Tag Archives: Microsoft Windows Mobile

About 1660 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Google’s Android: Phones for Your Business?

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If Google can secure a fraction of its success in the smartphone space as it has on the Web, watch out BlackBerry, Apple, and Windows Mobile. The Mountain View, Calif.-based search giant has just launched its much-hyped Android mobile phone platform, powering the HTC T-Mobile G1 handset ($179 U.S., with two-year contract). This smart-looking smartphone features a large touch screen that resembles an iPhone to some extent, but it also houses a BlackBerry-like trackball and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. But what makes Android special might be less obvious to the casual observer. Unlike other smartphone platforms — such as those offered by Research in Motion, Apple, and Microsoft — Google’s Android is an “open” operating system given to developers for free to create applications. “There was no good reason why it shouldn’t do things your PC can do,” says Erick Tseng, product manager for Android at Google. “This isn’t just about Google, but rather the amazing third-party applications created by developers with unfettered access to the phone’s hardware, software and network.” Beyond the hype If you’ve been caught up in any of the hype surrounding G1, you’ll sense it’s geared towards (and generated by) the consumer space, opposed to a corporate crowd. Tseng, however, confirms Android is also ideal for businesses. “First of all you’ve got all the Google apps you’re used to such as Gmail, Calendar, Maps, and such, all offered for free and with the same login as your desktops,” says Tseng. “Because of this synchronous online connectivity between mobile and desktops, all your data ‘automatically’ updates for both devices since it’s the same account.” Second, Tseng says developers who are creating applications for the G1 and future Android phones can design and build something specifically tailored to their business. “Because we’re open, we encourage third-parties to create and upload your own apps to your own secure website and have employees download it onto the phone.” Along with integrated GPS, the G1 includes a built-in compass, an industry first, which will allow a savvy software company to create a “mash-up,” suggests Tseng, by fusing this technology with the integrated Google Maps program for better driving directions, satellite imagery, and navigation to local businesses. Not everyone agrees While the potential is there, many analysts don’t believe the Android platform is right for small or mid-sized businesses. “Android is not a business platform,” maintains Ken Delaney, vice president of mobile computing at the Gartner research and consulting group in Stamford, Conn. “It is squarely targeted at consumers.” “Business platforms have stability and strong interoperability or security as their hallmark; the two business platforms are RIM and Microsoft with Symbian S60 under Nokia as another alternative.” “While the G1 might be fine for a SOHO [small office, home office] worker who can use this for both a personal and business lifestyle,” says Nathan Dyer, senior analyst for enterprise mobility at the Boston, Mass.-based Yankee Group, he doesn’t believe that it’s necessarily geared for small or mid-sized businesses — or even larger enterprises. “It’s an exceptional device with loads of potential, and the openness is amazing, but the G1 is not business tool, primarily because there is no corporate e-mail, no support for Microsoft Exchange or Domino or any other server-based e-mail,” says Dyer. Google’s Tseng says Microsoft Exchange and Active Sync support “will happen” on Android, unquestionably. “It will happen because there is huge demand out there,” he says. “In fact, the third-party community has started to work on this already so very soon you will see the emergence of some of these business-focused apps.”

