Volume 3, Issue 9, September 2013

ISSN: 2277 128X

International Journal of Advanced Research in

Computer Science and Software Engineering
Research Paper
Available online at: www.ijarcsse.com

Mobile Computing
Devashish Goswami
Asst Prof, Department of Computer Application
HKBK Degree College, Bangalore, India.
Abstract: Mobile computing is becoming increasingly important due to the rise in the number of portable computers
and the desire to have continuous network connectivity to the Internet irrespective of the physical location of the node.
Mobile computing offers significant benefits for organizations that choose to integrate the technology into their fixed
organizational information system. Ranging from wireless laptops to cellular phones and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth enabled
PDAs to wireless sensor networks, mobile computing has become ubiquitous in its impact on our daily lives. Mobile
computing is a versatile and potentially strategic technology that improves information quality and accessibility,
increases operational efficiency, and enhances management effectiveness. The goal of this paper is to point out some
of the limitations, characteristics, applications and issues of mobile computing.
Keywords: Mobile Computing, Wireless Technology, Application, Issues, Limitation,
I.
Introduction
What is mobile computing?
Mobile computing is humancomputer interaction by which a computer is expected to be transported during normal
usage. Mobile computing involves mobile communication, mobile hardware, and mobile software. Mobile computing is
the ability to use computing capability without a pre-defined location and connection to a network to publish and
subscribe to information. Mobile computing as a generic term describing ability to use the technology to wirelessly
connect to and use centrally located information and application software through the application of small, portable, and
wireless computing and communication devices.
The term "Mobile computing" is used to describe the use of computing devices, which usually interact in some fashion
with a central information system--while away from the normal, fixed workplace. Mobile computing technology enables
the mobile worker to create, access, process, store and communicate information without being constrained to a single
location. By extending the reach of an organization's fixed information system, mobile computing enables interaction
with organizational personnel that were previously disconnected. Mobile computing is the discipline for creating an
information management platform, which is free from spatial and temporal constraints. The freedom from these
constraints allows its users to access and process desired information from anywhere in the space. The state of the user,
static or mobile, does not affect the information management capability of the mobile platform being constrained to a
single location. To facilitate the data management activities, users can carry Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), laptop,
cell phones, etc. At present the current technology only provides limited transaction processing capabilities but soon such
facilities will be available on all mobile devices such as cell phones, laptops, palmtops, etc. This discipline allows us to
define a connectivity mode, which we refer to as "Mobile Connectivity". We define mobile connectivity mode as:
Mobile connectivity: The mobile connectivity between two nodes exists if they are continuously connected through
wireless channel, and can utilize the channel without being subjected to spatial and temporal constraints.
II.
Characteristics Of Mobile Computing
Mobile computing is accomplished using a combination of computer hardware, system and applications software and
some form of communications medium. Powerful mobile solutions have recently become possible because of the
availability of an extremely powerful and small computing devices, specialized software and improved
telecommunication. Some of the characteristics of mobile computing are based on following:
1. Hardware: The characteristics of mobile computing hardware are defined by the size and form factor, weight,
microprocessor, primary storage, secondary storage, screen size and type, means of input, means of output, battery life,
communications capabilities, expandability and durability of the device.
2. Software: Mobile computers make use of a wide variety of system and application software. The most common
system software and operating environments used on mobile computers includes MSDOS, Windows 3.1/3.11/95/98/NT,
UNIX, android etc. These operating environments range in capabilities from a minimalist graphically- enhanced- penenabled DOS environment to the powerful capabilities of Windows NT. Each operating system/environment has some
form of integrated development environment (IDE) for application development. Most of the operating environments
provide more than one development environment option for custom application development.
3. 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
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impacts the type of mobile computing application that can be created. 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. The connected category implies a continuously available high-speed connection. The ability to
communicate continuously, but at slow speeds, 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. In the batch mode, communication is established randomly or periodically to exchange and
update information between the mobile computer and fixed information systems. Mobile computers may operate in batch
mode over communication mediums that are capable of continuous operation, reducing the wireless airtime and
associated fees. 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. Data Communications is the exchange of data using existing
communication networks. The term data covers a wide range of applications including File Transfer, interconnection
between Wide-Area-Networks (WAN), facsimile (fax), electronic mail, access to the internet and the World Wide Web
(WWW).
Available Technology
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)
RAM and ARDIS data networks (g) Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) service (h) one and two-way paging (i) plain old
telephone system (POTS) (j) Internet (k) infra-red (l) docking (serial, parallel, LAN) and (m) disk swapping. These
diverse communications technologies make available a continuum of connectivity that provides communications
capabilities ranging from manual-assisted batch transfers to high-speed continuous communication.
III.
How Mobile Computing Work
In mobile computing platform information between processing units flows through wireless channels. The processing
units (client in client/server paradigm) are free from temporal and spatial constraints. That is, a processing unit (client) is
free to move about in the space while being connected to the server. This temporal and spatial freedom provides a
powerful facility allowing users to reach the data site (site where the desired data is stored) and the processing site (the
geographical location where a processing must be performed) from anywhere. This capability allows organizations to set
their offices at any location. The discipline of mobile computing has its origin in Personal Communications Services
(PCS). PCS refers to a wide variety of wireless access and personal mobility services provided through a small terminal
(e.g., cell phone), with the goal of enabling communications at any time, at any place, and in any form. These PCS are
connected to Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to provide access to wired telephones.PCS include high-tier
digital cellular systems for widespread vehicular and pedestrian services and low-tier telecommunication system
standards for residential, business, and public cordless access applications.
High-tier digital cellular systems include
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
IS-136 TDMA based Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Services (DAMPS)
Personal Digital Cellular (PDC)
IS-95 CDMA-based cdmaOne System
Low-tier telecommunication systems include
Cordless Telephone 2 (CT2)
Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone (DECT)
Personal Access Communication Systems (PACS)
Personal Handy Phone Systems (PHS)
Several wideband wireless systems and special data systems have been developed to accommodate internet and
multimedia services. Mobile computing is not one technology. It is a range of solutions that enable user mobility by
providing access to data anytime, from anywhere.
Data Communication
Technology
Component
Handheld
Mobile
Computing
Device

