A Term Paper on Mobile Computing

Presented by Awodoye Olufemi & Olawale Shina

BRIEF HISTORY OF MOBILE COMPUTING

One of the very first computing machines, the Abachus, was used as far back as 500 B.C., was in effect, a mobile computing system because of its small size and portability. As Technology progressed, the Abachus evolved into the modern Calculator. Most Calculator today are made with an entire slew of mathematical functions while retaining their small size and portability. Around 1890s Marconi invented the wireless telegraph by encoding the alphanumeric characters in analog signals. In 1960's military had started using different types of wireless communication devices for many years. Wireless communications created great advances not only in the communication systems, but also in the aviation and space programs as well. Later in the 1970's satellite systems emerged and were commercialized. With the arrival of satellite communication systems, the quality of service and reliability increased enormously. However, the satellites are difficult to build and maintain and are very expensive. We had to search for other options for reliable wireless communications. In 1980s, the cellular telephony technologies were commercially viable and the 1990s witnessed the advances in cellular technologies. Later many technologies such as Bluetooth, 2G and 3G emerged in order to make the mobile computing devices more accessible and more reliable. Since then, devices that have been developed for mobile computing over the wireless industry have taken over.

Trends of Mobile Computing

DEFINITIONS
Mobile computing systems are computing systems that may be easily moved physically and whose computing capabilities may be used while they are being moved. Examples are laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and mobile phones. Mobile computing is the ability to use computing capability without a predefined location and/or connection to a network to publish and/or subscribe to information. Mobile Computing is a technology that allows transmission of data, via a computer, without having to be connected to a fixed physical link.

Mobile Computing Technology

Mobile computing is accomplished using a combination of: (a) computer hardware (b) system and applications software (c) some form of communications medium The characteristics of mobile computing hardware are defined by the: (a) size and form factor; (b) weight; (c) microprocessor; (d) primary storage; (e) secondary storage; (f) screen size and type; (g) means of input; (h) means of output; (i) battery life. Mobile computers make use of a wide variety of system and application software. MSDOS is one of the common system software and operating environments used on mobile computers

Mobile Communication
The ability of a mobile computer to communicate in some fashion with a fixed information system is a defining characteristic of mobile computing. The type and availability of communication medium significantly impacts the type of mobile computing application that can be created. Modes of communication The way a mobile computing device communicates with a fixed information system can be categorized as: (a) connected; (b) weakly connected; (c) batch; and (d) disconnected. (Muller, 1998, 112-113) The connected category implies a continuously available high-speed connection. The ability to communicate continuously, but at slow speeds (i.e. < 28 Kbps), allows mobile computers to be weakly connected to the fixed information system. A batch connection means that the mobile computer is not continuously available for communication with the fixed information system.

Mobile Communication
In the batch mode, communication is established randomly or periodically to exchange and update information between the mobile computer and fixed information systems. Disconnected mobile computers allow users to improve efficiency by making calculations, storing contact information, keeping a schedule, and other non-communications oriented tasks. This mode of operation is of little interest because the mobile device is incapable of electronically interacting and exchanging information with the fixed organizational information system. Exchange of information with a disconnected mobile computing device can only be accomplished by manually entering information into the device or copying from the device's screen and manually entering the information into the fixed information system. This mode of information exchange is no more efficient than using paper and is effectively nonexistent, since virtually all modern mobile computing hardware is capable of some form of native electronic data communications.

Available Technologies
There are many communications technologies available today that enable mobile computers to communicate. The most common of these technologies are: (a) Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs); (b) Satellite; (c) Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD); (d) Personal Communications Systems (PCS); (e) Global System for Mobile communications (GSM); (f)Internet; (g) infra-red etc.

Advantages of Mobile Computing

Locational Flexibility: You no longer need to stay plugged in (literally!) to a specific location for performing computing activities. Mobile computing allows you unprecedented flexibility to move about and perform computing activities at the same time! This is, indeed, the chief among all other advantages of mobile computing. Saves Time: Doesn't it get boring when you're on a 12 hour long flight across the globe? Don't you feel you could use some of these 12 hours to get some office work done? Mobile computing technology is just the thing to use such transit time more effectively! Mobile computing also allows to instantly connect with your family anywhere and anytime. Enhanced Productivity: Increased work flexibility is directly proportionate to enhanced work productivity - the fact that you can do your work from any place you want, without waiting for, and making efforts to, get access to computing facility translates into people being able to do more work with greater flexibility.

Ease of Research: Mobile computing and the flexibility offered by it enable students as well as professionals to conduct in-depth research on just about any topic or subject even when on the go! Entertainment: As discussed previously, nowadays, with the advent and advance of mobile computing technology, no time is wasted time anymore! Getting bored is so last-decade now what with zillions of entertainment options available on mobile computing devices these days games, movies, music, videos, you name it! Improved decision making: Mobile Computing lets you conduct business at the point of activity. The ability to collect, access and evaluate critical business information quickly and accurately means better decision making that can have a far-reaching effect on your company's ability to compete successfully Improved customer relations: The success of a business can often be measured by its ability to satisfy customers. Mobile computers gives your field worker the ability to answer customer questions, check order status and provide other services anytime their customers need them from wherever they happen to be.