About 1691 days ago Tools on Managing Technology

Curb Costs of Mobile Device Management

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More people are using iPhones, smart phones, and hand-held computers on the job, and if they aren’t now, they want to in the future. But introducing a whole new class of electronic devices into the office isn’t as easy as placing an order with IT, or letting employees bring their own smart phones to work. Ideally, a business should use the same management systems to host, maintain, and safeguard mobile devices that they use for their existing infrastructure of desktop PCs, according to sources in the mobile device management business. But smart phones and PDAs caught on so quickly the default at many companies has been to adopt entirely different tools for managing mobile devices — if they’re using any tools at all, according to the industry sources. That’s an expensive and possibly dangerous way to operate, according to the sources. It’s expensive because by duplicating efforts, companies are spending more time and money than they need to. In fact, duplication is one reason John Girard, a vice president and analyst with Gartner, the Stamford, Conn., technology researcher, estimates that companies spend close to $2,500 for each iPhone and hand-held device their employees use. It’s also dangerous, because if companies aren’t using the same measures to protect data on mobile devices that they use to secure information on desktop machines, they run the risk of allowing sensitive company information to leak out if the devices are lost or stolen. Security has become an even bigger concern recently because more companies are putting important business applications on smart phones, and because more viruses and other malicious software have begun popping up on the devices, says Shari Freeman, a product management director at Sybase iAnywhere, a division of Sybase that makes mobile device management services for large and small businesses. If companies aren’t thinking about merging the management systems they use for mobile and non-mobile devices now, they’ll have to soon enough, Freeman says. “There’s a general trend for employees to have one or more computing devices, so the need to manage those is increasing,” she says. Streamlining suggestions What can companies do? Find areas of duplication and decide what can be eliminated. According to Girard, companies commonly maintain separate systems for user authentication, firewalls, anti-virus, and software distribution for mobile and desktop devices. Determine which programs might be suitable for both and cut out the extras. Use an integrated management software application. A variety of vendors sell software that can manage all types of workplace devices, from desktops to smart phones. Some applications, such as Sybase iAnywhere’s Afaria software, are product agnostic, working with devices from multiple manufacturers and across a variety of functions. Others work with specific product brands or with select functions. They include Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 which integrates Windows Mobile 6.1 devices with Microsoft computer networks, Nokia Intellisync Device Management, which manages mobile devices from multiple manufacturers and Checkpoint Software Technologies, whose firewall and other security products work across all mobile and non-mobile devices. Make sure all types of devices can be accessed remotely. When it comes to security, put hand helds on the same platform as a desktop device, so IT staff can access them remotely to wipe a hard drive should they be lost or stolen, says Freeman, the Sybase iAnywhere executive. Don’t let employees use their own iPhones, smart phones or PDAs at work. Giving people the option of using their own devices or letting them load their own applications onto computer devices opens a can of worms. For starters, IT won’t know what’s on the device and that’s “potentially destructive to the platform, and you won’t have a record that the help desk can use as to what’s changed,” according to Girard. Plus, if they’re not taking adequate safety precautions and the devices are lost or stolen, your important company documents are at risk. According to Freeman, some companies are putting software on their networks that checks any device trying to log in to retrieve email and blocks anything that’s not pre-approved or doesn’t have the appropriate security safeguards.

About 1691 days ago Telecom and Wireless

Curb Costs of Mobile Device Management

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More people are using iPhones, smart phones, and hand-held computers on the job, and if they aren’t now, they want to in the future. But introducing a whole new class of electronic devices into the office isn’t as easy as placing an order with IT, or letting employees bring their own smart phones to work. Ideally, a business should use the same management systems to host, maintain, and safeguard mobile devices that they use for their existing infrastructure of desktop PCs, according to sources in the mobile device management business. But smart phones and PDAs caught on so quickly the default at many companies has been to adopt entirely different tools for managing mobile devices — if they’re using any tools at all, according to the industry sources. That’s an expensive and possibly dangerous way to operate, according to the sources. It’s expensive because by duplicating efforts, companies are spending more time and money than they need to. In fact, duplication is one reason John Girard, a vice president and analyst with Gartner, the Stamford, Conn., technology researcher, estimates that companies spend close to $2,500 for each iPhone and hand-held device their employees use. It’s also dangerous, because if companies aren’t using the same measures to protect data on mobile devices that they use to secure information on desktop machines, they run the risk of allowing sensitive company information to leak out if the devices are lost or stolen. Security has become an even bigger concern recently because more companies are putting important business applications on smart phones, and because more viruses and other malicious software have begun popping up on the devices, says Shari Freeman, a product management director at Sybase iAnywhere, a division of Sybase that makes mobile device management services for large and small businesses. If companies aren’t thinking about merging the management systems they use for mobile and non-mobile devices now, they’ll have to soon enough, Freeman says. “There’s a general trend for employees to have one or more computing devices, so the need to manage those is increasing,” she says. Streamlining suggestions What can companies do? Find areas of duplication and decide what can be eliminated. According to Girard, companies commonly maintain separate systems for user authentication, firewalls, anti-virus, and software distribution for mobile and desktop devices. Determine which programs might be suitable for both and cut out the extras. Use an integrated management software application. A variety of vendors sell software that can manage all types of workplace devices, from desktops to smart phones. Some applications, such as Sybase iAnywhere’s Afaria software, are product agnostic, working with devices from multiple manufacturers and across a variety of functions. Others work with specific product brands or with select functions. They include Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 which integrates Windows Mobile 6.1 devices with Microsoft computer networks, Nokia Intellisync Device Management, which manages mobile devices from multiple manufacturers and Checkpoint Software Technologies, whose firewall and other security products work across all mobile and non-mobile devices. Make sure all types of devices can be accessed remotely. When it comes to security, put hand helds on the same platform as a desktop device, so IT staff can access them remotely to wipe a hard drive should they be lost or stolen, says Freeman, the Sybase iAnywhere executive. Don’t let employees use their own iPhones, smart phones or PDAs at work. Giving people the option of using their own devices or letting them load their own applications onto computer devices opens a can of worms. For starters, IT won’t know what’s on the device and that’s “potentially destructive to the platform, and you won’t have a record that the help desk can use as to what’s changed,” according to Girard. Plus, if they’re not taking adequate safety precautions and the devices are lost or stolen, your important company documents are at risk. According to Freeman, some companies are putting software on their networks that checks any device trying to log in to retrieve email and blocks anything that’s not pre-approved or doesn’t have the appropriate security safeguards.

