standardization

Editor's Corner

Sun, 13 Aug 2006 20:01:40 -0400

If you just paid attention to the product and vendor news, you'd think the majority of people today had given up their desktops and are surfing the Web in between mobile phone calls and text messaging. But in reality, Web browsing on mobile devices is still in its crawling stages. It might never be running at a fast pace, due to user interface restrictions and the current capability in making small-screen browsing attractive enough to use on a daily basis. According to one recent study, the poor experience, as well as high costs, is preventing nearly three-quarters of mobile phone users from using the Internet. Difficulty in scrolling, reading type, and accessing pages are just some obstacles still in the way. Some experts believe that mobile standardization and an industry-wide effort at Web site development for mobile environment can solve those issues. I'm not so sure it will, or whether it's worth the time and effort to attain those goals. If mobile users need Web access and the technology to read documents, do research and view large files, isn't that why one of the first mobile devices, the laptop, was invented? - Judy

QUICKLINKS: Municipal WiFi may prove to be a bonanza for Earthlink; Feds looking to tax VoIP service; Much more...

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 20:00:50 -0400

Municipal WiFi may prove to be a bonanza for Earthlink. Article

Feds looking to tax VoIP service. Article

Public wireless networks and the issue of adult content access. Article

Deploying a WLAN on a tight budget via standardization. Article

Why China is taking its own route in wireless standards. Article

Editor's Corner

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 19:01:40 -0500

There's an interesting article in today's New York Times on how mobile devices have overtaken the corporate enterprise and what some tech leaders have decided to do to get good security in place. The propagation of handhelds and other mobile tools reminds me of the last wave of technology ushered in primarily by users--the introduction of instant messaging (IM). And just like with IM, it's taken increasing coverage and hype of real security issues to prompt many enterprises into taking control of the situation.

The big difference is that securing IM cost hardly anything; it was more about standardization on a platform and pushing out lots of user education on why you can't send files via IM unless it's secured and how dangerous it can be to click through or hit links you aren't absolutely sure are legit. With mobile devices, the security issues are quadrupled thanks to unsecured WiFi access points being used, reams of confidential data being housed and accessed through the devices, and the increasing vulnerabilities of malware coming through the IM channel.

As one IT leader explains, the first step is rolling out company mobile technology and getting rid of the devices users have bought and brought in. Then it's time to make sure everything is battened down while explaining in good training what users can and cannot do. As corporate IT folks note, if done right, the rewards can be tremendous for both the worker and the company. - Judy

Resources for open source wireless efforts

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 19:01:34 -0500

Good news today for open source fans eager to push the system into the wireless sector. A new organization, called the Linux Phone Standards (LiPS) Forum, is working to advance "the adoption of Linux in fixed, mobile and converged devices" by employing standardization. To bone up on open source and wireless networking, check out this Web site, which not only offers an in-depth "how to" guide on building a Linux wireless LAN, but also boasts tons of links on various related topics such as wireless LAN hardware reviews and security software.