The Move To Mobile Devices
Hardly a day goes by without a new mobile device hitting the retail shelves, with upgraded capabilities and compelling new features. The world over, mobile computing is becoming universally prevalent and the capabilities of our phones are increasing by the day. From larger displays, faster networks and improved software to massive storage, GPS functionality, built-in security and easier to use designs; everything is their, with upgrades every six months. Wait a little while longer and we'll get extended battery life with fuel cell technology, flexible displays, built-in micro projectors, and serious CPU and storage upgrades. The mobile device of today is more powerful than the PC of a few years ago.
Its no wonder then, that mobility is being looked at so seriously within corporations. Today's professional interacts with corporate data not only from their secure office building, but also from the subway, while on the bus and when in a hotel room on the other side of the world. The next generation mobile device is becoming an increasingly common and imminently practical means of access into the corporate network.
Although this development presents tremendous potential and flexibility for the mobile workforce, it also raises a lot of challenges for corporate IT management. Is the cell phone another client just like a desktop PC? If so, does it need to be secured in the same way? Before we allow it to tie-back into the corporate network, will we install anti-virus software on it so that it can be free of key-loggers, trojans and worms? What about software distribution? Inventory and health management? Remote control/help desk applications? Does corporate IT need to buy as many software licenses for the mobile device as for a regular PC? Can the average corporation afford to grow its IT budget two, three or four fold as its employees go from a "one employee, one PC" model to a "one employee, many devices" model? Probably not.
If access to corporate data via a...
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