Wireless
Connection

Wired
Connection

Information
System
Component

Figure: Mobile Computing Components

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As shown in figure, mobile computing has three components
1. Handheld, mobile computing device.
2. Connecting technology that allows information to pass back and forth between the sitess centralized
information system and the handheld device and back.
3. Centralized information system
Here is how mobile computing works
1. The user enters or access data using the application on handheld computing device.
2. Using one of several connecting technologies, the new data are transmitted from handheld to sites information
system where files are updated and the new data are accessible to other system user.
3. Now both systems (handheld and sites computer) have the same information and are in sync.
4. The process work the same way starting from the other direction.
The process is similar to the way a workers desktop PC access the organizations applications, except that users
device is not physically connected to the organizations system. The communication between the user device and
sites information systems uses different methods for transferring and synchronizing data, some involving the use of
radio frequency (RF) technology.
In todays market, the three most commonly used wireless data transfer methods are:
1. Wireless local area network (Wireless LAN)
2. Wireless Internet or wireless Web.
3. Data syncing or hot syncing. This is not a wireless data transfer method, although it is often reference as
wireless. Data syncing used docking cradles or docking stations that are connected to a LAN to transfer data
from the device to the organizations information system.
1. Wireless LAN
Wireless LAN is a flexible data and communication system used in addition to, or instead of, a wired LAN. Using radio
frequency (RF) technology, wireless LANs transmit and receive data over air, minimizing the need for wired connection
and enable user mobility. Unlike such technologies such as infrared, wireless LAN is not a line of sight technology.
Therefore the handheld device can operate anywhere within the coverage area. In a wireless LAN user enters data into a
handheld device such as personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop or tablet that has a special wireless LAN card. This card
has an antenna that transmits the data in real time using radio frequency technology to an access terminal, usually
connected to a ceiling or wall. The access terminal is connected to the local area network and sends the data- received or
request for data- from the handheld to sites information system. Conversely, data from sites information system can be
sending to the handheld using same technology.

Figure: Wireless LAN

2. Wireless Internet
Wireless Internet, also known as the wireless web, provides mobile computing access to data using the Internet and
specially equipped handheld device. Using a web phone or a latest PDA phone with micro web browser, the user can
display data accessible from the internet. The mobile device connected to the cellular system sends the request to
computer link server. This server act as a gateway that translates signal from the handheld device into language the web
can understand, using an access and communication protocol. One of the leading protocols is WAP (Wireless application
protocol). The server also forwards the request over the internet to a web site, such as Yahoo, Google or the
organizations site information system. The web site response to the request and forwards the information back through
the link server. Again the response is translated into a Wireless Markup Language (WML) so it is viewable on the small
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cell phone screen. This translated response is then sent to the cellular system and finally to the Web-enable mobile
computing device. Example for the current uses of wireless internet include accessing short emails, quick look up
capabilities (stocks, weather, flights, movies, restaurants, retail transaction, alert messaging etc.