About 1691 days ago Tools on Managing Technology

Curb Costs of Mobile Device Management

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More people are using iPhones, smart phones, and hand-held computers on the job, and if they aren’t now, they want to in the future. But introducing a whole new class of electronic devices into the office isn’t as easy as placing an order with IT, or letting employees bring their own smart phones to work. Ideally, a business should use the same management systems to host, maintain, and safeguard mobile devices that they use for their existing infrastructure of desktop PCs, according to sources in the mobile device management business. But smart phones and PDAs caught on so quickly the default at many companies has been to adopt entirely different tools for managing mobile devices — if they’re using any tools at all, according to the industry sources. That’s an expensive and possibly dangerous way to operate, according to the sources. It’s expensive because by duplicating efforts, companies are spending more time and money than they need to. In fact, duplication is one reason John Girard, a vice president and analyst with Gartner, the Stamford, Conn., technology researcher, estimates that companies spend close to $2,500 for each iPhone and hand-held device their employees use. It’s also dangerous, because if companies aren’t using the same measures to protect data on mobile devices that they use to secure information on desktop machines, they run the risk of allowing sensitive company information to leak out if the devices are lost or stolen. Security has become an even bigger concern recently because more companies are putting important business applications on smart phones, and because more viruses and other malicious software have begun popping up on the devices, says Shari Freeman, a product management director at Sybase iAnywhere, a division of Sybase that makes mobile device management services for large and small businesses. If companies aren’t thinking about merging the management systems they use for mobile and non-mobile devices now, they’ll have to soon enough, Freeman says. “There’s a general trend for employees to have one or more computing devices, so the need to manage those is increasing,” she says. Streamlining suggestions What can companies do? Find areas of duplication and decide what can be eliminated. According to Girard, companies commonly maintain separate systems for user authentication, firewalls, anti-virus, and software distribution for mobile and desktop devices. Determine which programs might be suitable for both and cut out the extras. Use an integrated management software application. A variety of vendors sell software that can manage all types of workplace devices, from desktops to smart phones. Some applications, such as Sybase iAnywhere’s Afaria software, are product agnostic, working with devices from multiple manufacturers and across a variety of functions. Others work with specific product brands or with select functions. They include Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 which integrates Windows Mobile 6.1 devices with Microsoft computer networks, Nokia Intellisync Device Management, which manages mobile devices from multiple manufacturers and Checkpoint Software Technologies, whose firewall and other security products work across all mobile and non-mobile devices. Make sure all types of devices can be accessed remotely. When it comes to security, put hand helds on the same platform as a desktop device, so IT staff can access them remotely to wipe a hard drive should they be lost or stolen, says Freeman, the Sybase iAnywhere executive. Don’t let employees use their own iPhones, smart phones or PDAs at work. Giving people the option of using their own devices or letting them load their own applications onto computer devices opens a can of worms. For starters, IT won’t know what’s on the device and that’s “potentially destructive to the platform, and you won’t have a record that the help desk can use as to what’s changed,” according to Girard. Plus, if they’re not taking adequate safety precautions and the devices are lost or stolen, your important company documents are at risk. According to Freeman, some companies are putting software on their networks that checks any device trying to log in to retrieve email and blocks anything that’s not pre-approved or doesn’t have the appropriate security safeguards.

