Technological Threats in the Business Community/Mobile Communications and Computing Risks and Responsibilities

摘要

Advanced technologies continue to spread through the business world like a brush fire. New innovations create high demand for mobilizing standard business practices. By conversing on cell phones, e-mailing with Blackberry devices, computing on PDAs or doing all three with one device, business can take place from almost anywhere while employees continue to maintain close contact with their employer. The implementation of new mobile technologies have undoubtedly taken businesses to unparalleled heights of operation and opened industries to extensive possibilities in their respective fields. Like any brush fire, however, a disaster may be imminent. A great number of mobile technologies now exist for business use, including: vehicle installed navigation/ guidance devices and data screens; advanced computer equipment and notebook computers; personal digital assistants, or PDAs, and other hand-held organizers; Blackberry and other "staying connected" devices; cellular phones; and direct connect/radio communication devices. This article focuses on mobile phones, PDAs, Blackberries and other hand-held devices; they are the most extensively used new tools in the business community and present the most immediate and dangerous threats to both employers and employees. The ideas and conclusions discussed in this article, however, ought to be considered when implementing any of the aforementioned devices for business use.