Figure: Wireless Interne

3. Data Synchronization
Data Synchronization provides many of the benefits of mobile computing without the cost of installing wireless LAN
equipment or needing access to the Internet. Information is periodically downloaded from the organizations information
system to the handheld device and then uploads from the device to organizations information system. Updating of
information is available in both the sides. The major drawback of data synchronization is that it does not provide real
time access to data. Data syncing is not a wireless data transfer method because data are transferred from the mobile
computing device to the sites information system through a docking (or syncing) cradle wired to the LAN. It is
commonly grouped under the general term of wireless because the users device is physically attached to the LAN only
during the batch data transfers. Data Synchronization solutions have been used widely in health care and are typically the
first use of wireless because of the low cost to implement and the wide range of application that deliver real value to the
organization. Generally, data syncing solutions work best in health care settings where 1. Mobile user has access to the
LAN for periodic data updates and 2. The work being performed does not require access to the most current information.

Figure: Data Synchronization

Mobile Computing Devices
Some of the mobile computing devices have already been mentioned in order to describe the different wireless data
transfer options. Following is a closer look at the range of products and functions. Although there are many products
on the market, handheld devices fall into several categories, each with specific capabilities and options.
Device Type
Product Features
Internet browser functions
Web Phone :
Cellular phone with Internet access
Limited
email,
calendar,
appointment
scheduling and directories.
Internet browser functions.
PDA Phone :
Combination of web phone with PDA personality
Email, calendar, appointment scheduling
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and directories.
Email, calendar, appointment scheduling, and
Personal Digital Assistant(PDA) or Pocket PC
Handheld
computerized
information
organizer;
directories.
examples include Palm Pilot, Handspring Visor,
Some desktop application functions. E.g., Word
Compaq iPaq
and excel.
Pen-based system for data entry
Bar coding.
More powerful than a PDA device.
Handheld PC :
Small hand size personal computer with a keyboard
Some desktop application functions. E.g., Word
and excel.
Keyboard for data entry.
Voice reorganization and recording option
Bar coding
All desktop functionality
Tablet/Laptop
Tablet is a flat paneled. Laptop is also known as PC
Tablets use pen or touch screen technology
notebook
Current Technology Issues and Limitation
Although wireless technology is maturing rapidly, several limitations stand in the way of widespread adoption. Good
decision about technology need to be based on a realistic understanding of current performance and how limitations can
be addressed
Technology
Current Issue and Limitation
Handheld device such as PDAs and pocket PCs have small
Mobile Computing Devices
screens, short battery life, limited processing power, and
rudimentary data integration capability.

Wireless LANs

Wireless Internet

Data Synchronization

Laptop and tablets provide greater processing, battery life,

and data viewing power, but are considerably larger heavier,
with limited data interfacing capabilities.
Data transfer speed is currently slower than traditional
LANs.
Real Time interfaces between mobile computing and LANbased applications are custom developed for each site and
therefore expensive to create and maintain.
Wireless Internet technology faces similar issues with data
transfer speed.
Additional problem of multiple connectivity standards.
Same device limitations as described above plus the need for
application specific cradles wired throughout the service
area.
Supports only batch data updates.

Mobile computing device capabilities

With mobile computing devices, the selection decisions are limited. In many cases, the vendor will have already made
the device decision, with only a small range of customer-specific options. However, it is important for new users to
understand what they are getting in terms of current and add-on capabilities.
Two considerations are:
1. Expandability: Most users do not want to carry several devices; i.e., one for charge entry, one for ordering, and
one for notes. Can the handheld device support todays application needs as well as plans for the future? Special
features like having a color display or voice recognition capabilities may be very important for some caregivers
but not others, depending on what they must use the device to accomplish. What are the special functions
needed for the handheld to support the application and enhance ease of use? Is it available now? What are
expected changes for next year?
Key questions to consider are:
What device(s) and operating system(s) does the application use?
What is the screen resolution of the device?
What are the general specifications for battery life, weight, processing power?
What is the capability of the handheld applications itself? What is the future direction for development?
2. Integration with existing systems: The integration of a new application with the existing systems is always a
challenge. Besides identifying the data, it is necessary to consider data formatting, coded data value, update
capabilities, ownership, and access rights for all users in the process. Careful examination of the workflow, end-