About 1691 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Curb Costs of Mobile Device Management

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More people are using iPhones, smart phones, and hand-held computers on the job, and if they aren’t now, they want to in the future. But introducing a whole new class of electronic devices into the office isn’t as easy as placing an order with IT, or letting employees bring their own smart phones to work. Ideally, a business should use the same management systems to host, maintain, and safeguard mobile devices that they use for their existing infrastructure of desktop PCs, according to sources in the mobile device management business. But smart phones and PDAs caught on so quickly the default at many companies has been to adopt entirely different tools for managing mobile devices — if they’re using any tools at all, according to the industry sources. That’s an expensive and possibly dangerous way to operate, according to the sources. It’s expensive because by duplicating efforts, companies are spending more time and money than they need to. In fact, duplication is one reason John Girard, a vice president and analyst with Gartner, the Stamford, Conn., technology researcher, estimates that companies spend close to $2,500 for each iPhone and hand-held device their employees use. It’s also dangerous, because if companies aren’t using the same measures to protect data on mobile devices that they use to secure information on desktop machines, they run the risk of allowing sensitive company information to leak out if the devices are lost or stolen. Security has become an even bigger concern recently because more companies are putting important business applications on smart phones, and because more viruses and other malicious software have begun popping up on the devices, says Shari Freeman, a product management director at Sybase iAnywhere, a division of Sybase that makes mobile device management services for large and small businesses. If companies aren’t thinking about merging the management systems they use for mobile and non-mobile devices now, they’ll have to soon enough, Freeman says. “There’s a general trend for employees to have one or more computing devices, so the need to manage those is increasing,” she says. Streamlining suggestions What can companies do? Find areas of duplication and decide what can be eliminated. According to Girard, companies commonly maintain separate systems for user authentication, firewalls, anti-virus, and software distribution for mobile and desktop devices. Determine which programs might be suitable for both and cut out the extras. Use an integrated management software application. A variety of vendors sell software that can manage all types of workplace devices, from desktops to smart phones. Some applications, such as Sybase iAnywhere’s Afaria software, are product agnostic, working with devices from multiple manufacturers and across a variety of functions. Others work with specific product brands or with select functions. They include Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 which integrates Windows Mobile 6.1 devices with Microsoft computer networks, Nokia Intellisync Device Management, which manages mobile devices from multiple manufacturers and Checkpoint Software Technologies, whose firewall and other security products work across all mobile and non-mobile devices. Make sure all types of devices can be accessed remotely. When it comes to security, put hand helds on the same platform as a desktop device, so IT staff can access them remotely to wipe a hard drive should they be lost or stolen, says Freeman, the Sybase iAnywhere executive. Don’t let employees use their own iPhones, smart phones or PDAs at work. Giving people the option of using their own devices or letting them load their own applications onto computer devices opens a can of worms. For starters, IT won’t know what’s on the device and that’s “potentially destructive to the platform, and you won’t have a record that the help desk can use as to what’s changed,” according to Girard. Plus, if they’re not taking adequate safety precautions and the devices are lost or stolen, your important company documents are at risk. According to Freeman, some companies are putting software on their networks that checks any device trying to log in to retrieve email and blocks anything that’s not pre-approved or doesn’t have the appropriate security safeguards.

About 1721 days ago Business Software

Webtop OS: What’s on Your Desktop?

