mobile professionals

Get ready for OFDM

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 06:59:57 -0500

Orthogonal Division Frequency Multiplexing (OFDM) may not be at the center of your radar screen, but if you build wireless systems or applications, you should be learning about OFDM and what it does for wireless communications. A technology foundation of WiMAX, OFDM will be a key ingredient in allowing mobile WiMAX to have an impact on the work life of mobile professionals. OFDM makes it possible to squeeze more channels and more effective bandwidth into a given slice of radio spectrum--that's a win for WiMAX, the service providers, and the users.

For more on OFDM:
- Read the technology analysis at WirelessWeek

Always-on security

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 06:59:58 -0500

Laptop computers and 3G networks have joined forces to bring anywhere Internet connectivity to the enterprise world. Unfortunately, while the combination has created significant productivity enhancements for mobile professionals, it has brought significant security concerns, as well. Now, Alcatel-Lucent is delivering a product suite, OmniAccess 3500 Laptop Guardian, that has been brought to market by Sprint-Nextel, with the goal of using the same 3G network to provide always-on security and fleet management for corporate laptops. A PC Card with a self-contained computer and constant network access protects the computer and can receive patches and downloads, even when the laptop computer is turned off. When the technology can provide a bit of safety along with productivity, the market is making steps in the right direction.

For more on the new Alcatel-Lucent 24/7 security:
- Read the product news at WirelessWeek

Muni WiFi insecurity

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 20:01:38 -0400

When towns and cities light up the downtown with free WiFi, it certainly makes work convenient for mobile professionals. If the result of a free session is lost confidential data, though, the value goes down considerably. A recent study of municipal WiFi systems points out that these public systems, which don't typically require a login, are far less secure than positive log-in systems. With WiFi springing up everywhere from city centers to airplanes, it may be time for your organization to set out explicit policies regarding public wireless connections.

For more on municipal WiFi security:
- Read the complete article at CIO-Today

A horse with no name

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 20:01:36 -0400

What can the Bedouins teach mobile professionals about working on the go? Maybe quite a lot, according to a recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle. A writer looked at the growing band of highly-mobile professionals and compared the way they live and work to what may be the ultimate company on the go--Bedouin tribes moving through the desert. By following the Bedouin way, you can be more responsive to customer needs, stay closer to customer situations, work more consistently wherever you are--and take longer vacations in the process. You see, they do have a lot to teach us.

For more on business the Bedouin way:
- read the article at ComputerWorld

Ultra-portable Nokia Internet tablet

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 19:01:37 -0500

The Nokia N800 has received a lot of press attention, but how will it play in your mobile wireless plans? It can provide small form-factor web browsing at any available WiFi hotspot, and phone calls via the Internet. It can be used as a mobile browser away from WiFi hotspots when it uses a Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone to reach the Internet. It's not a stand-alone mobile phone or a full-functioning computer, but it might give your mobile professionals just the combination of functions they need to be more productive when they're away from the office.

For more on the new N800:
- read the complete article at CIO-Today.com