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user data needs, and functionality of the systems will require technical resources (both vendor and IS) and
process experts (both vendor and end user) to create a workable, effective solution.
Key questions to consider are:
1. Will the application integrate with legacy systems?
2. What data needs to be received, updated, and sent?
3. How does the system distribute and synchronize files?
4. How is data ownership established?
5. What methods are used to maintain data security?
IV.
Mobile Computing Applications And Benefits
The real power of mobile computing becomes apparent when mobile hardware, Software, and communications are
optimally configured and used to accomplish a Specified mobile task. Although many varied applications exist, mobile
computing applications can generally be divided into two categories--horizontal and vertical.
1. Horizontal: Horizontal applications have broad-based appeal and include software that performs functions such
as: (a) email; (b) Web browsing; (c) word processing; (d) scheduling; (e) contact management; (f) to-do lists; (g)
messaging; (h) presentation. These types of applications usually come standard on Palmtops, Clamshells, and
laptops with systems software such as Windows 95.
2. Vertical: Vertical applications are industry-specific and only have appeal within the specific Industry for which
the application was written. Vertical applications are commonly used in industries such as: (a) retailing; (b)
utilities; (c) warehousing; (d) shipping; (e) Medical and (f) law enforcement and public safety. These vertical
applications are often transaction oriented and normally interface with a corporate database. Other application
areas include: (a) mining; (b) forestry; (c) agriculture; and (d) surveying etc.
Benefits of mobile computing
Mobile computing technology offers a quick and easy way to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability while
gaining better control of our operations. The power and data storage capacity of todays handheld PCs and Personal
Digital Assistants (PDAs) has made low-cost mobile computing a practical reality. Todays world mobile computing is
using in various fields.
1. Improved Information Accessibility: Mobile computing enables improvements in information accessibility.
The degree of improvement is directly dependent upon the mobile hardware and communications equipment in
use. Mobile computing technology (hardware, software, and communications) provides a wide range of options
that can be mixed and matched to fit the needs of each individual mobile computing application. The
improvements in information accessibility enabled by mobile computing result in improved information flow
both to and from the central fixed information system. The mobile computer enables quick and efficient
information retrieval from the central information system. The ability to access central information and make
fixed or ad hoc queries of corporate databases enables employees to get the information they need to complete
the job. The mobile computer also enables transmission of current operational data, in native digital format,
from the mobile user to the central fixed information system. Once transmitted to the fixed information system,
the data from the mobile user can be processed and made available for all other users of the central information
system. Thus, the information available to a mobile user from the central information system reflects current
information from other mobile users as well. Mobile computing eliminates the delay that occurs when an
employee must physically return to the office at the end of the day and submit paper forms so that data entry
personnel can enter the information into the central information system. Even employees that are not
continuously connected to the fixed organizational information system via a wireless link will experience
significantly improved information accessibility through mobile computing. One phone call at the end of the day
from the mobile user via a standard modem is all that is required to transmit the entire day's transactions to the
central computer, saving travel and data entry time. Additionally, any scheduling or assignment changes for the
mobile employee for the following day can be transmitted to the employee during the same phone call. Mobile
computing also significantly speeds information accessibility when other media, such as: (a) facsimile; (b) audio
files; or (c) still images are concerned. Digital images or audio files can be accessed by the mobile user or
transmitted from the mobile user to the central fixed organizational information system. If matched properly to
the work environment and task to be accomplished, the mobile computer will always be in the possession of the
mobile worker during the course of the day. Especially in the connected or weakly connected modes of
operation, this means that the mobile employee may be contacted throughout the workday via the mobile
computing device. Additionally, it means that the employee has access to other mobile employees via email or
other messaging schemes. As with many mobile computing applications, the type of mobile application and the
hardware, software, and communications used to support it will normally determine the degree and type of
information accessibility. The direct measurable results of improved information accessibility-both to and from
the mobile worker are many. They include: (a) improved customer service; (b) reduced cycle times; (c) greater
accuracy; (d) fewer complaints; and (e) a reduction in required intermediate support staff.
2. Increased Operational Efficiency: Mobile computing enables improvements in the operational efficiency of
organizations that integrate the technology into their fixed information systems. It enables the computing power
and information contained within the fixed information system to be structured around the optimum work flow
of a mobile worker, instead of altering the mobile worker's work flow to meet the optimum configuration for
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computing. The mobile computer stays with the mobile employee, instead of the employee being required to
travel to the computer. Mobile computing can improve efficiency in many ways, including: (a) saving time; (b)
reducing waste; (c) cutting cycle times; (d) reducing rework; (e) enabling business process reengineering; (f)
improving accuracy; (g) decreasing time spent on customer complaints; and (h) reducing unnecessary travel.
3. Increased Management Effectiveness: Mobile computing technology can improve management effectiveness
by improving information quality, information flow, and ability to control a mobile workforce. It makes the
most current and accurate information available to both the mobile worker and the users of the fixed information
system with which the mobile worker communicates. These benefits can be seen in all areas of the information
System, often, it is the improved ability to manage operations that is partly responsible for the performance
improvements seen in companies that introduce mobile computing technology.
4. 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. Therefore, mobile computers allow them to devote more time to clients.
