Mobile technology is exactly what the name implies – technology that is portable. Examples of mobile IT devices include:

1. laptop computers
2. palmtop computers or personal digital assistants
3. mobile phones and ’smart phones’ – high-end phones with more advanced capabilities
4. global positioning system (GPS) devices
5. wireless debit/credit card payment terminals

Mobile devices can be enabled to use a variety of communications technologies such as:

1. wireless fidelity (WiFi) – a type of wireless local area network technology
2. Bluetooth – connects mobile devices wirelessly
3. ‘third generation’ (3G), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio service (GPRS) data services – data networking services for mobile phones
1. dial-up services – data networking services using modems and telephone lines
2. virtual private networks – secure access to a private network

It is therefore possible to network the mobile device to a home office or the internet while travelling.
Benefits

Mobile computing can improve the service you offer your customers. For example, you could use your laptop computer to give a presentation. You could then transfer PDFs of your product literature to your client’s computer. Or you could connect remotely to your diary to arrange a follow-up appointment. Alternatively, you can enable customers to pay for services or goods without having to go to the till. For example, by using a wireless payment terminal diners can pay for their meal without leaving their table.

More powerful solutions can link you directly into the office network while working off site, for instance to access your company’s database or accounting systems. For example, you could:

1. set up a new customer’s account
2. check prices and stock availability
3. place an order online

This leads to great flexibility in working – for example, enabling home working, or working while travelling. Increasingly, networking ‘hot spots’ are being provided in public areas that allow connection back to the office network or the internet.