there any risks or potential unintended consequences?
As a business owner, what steps can you take to ensure that your business is not "left behind" by the current trends towards more mobile computing? What kinds of opportunities and risks might mobile computing present to your business?