The cost of maintaining IT in the business world is not cheap, and sometimes can even be astronomical. Large companies with in-house IT staff must hire specialized employees, and spend large portions of their budget on computer maintenance. There are updates, downloads, upgrades, IT staff overtime and perhaps even company downtime. Small and mid-sized businesses that outsource these services can save some money, but still can spend a big chunk of the company budget getting the job done. But there may be a solution already available, in fact one that’s been around for ages and whose time has finally come. “Webtops make absolute sense for a … [small or mid-sized business] that’s looking for an easy and inexpensive way to maintain its system and afford to hire more workers,” says Chris Pirillo, podcast tech guru and former host of TechTV program Call for Help. “It’s less of a power drain, and a much lower cost in IT expenses for multiple people.” What a webtop is The webtop — sometimes less accurately called a WebOS, or Web operating system — represents a return to the old client/server model of mainframe computing. The term “webtop” — short for web desktop — was coined as early as 1996 to characterize the migration of desktop applications to the browser. Webtops provide an environment similar to that of Windows, Mac, or a similar graphical user interface on Unix and Linux systems. They are virtual desktops running in a Web browser. In a webtop, the applications, data, files, configuration, settings, and access privileges reside remotely over the network. Much of the computing takes place remotely. The browser is primarily the window used to access the remote desktop software. To be called a webtop, it must have four things: Able to be launched automatically from a browser (i.e., no manual download, installation, or update process on local machine). Tight integrated between the user’s native browser and all the Webtop applications. Communicate seamlessly with a central server using HTTP. Use a graphic user interface (Windows-like environment). Back in 2000, Gartner Research released a prediction that “Webtops will become mainstream by 2002, and users will be free from relying on laptops to access the applications and information they need.” While that hasn’t come true, what’s held it back is not any lack of technology, but just the lack of Internet speed and computing power to manage this long-distance functionality. The world of Web 2.0 is changing that deficiency, and some companies are paying attention. Businesses revising desktop strategies Many large companies, including DaimlerChrysler, Sabre, BMW, Amadeus, and Deutsche Bank, are revising some of their desktop strategies to take advantage of webtops. And small and mid-sized businesses can likewise benefit. In contrast to the usual IT money pit, companies offering webtops handle the majority of maintenance remotely with limited client interaction required, with the company left to handle only a fraction of the costs. This distribution of computing power can not only dramatically decrease IT costs, but can also significantly improve a team’s performance through integrated data sharing and closer communications within the webtop platform. The webtop is an inevitability in this age of Web 2.0. With the growth in sheer numbers of Web-based applications, combined with the ubiquity of high speed Internet the capability for a completely portable operating system has arrived. The kind of functionalities you’ll find in a webtop includes file hosting, applications like word processor, spreadsheet, graphics and video programs, games, e-mail and contact management, desktop widgets, and almost anything you’d expect from the operating system existing on your desktop. While the general opinions of webtop reviewers make it sound like everyone should embrace the concept, not everyone sings their praises. There’s been plenty of resistance to the use of webtops — a large portion of the industry of software makers, for instance. The use of remote shared software applications — much of it open source — means far less commercial software will need to be installed on each workstation, meaning fewer software licenses sold. “If the webtop became a reality, Microsoft has the most to lose,” says Gene Phifer, managing vice president and analyst at Gartner, “because right now Microsoft owns the eyeballs of corporate Earth.” A work in progress Keep in mind webtops are still a work in progress, and as you’ll see when you test them, they are still finding the occasional bug to squash. Response lag time is still an issue at times, for one thing. Coming advances in new technologies, like the soon-to-be-released Adobe Flash 10 (currently in beta), may increase their functionality and speed the response time, but only time will tell. “I’ve tried several of them over the years,” said Pirillo, “and haven’t found any that are quite ready to handle the business world — yet. It may be a few years before webtops will be considered a business tool. But I have no doubt that it’s coming.” Webtops are a major strategic shift for many small businesses, especially those who have resisted outsourcing any IT services. Given the advances in reliability, security, and redundant backup protection that hosted services provide, however, it’s much more cost effective to focus on your core business than to dedicate resources to IT. Once webtops achieve a standardized level of functionality, and all of a company’s applications, data, and e-mails can be brought to individual users with lightning speed through any mainstream browser from a secure, managed data center, then the change will come. A webtop might be useful for your company needs, but before you spend a cent, run a few tests to see if the concept fits your business model. SIDEBAR: Webtops to Get You Started This Mashable page also has a much more comprehensive list of 45 webtops. Here’s a short list of a few of the better webtops to look consider: Glide — Has full suite of usual desktop applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, etc. Also handles video, audio, and digital pics, with graphics editing built in as well. Includes integration with and support for almost any cell phone or handheld, including BlackBerry, Palm, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and iPhone. Looks and works great on the iPod Touch as well. Just point your handheld or cell phone browser at Glidemobile.com and you’ll see what I mean. Offers 5 GB storage free, 15 GB is 4.95/mo. Also has a kids’ version, KidsGlide.com. G.ho.st (Global Hosted Operating SysTem) — As their slogan says, “G.ho.st provides a free Web-based Virtual Computer to every human being.” In alpha testing so far, but nice set up. Won a number of awards, including a Red Herring 100 Europe award. First joint Palestinian-Israeli technology start-up, operates in the Palestinian territories. Integrates with Zoho for office software. Well thought out, one to watch. Cloudo — Founded in 2006 in Stockholm, the company is privately held. Offers standard fare in terms of a webtop, including file hosting, virtual desktop widgets, applications, e-mail and contact management, and a full suite of programs you’d expect from a regular desktop OS. Visually appealing standard layout, but Cloudo offers a big range of themes, and can even mimic other operating systems including various flavors of Windows, Mac, and Linux so you can feel right at home. Currently in private developer alpha as of February 2008, Cloudo is an Ajax based virtual desktop application. Desktoptwo — Based in Mexico, built and hosted by Sapotek.com. Desktoptwo includes 1GB of free space, and includes a fully-featured OpenOffice.org suite, converted into a Java applet. Also offers RSS reader, mp3 player, IM, blog, mail and more.

