Wireless communication has diffused faster than any other communication technology in history. To begin with, the most pervasive technology in this field has been -Mobile Phone which brought a wave of variations in the mode of communication.
Within a span of about 10 years Mobile telephony has moved from being the technology of a privileged few to an essentially main stream technology. It actually began to take off world wide in mid 90's when the ratio of mobile to land line phone went up from 1:34(1991) to about 1:8(1998). By 2000 the ratio of mobile phone to land line phone rose to 1:2 and by 2003, mobile phone subscriptions had overtaken mainline subscription for the first time. Since then mobile phone subscriptions have continued to rise effectively at a fast rate. With the passage of time mobile phones have not only become substitutes for wired phones but have overshadowed them.
There has been a significant increase in mobile phone subscription in the past decade and mobile phones have outstripped fixed lines in most countries. The main reason being that the mobile phones come with a wealth of features like text messaging, email, internet access, games, music playback, personal organizer, etc. The mobile phone technology is getting more and more advanced with each passing day.
Considering the importance of WIRELESS INTERNET --Although there are a variety of ways to access the internet wirelessly( for example mobile phones, pagers, laptops, PDA's) access via mobile phone has received the most kind attention in the past few years , probably because mobile phone is the primary mode used to remain connected with information and resources.
It has been rightly quoted “With mobile phone in your hands the world is at your finger tips.”
Furthur emphasizing on the future of internet and communication it has been rightly said
“The future of the internet and computing application is not going yo be in the home or at the office ; its going to be MOBILE”
----Nigel Clifford, Sybian
Secondly preference for asynchronous communication method suits the fast & modern lifestyle. As we all know email is considered more efficient, faster, cost effective and secured means of communication. Today's global workforce demands "anywhere, anytime" technology. Information on the move is a necessity as well as an advantage.
Emails brought us the freedom to communicate quickly with anyone anywhere over the internet. Being the most cost effective and efficient method to transmit all kinds of electronic data, it has become indispensable for professionals, students and probably for everybody who has the need to access emails while on the move.
For modern enterprises, the benefits of accessing emails on mobile are clear: it's convenient and provides for new opportunities, and they are an exceptionally effective way for workers to stay connected with both colleagues and back-office information
It provides
1. Increased employee productivity while away from the office.
2. Increased real time responsiveness to clients , customers partners or suppliers.
3. Great convenience/enhanced user experience
4. Improved accessibility for employees traveling globally
5. Improved executive decision making
6. Ability to expand the use of mobile phones from voice to data applications.
7. Enhanced employee collaboration.
8. Lower cost of operations compared to mobile wireless laptops.
9. Increased ability to leverage existing I.T investments.
Because of the versatility and portability of mobile phones many major companies across the world that value instant integrated communications are now issuing mobile phones, to their extended workforce. The need of accessing corporate emails on the move growing day by day. Not only can colleagues keep in touch by voice, they can also email and share files by sending as attachments that otherwise would need to be sent via PC. Thus, the majority of the mobile workforce has an inherent requirement for wireless access to email account
But still there are certain factors which prevent the deployment of wireless email access on mobile phones like total cost of ownership, security issues, device and net work compatibility.
A good mobile email solution software requires one time investment and installation of software on company's mail server or web-space provided for the website and allows the company users to access their corporate (POP3 and IMAP4) email boxes anytime, anywhere using any GPRS enabled mobile phone, operational in any network and without having to install any software on the handset.
The use of workforce mobility and wireless communication can help organisations move ahead in the new economy. Businesses have already perceived the benefits of wireless e-mail.The power of communicating with the world is at your finger tips. The developments in the wireless telecommunications sector, have transformed our dreams and fantasies regarding communication into a reality. It is in fact redefining the ways in which we communicate and stay connected with the world. Hopefully new developments in the field of mobile communication will enhance the power in our hands.
About the Author:
Monika Mehra is a lecturer in English at G.C.W College, Punjab.
A veteran in the field of teaching and education for the past 7 years is also
a patron of technological development. She likes to access emails on Mobile and has greatly benefited from it which she would like to share with her readers.
Do log on to
www.emailatmobile.com for more details.
Contact her at:
monika@emailatmobile.com
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87
Date Published :
Jun 23 2008