new networks

Editor's Corner

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:01:39 -0500

Doing all we can?
The tools and techniques are in place for wireless devices to play an enormous role in enterprise IT. We're already seeing this happen in many companies, and more are poised to take the step. But in bringing these devices into the IT fold we have to make sure that they come in safely and productively. Futurists and technology theorists talk about "disruptive technologies" that change a market or an industry when they're introduced. There's no question that wireless devices are changing industries, but the disruption doesn't have to be a destructive process--we can manage it as positive transformation. Security issues are going to be significant as long as the data in the enterprise network has any value, but even there, wireless devices can provide an opportunity to look at new ways to use and protect data, not just new ways to lose it. New networks and devices are coming. Making sure that today's applications and security will keep the coming disruptions to a minimum. -Curtis

A worthwhile blog to bookmark

Sun, 22 Oct 2006 20:01:36 -0400

There's likely about a million blogs out there covering the latest and greatest in wireless technology, device updates and the evolution of standards--Fierce happens to read a few of them. But not all prove valuable as many aren't updated consistently or offer expert insight. But that's not true of ITToolbox wireless blogs and that's why they're a valuable resource for the wireless staff deploying new networks and technology, while trying to stay up on the constant changes taking place. Check out the Wireless Device Dimension blog that includes views and discussions of mobile wireless devices and applications. The Beyond The Enterprise blog will help you stay aware of new innovations in wireless application development. Blog

Editor's Corner

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 19:01:40 -0500

During this week's news crawl on what's happening with wireless technologies in general, I came across some pretty interesting news: While there still may be some debate over how much VoIP efforts can save an enterprise, new research makes it pretty clear that it's going to take longer and require more work than most tech leaders estimate. A new study by Nemertes Research, based on interviews and discussions with nearly 200 IT leaders between 2004 and 2005 on VoIP deployments, indicates that deployment will take twice as long as most expect. On top of that, a great deal more upfront planning is required. In 2004 the average time devoted to upfront planning, installation, troubleshooting and training was 52 minutes per user, states the report. That figure jumped to 133 minutes last year. Why? According to Nemertes, VoIP is just getting more complex. Check out the Computerworld article to learn more.

Airports going wireless isn't earth shattering news at this point, but learning how the project went and the lessons learned is pretty valuable and interesting. In Atlanta, airport tech leaders have rolled out two wireless nets that cover all the concourses and gates. The system is an add-on to the airport-wide public access local area network that was switched on last fall. As the airport's CIO explains, the new networks help create a foundation that supports data, voice and video throughout the entire airport.

So given what Atlanta and many other municipal entities are doing these days, it's no surprise that metro WiFi will cover more than 120,000 miles in just four years. That's an extraordinary jump from the current 1,500 miles now blanketed with wireless networks. The Tekrati research report is a great trends piece on how fast and furious municipal wireless is happening around the country. - Judy