Megabit Mobile Wireless Utility Computing - Why Not?

摘要

Many utility organizations have embraced wireless mobile communications to extend enterprisernapplications to their “field forces” and are realizing concrete Return-On-Investment (ROI) throughrnproductivity increases and improved customer satisfaction.rnUntil now these organizations have had to rely on low data-rate wireless communications infrastructures.rnRegardless of whether private or carrier service-based communications solutions are being used, utilitiesrnmust accept poor field response times and, in many cases, must utilize “mobile middleware” technologyrnthat adds to both capital and ongoing support costs. Even the most recent Third Generation (3G)rncommunications technology provided by the carriers tops out between 100 and 300 Kbps. These speedsrnremain a bottleneck for traditional Client/Server and newer “Thin Client” (browser-based) enterprisernapplications such as Customer Information Systems (CIS) and Work Management Systems (WMS).rnIt is time to start planning for implementation of proven mobile broadband wireless technology thatrnprovides multi-megabit throughput to deliver DSL and cable modem performance for the mobilernworkforce. The technology supplying these features exists today in proprietary systems from severalrnmanufacturers. In the next 18 months, IEEE 802.16 standards (WiMAX) will be in place, further drivingrnindustry standardization and wider adoption of the technology.rnBenefits of broadband mobile access include: similar or lower prices compared to current 3G services,rnimproved user experience and productivity, extension of mobile access to enterprise desktop applicationsrnin addition to standard field-centric applications, and significant reduction in costs needed to support thernmobile infrastructure through elimination of middleware, application customization, and intensive ITrnsupport.rnThis presentation will address:rn· Comparison of past, current, and future wireless technologies, speeds, and user costsrn· Current mobile broadband technology examples with real-world deploymentsrn· A case history of a broadband mobile wireless pilot by a leading US utilityrn· Industry predictions for the growth of broadband mobile communicationsrn· Steps to take to plan, justify, and deploy megabit broadband mobile communications for yourrnorganizationrnMobile communications has already changed the way Fortune 1000 companies drive efficiencies higherrnand higher. The utility industry cannot wait any longer to follow these practices. The benefits realized byrnmobile broadband communications extend beyond the traditional field-force applications. The completernutility enterprise stands to benefit from a wise adoption of streamlined business processes that leveragernmobile broadband communications. The technology is here now. Don’t wait to take advantage of it!