About 1721 days ago Business Software

Bye-Bye Time Sheets. Hello Time Tracking Software

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For those who still rely on paper timesheets and punch clocks to track employee hours, it’s time to wake up and smell the 21st Century. Desktop, online, and mobile time management solutions are a lot more accurate, reliable, and affordable than you may think. And with a trend towards allowing employees to telecommute and spend more time on the road, digital tools are likely the only way for an employee to conveniently keep track of the amount of work they’re doing — and an employer to correctly monitor their time, too. “’Billable hours’ kinds of folks, such as consultants and accountants, would be key users of time management tools, which can also be connected to payroll software,” says Ray Boggs, vice president of research for IDC, a Framingham, Mass.-based technology research firm. “The goal of sharpening productivity and providing clients with the kind of detailed billing info they get from big companies would make this compelling for [small and mid-sized businesses] to use.” “Although there is always resistance when tools like these are introduced, especially if it’s a new concept, there is usually more employee support if it’s replacing a laborious paper-based solution,” Boggs says. More accurate Paper timesheets means that data has to be entered into the system which leaves room for human error, explains Michelle Warren, a Toronto-based small business technology consultant. “But with time-tracking software, employees are automatically signed on when they enter their password at a computer,” Warren says. “And employers will know if the employee signs in at 8:58 a.m. or 9:14 a.m., or if they left at 3:30 p.m., since a password-based solution means no one else can sign on or off for them.” Less costly over time Not only is time-tracking software easier and more accurate, but without paper timesheets, companies do not have to pay someone for data entry, plus that employees’ time can now be used for something else. Warren says prices for time-tracking software, such as Replicon’s Web TimeSheet have dropped dramatically over the past couple of years, making it an affordable purchase for many small and mid-sized businesses. “Plus, they’re increasingly integrated with other solutions, like payroll software, so employees paid by the hour have their time transmitted to HR,” she adds. Linked to payroll Boggs says the use of payroll software in small and mid-sized businesses is actually higher than one might think: about one-third of small businesses (under 100 employees) and over half of mid-sized firms (100 to 999 employees) presently use payroll software. “And this doesn’t include those using a payroll service, where the work is outsourced — just those who have the capability in-house,” Boggs says. “This sets the stage for time management tools, needless to say, because these firms are already putting the pieces in place to track things, like overtime.” Ideal for telecommuters Working from home or on the road are both common practices today, and time management tools can help an employer better monitor an employees’ hours. “Of course someone could just log on into the system and not do any work for a while, so there must be a layer of trust there,” says Warren. “While more costly, a more accurate way of measuring someone’s work — especially for phone solicitors — is to have time tracked through VoIP software, therefore all those minutes on the phone are tallied.” Mobile time-tracking solutions also exist for BlackBerrys, Windows Mobile devices, and the iPhone (including a product called Pocket Punchclock). Some software pools from GPS data, which fuses place-tracking with time-tracking. While truck drivers are used to having their whereabouts monitored, other on-the-road workers might be reluctant to have their locations tracked. Summary The reason for moving beyond paper-based time sheets is two-fold, concludes Boggs: The first is internal: “The productivity benefits, where more precise and timely tracking of employee hours can be done with far less pain on the part of both the worker and accounting department,” says Boggs. “There are added abilities to analyze by group and department so exceptional performance, both good and bad, can be identified.”

