mobile workforce

How to put the mobile security ball in the user's court

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 19:01:38 -0500

When it comes to mobile computing and wireless connectivity, one of the biggest--if not the biggest--issues is educating users about the security issues that confront the enterprise. Supporting a mobile workforce can be a huge burden for IT teams as users can inadvertently download malicious files, use unauthorized applications that open up back doors to hackers and generally don't realize how vulnerable they are out in the open hotspot world today. That's exactly why some organizations are actually handing off wireless security work to the users themselves, saving time and money on all the daily issues related to virtual private networks, log-in hassles and network protection. The approach actually connects the wireless user through network which is a stronger barrier for connecting to the corporate LAN. Enterprises, such as Mississippi Baptist Health Systems are using a third-party service in which users connect to the provider which then connects them to their home-based PC network or a company office location. As most of the providers offer deep layered security environments, the security factor becomes almost a non-issue. Article

A guide to hotspots

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 19:01:36 -0500

Despite all your security lectures and pleading with mobile warriors to avoid the expanding array of public hotspots cropping up, you know they're still going to link up when they can't get within reach of your network. That's why a guide that details everything about hotspot use--from security issues to determining a secure connection--could prove a valuable resource for the mobile workforce. This guide from Small Biz Resource provides details regarding the speed that hotspots can provide to the various services available to mobile users today. It even touches on the evolving 3G technology, an expensive but promising service. Guide

A mobile systems guide on the buy vs. build decision

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 20:01:36 -0400

Deploying a mobile computing strategy for the enterprise requires a bit of work upfront as systems, applications, security and networking requirements should all be directly tied into the specific needs and business processes of your mobile workforce. Once these needs have been determined, it's time to choose a mobile device, a software platform, a wireless service provider, whether you'll host inside or out and a means for back-office integration. Finally, there's the actual implementation and system management. Here's a great map for each of those decisions and the numerous issues and questions that can arise during each of these steps. Article

Sidekick 3 long on messaging, short on phone

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 20:01:37 -0400

As today's "how to" item explains, choosing the right PDA for your user base involves investigating a lot of issues and features to make the right choice. If your mobile workforce needs to communicate via text, instant messaging and email and needs photo capabilities for field work, you might want to take a good look at the latest Sidekick 3, which boasts great email and text and Web capabilities as well as image functionality. The latest device from Danger does fall a bit short, though, if device use is primarily phone driven. And the biggest drawback is with third-party application integration as it's extremely limited compared to other PDA offerings such as Palm and Windows mobile OS-supported devices. Yet as one reviewer notes, if messaging capability is your road warrior's top need, this is a device worth considering. Article