Some Mobile Computing Devices

A carputer is a computing device installed in an automobile. It operates as a wireless computer, sound system, GPS, and DVD player. It also contains word processing software and is bluetooth compatible.

A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a small, usually pocket-sized, computer with limited functionality. It is intended to supplement and to synchronize with a desktop computer, giving access to contacts, address book, notes, e-mail and other features.

A tablet PC that lacks a keyboard (also known as a non-convertible tablet PC) is shaped like slate or a paper notebook features a touch-screen with a stylus and handwriting recognition software.

A Palm TX PDA: A PDA with a web browser is an Internet tablet, an Internet appliance in tablet form. Unlike a tablet PC, an Internet tablet does not have much computing power and its applications suite is limited, and it cannot replace a general purpose computer. Internet tablets typically feature an MP3 and video player, a web browser, a chat application and a picture viewer. An ultra mobile PC is a full-featured, PDA-sized computer running a general-purpose operating system. A smart phone is a PDA with integrated cell-phone functionality. Current smart-phones have a wide range of features and installable applications. A Fly Fusion Pentop Computer is a computing device the size and shape of a pen. It functions as a writing utensil, MP3 player, language translator, digital storage device, and calculator.

Application of Mobile Computing

For Estate Agents Estate agents can work either at home or out in the field. With mobile computers they can be more productive. They can obtain current real estate information by accessing multiple listing services, which they can do from home, office or car when out with clients. They can provide clients with immediate feedback regarding specific homes or neighborhoods, and with faster loan approvals, since applications can be submitted on the spot. Emergency Services Ability to receive information on the move is vital where the emergency services are involved. Information regarding the address, type and other details of an incident can be dispatched quickly, via a CDPD system using mobile computers, to one or several appropriate mobile units which are in the vicinity of the incident. In courts Defense counsels can take mobile computers in court. When the opposing counsel references a case which they are not familiar, they can use the computer to get direct, real-time access to on-line legal database services, where they can gather information on the case and related precedents.

In companies Managers can use mobile computers in, say, critical presentations to major customers. They can access the latest market share information. At a small recess, they can revise the presentation to take advantage of this information. They can communicate with the office about possible new offers and call meetings for discussing responds to the new proposals. Stock Information Collation/Control In environments where access to stock is very limited i.e. factory warehouses. The use of small portable electronic databases accessed via a mobile computer would be ideal. Data collated could be directly written to a central database, via a CDPD network, which holds all stock information hence the need for transfer of data to the central computer at a later date is not necessary. Credit Card Verification At Point of Sale (POS) terminals in shops and supermarkets, when customers use credit cards for transactions, the intercommunication required between the bank central computer and the POS terminal, in order to effect verification of the card usage, can take place quickly and securely over cellular channels using a mobile computer unit.

Taxi/Truck Dispatch Using the idea of a centrally controlled dispatcher with several mobile units (taxis), mobile computing allows the taxis to be given full details of the dispatched job as well as allowing the taxis to communicate information about their whereabouts back to the central dispatch office. This system is also extremely useful in securing deliveries. This allows a central computer to be able to track and receive status information from all of its mobile secure delivery vans. Electronic Mail/Paging Usage of a mobile unit to send and read emails is a very useful asset for any business individual, as it allows him/her to keep in touch with any colleagues as well as any urgent developments that may affect their work. Access to the Internet, using mobile computing technology, allows the individual to have vast arrays of knowledge at his/her fingertips.

Limitations
Insufficient bandwidth: Mobile Internet access is generally slower than direct cable connections, using technologies such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) networks. These networks are usually available within range of commercial cell phone towers. Security standards: When working mobile, one is dependent on public networks, requiring careful use of VPN. Security is a major concern while concerning the mobile computing standards on the fleet. One can easily attack the VPN through a huge number of networks interconnected through the line. Power consumption: When a power outlet or portable generator is not available, mobile computers must rely entirely on battery power. Combined with the compact size of many mobile devices, this often means unusually expensive batteries must be used to obtain the necessary battery life.

Transmission interferences: Weather, terrain, and the range from the nearest signal point can all interfere with signal reception. Reception in tunnels, some buildings, and rural areas is often poor. Potential health hazards: People who use mobile devices while driving are often distracted from driving are thus assumed more likely to be involved in traffic accidents. Cell phones may interfere with sensitive medical devices. There are allegations that cell phone signals may cause health problems. Human interface with device: Screens and keyboards tend to be small, which may make them hard to use. Alternate input methods such as speech or handwriting recognition require training.

Conclusion
With the rapid technological advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Circuitry and increases in Computer Processor speeds, the future of mobile computing looks increasingly exciting. With the emphasis increasingly on compact, small mobile computers, it may also be possible to have all the practicality of a mobile computer in the size of a hand held organizer or even smaller. Use of Artificial Intelligence may allow mobile units to be the ultimate in personal secretaries, which can receive emails and paging messages, understand what they are about, and change the individuals personal schedule according to the message. The future of Mobile Computing is very promising indeed, although technology may go too far, causing detriment to society.