5. 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 Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) system using mobile computers, to one or several appropriate mobile
units, which are in the vicinity of the incident.
6. 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. Therefore mobile computers
allow immediate access to a wealth of information, making people better informed and prepared.
7. In companies: Managers can use mobile computers in, say, and 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. Therefore, mobile computers can leverage competitive
advantages.
8. Credit Card Verification: At Point of Sale (POS) terminals in shops and supermarkets, when customers use
credit cards for transactions, the intercommunication is 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. This can speed up the transaction process and relieve congestion at the
POS terminals.
9. Field Sales: The operational efficiency of sales personnel is significantly enhanced through mobile computing.
An excellent example of these improvements can be seen by examining how mobile computing improves the
efficiency of remote insurance and financial planning sales. The mobile computer frees the sales agent to meet
with the client at the client's home, office, or other location. Customer data is collected, estimates and
comparisons are immediately calculated, the customer decides on the program of choice, the central computer is
immediately updated, and the customer is enrolled in the insurance or financial planning program. Without
mobile computing, this sales process would take days instead of minutes. In addition to accessing and updating
customer account information, mobile sales personnel can accomplish tasks such as printing invoices or other
information to leave with the customer.
10. Transportation and Shipping: Using mobile computers in conjunction with GPS/GIS and an accompanying
vehicle information system (VIS), the operations of an entire transportation fleet can be managed from a central
location. The central office knows the location, status, and condition of all vehicles, and operators have two-way
communication with the operations center. Using this information, vehicles can be optimally dispatched to
maximize efficiency as measured by: (a) time; (b) fuel consumption; and (c) delivery priority. The mobile
computers enable significant performance improvements, achieved simultaneously with operational cost
reductions.
11. General Dispatching: Mobile computers used in conjunction with Global Positioning System (GPS) and
Geographical Information System (GIS) data allow significant improvements in the operational efficiency of
various dispatch operations. For example, the central computer at a taxi company can track the location and
status of all its taxicabs and electronically dispatch the most appropriate car to a customer's location.
Additionally, the central computer can calculate an accurate approximation of when the taxi will arrive, enabling
improved customer service.
12. Hotel Operations: Connecting the cleaning and hospitality staff of a hotel with mobile computing can
significantly improve the efficiency of hotel operations. As guests check out and rooms are vacated, the central
computer wirelessly signals cleaning staff that the rooms are ready for cleaning. Problems that are identified
during cleaning, such as broken appliances or faulty plumbing, are immediately communicated to the mobile
maintenance team for action. As soon as cleaning is complete and repairs are accomplished, the cleaning staff
member wirelessly updates the central computer and the room is immediately available for check-in by a new
guest. The same system can be used to efficiently direct mobile hospitality personnel in
response to guest requests for information and service.
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13. News Reporting: Mobile computers dramatically improve the efficiency of news media operations. Reporters
equipped with mobile computers and accompanying electronic devices can cover news or sporting event, take
digital video or still photographs, digitally record audio interviews, compose the text of the news story, and
transmit the completed product back to the central agency for editing and immediate publication. In the media
industry, the timing and quality of news coverage is critical. Mobile computing increases the quality of the
information from the media crews and significantly decreases the time required to process and transmits the
story for publication.
14. Health Care: Mobile medical care, whether in-home, on the road, or within a hospital, is more efficient with
mobile computing. The mobile healthcare worker can access patient records for reference purposes, and is able
to update records with current diagnosis and treatment information. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
responding at the scene of an accident can use mobile computers to capture patient information, treatments
accomplished vital signs, and other critical data. This information is wirelessly transmitted to the receiving
hospital, which then prepares to receive and treat the patient, or recommend another hospital facility with more
appropriate treatment facilities depending upon the nature and severity of the injuries. The more efficient handoff between ambulance EMTs and hospital staff made possible by mobile computing can save lives that
otherwise might have been lost.
15. Fieldwork: Almost any form of fieldwork can be made significantly more efficient through the application of
mobile computing. Parking control officers and utility inspectors are two examples of field workers who can
receive operational benefits from mobile computing. Parking control officers use handheld computers to check
the registration and violation history of parking offenders. Parking violations are issued immediately and
towing/backup can be requested when required. Utility inspectors have historically used paper forms to capture
information such as consumer power consumption and utility equipment status (transformers, transmission
towers, etc.). Using mobile computers, inspectors can be given instructions on inspections to be accomplished
and information can be captured and validated at the source.
16. Mobile Automation: General business travelers also reap the benefits of mobile computing. E-mail,
Spreadsheets, presentations, and word processing are the four primary tasks accomplished by these business
travelers. Laptops, Palmtops, and portable Clamshell computers with usable-size keyboards enable
businesspeople to stay in touch and accomplish the tasks they need for job effectiveness. Using powerful mobile
computers in conjunction with high-speed connectivity, mobile workers can perform work normally
accomplished at the office while on the road or in the field.
17. Results: Just as mobile computing enables improved operational efficiency, it also enables improved
management effectiveness. Mobile computers make more timely and accurate information available to
managers. Mobile computers improve the manager's ability to track work in progress. They also improve the
ability of managers to communicate with mobile personnel. Additionally, mobile computers provide better
information to mobile employees, so they can make more informed decisions locally and minimize the need for
management decisions from the central office
V.