About 1752 days ago Telecom and Wireless

The Business Case for the iPhone 3G

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A few months ago, IncTechnology assessed the worth of the Apple iPhone for business purposes, but the newer iPhone 3G — which launched with much fanfare on July 11 — introduced more than 100 new features not found in its predecessor. This includes “3G” wireless connectivity, therefore users no longer need to find a Wi-Fi hotspot to access applications or download files at high-speeds. But do these additions and improvements make it easier to justify buying an iPhone for work? Here’s what the experts say: Faster, more secure e-mail Those who need access to secure corporate e-mail while on the go were happy to hear Apple’s Steve Jobs announce Microsoft Exchange server support for the iPhone and 3G connectivity, allowing users to access data at higher speeds when not in a wireless hotspot. While this is true, it seems the smartphone is still missing some security features which might not sit well with your IT department. “Apple delivered on Exchange functionality, yes, but the iPhone is still missing one security policy available in Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices,” cautions Ken Delaney, vice president of mobile computing at the Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner research and consulting group. “While the new iPhone supports the ability to remote ‘wipe’ a device if lost or stolen but doesn’t force the use a complex password, which some potential customers might take issue with.” GPS The addition of GPS support in the iPhone is handy for when traveling to a client’s office or finding a nearby restaurant based on your location. “If you’re a mobile professional who travels three or four days a week, an iPhone might make sense for email, browsing and multimedia — and now, GPS for local search and directions,” says Nathan Dyer, senior analyst for enterprise mobility at the Boston, Mass.-based Yankee Group. “GPS capabilities might not be provisioned by IT but can be very useful to those who spend a lot of time on the road,” Dyer adds. Keyboard The “soft” on-screen keyboard might still be an issue for those used to button-based QWERTY keyboards found on most BlackBerry or Windows Mobile devices, but in the end it boils down to personal preference, says Dyer. “Yes, the [iPhone] keyboard takes time to get used to, but if you talk to users they’ll generally adapt their typing style to the touch keyboard,” explains Dyer. “It’s not for everyone — some will struggle while others will adapt after a grinding out the steep learning curve.” Delaney says to buy a device that matches your needs, and says to think of it this way: A BlackBerry Pearl with its compressed SureType keyboard and small screen would be ideal for voice first, e-mail second, and browsing third. A BlackBerry Curve’s QWERTY keyboard, on the other hand, means the user priorities would be e-mail first, voice second, and browsing third. An iPhone’s huge screen and button-less keyboard suggests browsing first, e-mail second, and voice third. “The iPhone’s onscreen keyboard makes it difficult to type without making mistakes — it’s not a fault, per se — but just be aware there are tradeoffs with the smartphone you choose” says Delaney. Mobile Me Mobile Me is a new pay-for-use service designed to keep your computer (Windows or Mac) and iPhone or iPod touch all in sync when it comes to e-mail, contacts, and calendar entries. Dyer says Mobile Me seems to be geared more to consumers than the small or mid-sized business crowd, but he can see this “as a useful application for those who juggle their professional life, from 9 to 5, and personal life, from 6 to whenever, help make life easier with wireless synchronization of contacts and appointments.” Cost still an issue Delaney says even with these new business-like features — including 3G speeds, support for Microsoft Exchange, GPS, Mobile Me and the App Store — many will find the high price for the iPhone a tough sell at the office. “Considering you can get a BlackBerry for about $79 these days, it’s hard to justify an iPhone for business,” says Delaney. “As a result, some bosses are saying ‘if you want to use an iPhone for work, go ahead, but you’ll have to buy it yourself.’”

About 1752 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Battle of the Mobile Operating Systems

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Decision-makers at small and mid-sized businesses don’t have it easy these days, especially when it comes to deciding what kind of smartphone to deploy among its mobile employees. This is because there are many operating systems to choose from today, such as BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, iPhone, Nokia’s N Series and Palm OS. There are also various handset manufacturers to consider — among them Motorola, Samsung, HTC, Apple, and BlackBerry’s maker, Research in Motion. And of course, then there are the form factors to consider. Do you go for flip, sliders, or candy bar-shaped phones, each with or without QWERTY keyboards and/or touch-screens? Before making all these decisions, it’s best to address which mobile smartphone operating system is best for your business. In the end, that will likely help narrow down your choices for handset maker and form factor, too. And what of Microsoft’s chances in succeeding in this highly competitive and overpopulated space? Read on. It’s all in the apps The first thing you need to do is to research the strengths and applications for each of the smartphone operating systems, says Michael Gartenberg, vice president and research director at New York City-based Jupiter Research. “Perhaps you need the phone to work with Microsoft Exchange, or maybe you need to create or edit e-mail attachments, such as [Microsoft] Office documents,” explains Gartenberg. “Knowing what you’re going to use the smartphone for, and if it works with your company software and services, will help determine which one you’ll invest in.” Speaking of attachments, Windows Mobile-powered devices have an edge over the competition when it comes to file support and smooth PC synchronization, believes Ken Delaney, vice president of mobile computing at the Gartner research and consulting group in Stamford, Conn. “While Research in Motion has done a great job, Microsoft has tremendous back-end services, Windows file support and a host of applications, making it a natural choice for businesses to gravitate to Windows Mobile,” says Delaney. Windows Mobile is also supported by many manufacturers, which gives the consumer more choice in smartphones, adds Delaney: “More vendors mean more hardware options, including ruggedized PDAs for field applications which you won’t find with other OS’s.” BlackBerry and Nokia are also major players in the business space, agrees Delaney, but the iPhone has “a ways to go.” “The iPhone isn’t anywhere yet — it’s the new kid on the block — and while intriguing, it hasn’t made its full statement yet,” says Delaney. E-mail receiving, sending Led by BlackBerry, most of the major smartphone operating systems support the popular “push mail” application, meaning messages arrive on the phone as soon as they’re received in the user’s PC inbox (if not sooner). But a user must also be concerned about writing e-mails when out of the office, therefore Gartenberg says to consider the type of keyboard, as well. “Some swear by a tactile keyboard like a BlackBerry, while others like a soft keyboard a la the iPhone,” Gartenberg says. “The key is to try out the phone first to see if it’s comfortable for you.” While all BlackBerrys offer a button-based keyboard, some models offer a QWERTY layout (including the Curve and Bold), while thinner models (like many Pearl handsets) house a SureType keyboard with two letters per button. Security, too Nathan Dyer, senior analyst for enterprise mobility at Yankee Group, a Boston, Mass.-based research firm, says Windows Mobile is “gaining ground” on BlackBerry, the No. 1 smartphone maker in the U.S., because of more vendor relationships (RIM, Apple, and Nokia make their own handsets), strong brand recognition and familiarity, and more aggressive security measures than it did in the past. “Security had always been lagging in Windows Mobile,” says Dyer. “ActiveSync met most of the minimum requirements for  businesses including ‘wiping’ and encryption — especially for [small and mid-sized businesses] that didn’t want expensive middleware — but they’ve only recently stepped up to the plate with new and stronger tools,” explains Dyer. For example, ActiveSyc only met about a dozen security policies, explains Dyer, but now its service System Center Mobile Device Manager (SCMDM) meets more than 125 security policies.

