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The mobile connection spectrum: don't limit your mobile application strategy.

Article Excerpt
Mobile devices and wireless networks have evolved tremendously in the last decade to a point where anytime, anywhere access to enterprise data is becoming more of a reality. However, as pervasive as mobile technology has become, the certainty of always having a solid connection with sufficient bandwidth is still a question mark. As enterprises go beyond wireless e-mail and begin mobilizing field sales and service applications, it is imperative that productivity doesn't falter due to an unreliable wireless connection.

To illustrate this point, consider the following examples enterprises are faced with today:

* A field sales representative for an industrial equipment company updating key customer relationship management (CRM) information during the flight home

* A field service technician for an electric utility inspecting power transformers in the remote wilderness

* A healthcare worker replenishing inventory in a medical supplies closet in a wing of the hospital where wireless is not permitted

Each of these examples demonstrates the need to allow mobile workers to work independent of connectivity. This is a critical requirement of any mobile enterprise strategy. There are many vendors in the mobile marketplace providing solutions that provide connectivity to enterprise data. As you develop your wireless application strategy, it is important to understand the various connectivity methods available and the core ingredients for an enterprise caliber solution. Otherwise, your end solution may limit the capabilities for your user base and paint you into a connectivity corner as your mobile applications and wireless networks evolve. There are four basic methods

to transmit enterprise data available on the market today:

1. Thin client or browser-based

2. Transactional

3. Push

4. Synchronization

Thin client or browser-based access is, in very simple terms, allowing a mobile user to access enterprise data through the browser on the device. Most mobile devices on the market have a browser that ships with the core operating system on the device. Mobile vendors provide infrastructure that can both integrate to enterprise systems and present data in a format that is viewable on a mobile device. Anyone who has ever used Web-based e-mail would be familiar with the thin client model. As it pertains to mobility, the Web-based e-mail is presented to mobile devices in such a way that the text is easily read on a...

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