LIMITATIONS OF MOBILE COMPUTING

1.

Insufficient Bandwidth: Mobile Internet access is generally slower than direct cable connections, using
technologies such as GPRS and EDGE, and more recently 3G networks. These networks are usually available
within range of commercial cell phone towers. Higher speed wireless LANs are inexpensive but have very
limited range.

2.

Security Standards: When working mobile, one is dependent on public networks, requiring careful use of
Virtual Private Network (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.

3.

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. Mobile computing should also look into
Greener IT, in such a way that it saves the power or increases the battery life.

4.

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.

5.

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.

6.

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.

VI. Issues in Mobile Computing

1. Security Issues
A. Confidentiality: Preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to critical information of any particular user.
B. Integrity: Ensures unauthorized modification, destruction or creation of information cannot take place.
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C. Availability: Ensuring authorized users getting the access they require.
D. Legitimate: Ensuring that only authorized users have access to services.
E. Accountability: Ensuring that the users are held responsible for their security related activities by arranging the user
and his/her activities are linked if and when necessary.
F. Wireless networks have relatively more security requirements than wired network. A number of approaches have been
suggested and also the use of encryption is has been proposed.
2. Bandwidth: Bandwidth utilization can be improved by logging (bulk operations against short requests) and
compression of data before transmission. Additionally, lazy write back and file perfecting can help the network in times
of peak demands. Lazy write back is very helpful in the sense that the data to be written may undergo further
modifications. The technique of caching frequently accessed data items can play an important role in reducing contention
in narrow bandwidth wireless networks. The cached data can help improve query response time. Since mobile clients
often disconnect to conserve battery power the cached data can support disconnected operations
3. Location Intelligence: As the mobile computers move they encounter networks with different features. A mobile
computer must be able to switch from infrared mode to radio mode as it moves from indoors to outdoors. Additionally it
should be capable of switching from cellular mode of operation to satellite mode as the computer moves from urban and
rural areas. In mobile computing as computers are working in cells and are being serviced by different network providers,
the physical distance may not reflect the true network distance. A small movement may result in a much longer path if
cell or network boundaries are crossed. It will also lead to updating of the location dependent information as described
above. This can increase the network latency as well as risk of disconnection. Service connections must be dynamically
transferred to the nearest server. However, when load balancing is a priority this may not be possible.
4. Power Consumption: Mobile Computers will rely on their batteries as the primary power source. Batteries should be
ideally as light as possible but at the same time they should be capable of longer operation times. Power consumption
should be minimized to increase battery life. Chips can be redesigned to operate at lower voltages. Power management
can also help. Individual Components, be powered down when they are idle.
5. Revising the technical architecture: Mobile users are demanding. They are important to the business world. To
provide complete connectivity among users the current communication technology must be revised to incorporate mobile
connectivity. Additionally, application and data architectures must also be revised to support the demands put upon them
by the mobile connectivity.
6. Reliability, coverage, capacity, and cost: At present wireless network is less reliable, have less geographic coverage
and reduced bandwidth, are slower, and cost more than the wired-line network services. It is important to find ways to
use this new resource more efficiently by designing innovative applications.
7. Integration with legacy mainframe and emerging client/server applications: Application development paradigms
are changing. As a result of the IT industry's original focus on mainframes, a huge inventory of applications using
communications interfaces that are basically incompatible with mobile connectivity have been accumulated. Still the
application development trend is geared towards wired network.