About 1905 days ago PCs, Laptops, and Notebooks

Touch Screen Takes over the Cell Phone

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Just because a form factor is trendy doesn’t mean that it’s right for your business. Naturally, we’re referring to touch-based mobile phones, today’s fashionable way to interface with your digital life while on the go. Thanks to the iPhone, and now a slew of other handsets, finger-swiping is in and buttons are out. You know the drill: you can use your fingertip to navigate through all your phone’s content, be it flicking your way through e-mails in your inbox, documents, or calendar entries or using gestures such as a tap to zoom in on a website or drawing a half-circle to rotate photos. “This is where everything is going,” says Erez Zevulunov, director of MIT Consulting, a Toronto-based technology solutions firm. “Star Trek is here — keyboards have been replaced with your finger and for good reason: touch phones are easy to learn, easy to navigate, and they offer a richer graphical experience.” Nathan Dyer, senior analyst for enterprise mobility at the Yankee Group, a Boston, Mass.-headquartered research firm, says “touch”-based handsets, such as the iPhone, have done a great job at reducing user frustration. “Mobile devices are being crammed with so many features that it’s difficult as a user to navigate and find what you’re looking for. The iPhone has done a phenomenal job using touch-based screens to remove this user frustration,” Dyer says. “What used to take four awkward clicks on a keypad to access the calendar application can now be done with one or two ‘touches,’” Dyer adds. “People generally have short attention spans, so it’s critical for device manufacturers to maximize the navigation speeds.” Existing and future challenges A “soft” keyboard, however, isn’t ideal for every situation, such as for those who need to type a lengthy e-mail message. “Touch screens are not perfect,” says Dyer. “As we see with the iPhone, typing on a virtual keyboard is rather cumbersome and takes a while to get used to, [therefore] the iPhone isn’t designed for heavy e-mail composers.” Some users claim they don’t like the lack of tactile feedback when pressing the on-screen keys, although some handsets, such as the LG Voyager, offer a small vibration sensation when the “soft” keys are pressed to confirm the button press was registered. “Power users still want a button-based QWERTY keyboard, as with most BlackBerrys, but for everyone else it’s easy to see why ‘touch’ is the next big thing,” concludes Zevulunov. SIDEBAR: Touch me, hold me Here’s a quick look at a few new non-iPhone touch-based phones. The LG Voyager smartphone features a high-resolution touch-screen on its surface, but if you prefer to type a lengthy e-mail or instant message with real buttons the handset opens up like a book to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard (and second screen) inside. Pull out the tiny antenna to watch live TV, or download music, video or podcasts. The new HTC Touch Cruise builds upon its popular predecessors by offering a high-quality 2.8-inch LCD screen and 3-D interface (called TouchFLO) to give you one-touch access to all your communication, entertainment and information. Powered by Windows Mobile 6 professional, the Cruise also includes integrated HSDPA, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3-megapixel camera and FM radio. The Neonode N2 is a little-known, gesture-based smartphone that’s considerably smaller than the others at just 3-inches tall (and sporting a 2-inch screen), which can easily be toted to and from meetings. But this sleek black smartphone also offers a few impressive consumer features, such as the ability to record Internet radio streams (stored on expandable MiniSD memory up to 32GB), 2-megapixel still camera (with video recording functionality), and stereo Bluetooth.