Mobile Technology Definition
Mobile technology is a
category consisting of a wide range of devices, with new two-way technology
being created each day with unique uses. Regardless of form factor, all of
these are linked by their capability to send and receive signals by
communicating with other devices on networks.
Mobile Device Examples
Mobile devices are
everywhere and they're not just limited to the phones in our pockets. Whether
it's distributing a stronger WiFi signal or enabling a user to access phone
calls from their wrist, mobile devices come in all shapes, sizes, and
functionalities. Some of the most popular forms of mobile technology
include:
Smartphones – most
people have access to a smartphone today but any cell phone can be considered
mobile technology.
Laptops – An
evolution from the notebook computers of the past, modern laptops come in a
variety of sizes but nearly all contain two-way network connectivity
capabilities and can be used in a variety of environments.
Tablets – Often
operating on the same systems as smartphones but with more powerful components,
tablets offer even more portability than laptops with much of the same
functionality.
Smartwatches –
These devices are designed to sync with other devices, like smartphones or
laptops, and utilize cloud capabilities to display notifications and
applications on a smaller, wearable screen.
Hotspots – Devices
require an internet connection of some kind to access the internet and hotspots
provide a solution when a connection would be otherwise unattainable. Often
running via cellular networks, hotspots host private WiFi networks that users
can connect to in unorthodox environments.
Mobile gaming
consoles – Gaming consoles have long existed in portable forms but recent
generations possess the power to rival home consoles and feature
two-way connectivity for accessing downloadable content, playing games with
others over a network, and sending messages.
IoT Devices –
Many, but not all, IoT devices can be considered mobile technology, such as
sensors and smartwatches. These devices represent a broad category and react to
their environment to communicate specific signals when an event is
triggered.
Mobile
Networks
In order for a mobile
tech device to connect to other devices or utilize the internet, it must have
access to a network that will allow it to transmit a signal. Though mobile
technology is often exemplified by physical devices, networks and their
infrastructure can also be considered mobile technology. Each network is unique
in its functionality.
Cellular
Networks – Cellular networks operate through radio networks distributed
via cell towers, which allows mobile devices to automatically switch
frequencies to their nearest geographical tower without interruption. Cellular
networks have the capability to service mass amounts of users at a single time
and are currently in a transitional period between its fourth and
fifth generation of service.
4G – Referring to
the fourth generation of cellular service, 4G operates on packet switching
technology and organizes data into smaller groupings for fast transmission
before reassembling at the destination.
5G – The incoming
fifth generation of network service requires the rollout of new infrastructure
for widespread adoption and operates at higher frequencies in aggregated bands.
This allows networks to access more bandwidth and increase transmission speed.
5G is reported to be 20x faster at sending and receiving signals than 4G.
WiFi – WiFi
utilizes radio wave technology to connect devices to localized hotspot routers.
Internet providers allow users to connect to their network but will not
automatically pass signals to a device without a WiFi connection. Users will
often have the ability to make their WiFi network available for public or
private use.
Bluetooth – Rather
than connect devices to the internet, Bluetooth networks connect devices to
other devices via short-wavelength radio waves.
BENEFITS OF MOBILE
TECHNOLOGY
While mobile technology
offers many benefits for those using it in everyday life, it also opens up many
possibilities for businesses operating with an agile and forward-thinking
mindset. Through the use of mobile tech combined with SaaS platforms and
Cloud-based infrastructure for remote data access, these enterprises are able
to streamline several processes while reducing costs and maintaining
productivity across the entire workforce.
Capabilities of
enterprise mobile technology include:
Scalability –
Enterprise mobile technology reduces the costs associated with the constant
device and infrastructure replacement cycle while also allowing powerful
devices to be utilized in a portable fashion. This eliminates the need for
employees to access multiple workstations and centralizes all data and
communications to a single device.
Onboarding – Mobile
technology can significantly improve the onboarding process for both employees
and companies by centralizing all data and information to a single device.
This gives new employees the ability to access everything they’ll need to
become a productive part of the team while also allowing them to utilize their
choice of technology. Mobile technology also makes onboarding customers simpler
for similar reasons and takes much of the frustration out of the process.
Cloud-based
development – A workforce that operates through the cloud and mobile
technology means development can take place anywhere. This opens the door for
forming a diverse workforce of employees all around the world, each bringing
unique viewpoints and work schedules to businesses so growth can continue
uninterrupted.
Reuse – Powerful
computing devices are expensive, especially when it comes to ensuring the
entire enterprise has the tools it needs to operate properly. Mobile technology
devices make it easier to clear data and pass outgoing equipment onto incoming
employees. This also streamlines the device management process and maintains
security across the organization.
Edge computing –
Edge computing allows mobile devices and IoT technologies to process data from
within or through a local server, boosting productivity through a distributed
IT infrastructure.
MOBILE DEVICE
MANAGEMENT
Mobile devices open up
many opportunities for business development but also pose new challenges and
carry risks if not managed properly. The line between personal and
business data can become blurred when migrating to a mobile-first enterprise,
especially when devices are employee-owned or travel between home and the
office. This creates the potential for data breaches and compromises the
intellectual property of both the individual and the business. However,
security challenges can often be overcome by utilizing Enterprise Mobility
Management techniques and platforms.
Enterprise Mobility
Management (EMM) combines Mobile Device Management and Mobile Application Management
tools into a single platform, providing IT and network professionals with
complete visibility over the security of the entire enterprise. EMM platforms
are designed to keep security as the top priority and often feature alerting
and reporting capabilities to locate and mitigate security threats promptly.