Advantages of Mobile Computing:
Mobile computing has changed the complete landscape of human being
life. Following are the clear advantages of Mobile Computing:
· Location flexibility
This has enabled user to work from anywhere as long as there is a
connection established. A user can work without being in a fixed position.
Their mobility ensures that they are able to carry out numerous tasks at the
same time perform their stated jobs.
· Saves Time
The time consumed or wasted by travelling from different locations
or to the office and back, have been slashed. One can now access all the
important documents and files over a secure channel or portal and work as if
they were on their computer. It has enhanced telecommuting in many companies.
This also reduces unnecessary expenses that might be incurred.
· Enhanced Productivity
Productive nature has been boosted by the fact that a worker can
simply work efficiently and effectively from which ever location they see
comfortable and suitable. Users are able to work with comfortable environments.
Ease of
research
Research has been made easier, since users will go to the field
and search for facts and feed them back to the system. It has also made it
easier for field officer and researchers to collect and feed data from wherever
they without making unnecessary trip to and from the office to the field.
· Entertainment
Video and audio recordings can now be streamed on the go using
mobile computing. It's easy to access a wide variety of movies, educational and
informative material. With the improvement and availability of high-speed data
connections at considerable costs, one is able to get all the entertainment
they want as they browser the internet for streamed data. One can be able to
watch news, movies, and documentaries among other entertainment offers over the
Internet. This was not such before mobile computing dawned on the computing
world.
· Streamlining of Business Processes
Business processes are now easily available through secured
connections. Basing on the factor of security, adequate measures have been put
in place to ensure authentication and authorization of the user accessing those
services.
Some business functions can be run over secure links and also the
sharing of information between business partners. Also it's worth noting that
lengthy travelling has been reduced, since there is the use of voice and video
conferencing.
Meetings, seminars and other informative services can be conducted
using the video and voice conferencing. This cuts down on travel time and
expenditure.
Disadvantages of
Mobile Computing:
·
Mobile Computing Security Issues:
Mobile computing has its fair
share of security concerns as any other technology. Due to their nomadic
nature, it's not easy to monitor the proper usage. User might have different
intentions on how to utilize this privilege. Improper and unethical practices
such as hacking, industrial espionage, pirating, online fraud and malicious
destruction are some but few of the problems experienced by mobile computing.
Another big problem plaguing mobile
computing is credential verification. It's not possible to that the person
using that person is the true barrier. Other users share username and
passwords. This is also a major threat to security. This being a very sensitive
issue, most companies are very reluctant to implement mobile computing to the
dangers of misrepresentation.
The problem of identity theft is
very difficult to contain or eradicate. Issues with unauthorized access to data
and information by hackers, is also a plaguing problem. They gain access to
steal vital data from companies. This problem has been a major headache and
hindrance in rolling out mobile computing services.
No company wants to lay open
their secrets to hacker and other intruders, who will in terms, sell them to
their competitors. It's also important to take the necessary precautions to
minimize these threats from taking place. Some of those measures include:
· Hiring qualified personnel.
· Installing Security Hardware and
Software.
· Educating the Users on proper
Mobile computing ethics.
· Auditing and developing sound,
effective policies to govern mobile computing.
· Enforcing proper access rights
and permissions.
These are just but a few ways to
help deter possible threats to any company planning to offer mobile computing.
Since information is vital, all possible measures should be evaluated and
implemented for safeguard purposes.
In the absence of such measures,
it's possible for exploits and other unknown threats to infiltrate and cause
irrefutable harm that would cost a huge of damage. These maybe in terms of
reputation or financial penalties. In such cases, it's very easy to be misused
in different unethical practices.
The other issue would be online
security. If this factor isn't properly worked on, it might be an avenue for
constant threat. Theft and Espionage can be also another fact limiting its full
utilization. Various threats to security still exist in implementing this kind
of technology.