8. End-to-end design and performance: Since mobile computing involves multiple networks (including wired) and
multiple application server platforms, end-to-end technical compatibility, server capacity design, and network response
time estimates are difficult to achieve.
9. Business challenges: In addition to these technical challenges, mobile computing also faces business challenges. This
is due to the lack of trained professionals to bring the mobile technology to the general people and development of pilot
projects for testing its capabilities.
VII. Tactics for Success
After the selection decision for a particular mobile computing application has been made, implementing the system just
as carefully will help to ensure that the end users are satisfied and full value is realized. The following implementation
tactics, based on the most recent mobile computing project experiences, should help projects move smoothly
1. Understand the integration of workflow, information flow, and technology: Mobile computing is not the
entire solution; it addresses specific tasks within the care delivery process. Understanding the points where
technology is provided and the information collected or displayed for the end user will lead to a clear map of the
necessary changes in the current process and roles. In many projects, implementing the process, roles, and
responsibility changes is far more challenging than installing the new technology.
2. Set user expectations: Take the time to under-stand, document, and set expectations related to each
functionality and technology that will be installed. Many device manufacturers and application vendors claim
incredible functionality and access to information. Remember that mobile does not necessarily mean wireless,
real-time access to data. Make sure that end users are not led to believe that the application is going to give them
access to the same services and functionality that they have on their PCs with wired connections. Mobile
computing will give them basic functions with the added benefit of mobility
3. Pilot the application: A great implementation advantage with mobile computing is that piloting is possible. The
cost for the handheld devices, software, and basic data synchronization interfacing is very low, especially if the
vendor is willing to partner with the organization to gain experience with implementations and have reference
sites. By starting small, users get a clear under-standing of how mobile computing impacts their work

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environment. Pilot implementations identify process and technology adjustments that will improve user
acceptance and the overall success of the project when it is rolled out.
VIII. Conclusion
Mobile computing is an important, evolving technology. It enables mobile personnel to effectively communicate and
interact with the fixed organizational information system while remaining unconstrained by physical location. Mobile
computing offers significant benefits for organizations that choose to integrate the technology into their fixed
organizational information system. Mobile computing is made possible by portable computer hardware, software, and
communications systems that interact with a non-mobile organizational information system while away from the normal,
fixed workplace. Mobile computing is a versatile and potentially strategic technology that improves information quality
and accessibility, increases operational efficiency, and enhances management effectiveness. Mobile computing may be
implemented using many combinations of hardware, software, and communications technologies. The technologies must
be carefully selected and the applications designed to achieve the business needs required from the overall organizational
information system. Here in this paper we have in term identified some of the challenging issues, applications of mobile
computing along with few of the characteristics of Mobile computing.
REFERENCES
1. Mobile Computing: Characteristics, Business Benefits, and the Mobile Framework, by James Bryan Zimmerman,
University of Maryland European Division - Bowie State.
2. Challenging Issues and Limitations of Mobile Computing by Deepak G and Dr. Pradeep B S, Department of CSE,
Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, Department of CSE, Rajarajeswari College of Engineering, Bangalore,
India
3. Wireless and Mobile Computing, by Fran Turisco and Joanna Case, First Consulting Group Mobile Computing, by
Vijay Kumar, University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO 64110,
USA.
4. www.shiresystems.com
5. http://www.tutorialspoint.com/mobile_computing/index.htm
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_computing#Definitions
7. http://www.ahqa.org/pub/uploads/wirelessandmobilecomputing.pdf

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