Jennifer Takye ID: 09297036 Abstract Mobile computing is a valuable technology, which is constantly developing and will carry

on to shape human existence. The main characteristic of the concept is a non physical connection to a communication network. Details of this technology and its uses are presented here. Mobile computing technology is implemented using many combinations of hardware, software, and communications technologies. Mobile computing is a robust and potentially strategic technology that improves information quality and accessibility, increases operational efficiency, and enhances management effectiveness amongst other applications. 1.0 Introduction

Over the past two decades, there has been a rapid growth in the wireless mobile communication technology. Small devices like personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, netbooks, and laptops/notebooks are able to communicate with the fixed wired network while in motion (Pullela, 2002). This entire perception defines as mobile computing (Rudd et. al, 2009). Basic human living in economic and social activities depends to a very large extent on mobile computing, thus making it an significant subject as possible. This article gives an overview of mobile computing. Firstly, a definition of mobile computing is provided. Next, a detailed explanation of the technologies that make mobile computing possible (hardware, software, and communications) are examined. And finally, uses and importance of mobile computing are discussed. 2.0 Definition What is mobile computing?

There are various definitions to mobile computing. In general, all the definitions align with the fact that there is a mobile computing device connected to a remote network or to a non fixed physical network. According to Koudounas and Iqbal (1996), mobile computing is technology that allows transmission of data, via a computer, without having to be connected to a fixed physical link . A similar description is given by ETH Zurich lecture (2004) on mobile computing. Mobile computing devices include laptops, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal digital assistant (PDAs) and other hand held devices, and have radio transmission/receiving capability. The computing devices are mobile and access to the information is done away from the normal, fixed workplace. Zimmerman (1999) gives a broad definition of mobile computing and according to him, the technology enables users to create, access, process, store, and communicate information without being constrained to a single location. This in fact is the beauty of the technology, which has since simplified the way business is being done on the move. According to (Zimmerman, 1999), Allowing computing activities to be done with absolute mobility, mobile computing helps flexibility in virtually all organisations operations. Mobile computing technology has proven to be an awfully robust, competent, and exciting technology that offers many otherwise unachievable benefits to organizations that choose to integrate it into their fixed information system

Jennifer Takye ID: 09297036 3.0 Mobile Computing Technology

According to Zimmerman (1999), mobile computing is accomplished using a combination of: (a) computer hardware; (b) system and applications software; and (c) some form of communications medium. It is worthwhile to cite Zimmerman (1999) below: The specific mobile application, hardware, software, and operating location/environment determine which communications mediums are appropriate to use for a mobile computing solution. Achieving the desired communication capability requires matching the communications medium with the appropriate mobile computing hardware. Most mobile computing hardware is designed to take advantage of multiple communications mediums. The proper selection and utilization of the communications medium ensures that the mobile computing device is capable of reliable communications to support the mobile computing application and fulfill the business need. Hardware The mobile computing hardware is the physical device. This includes PDAs, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, and smart phones. The characteristics of these devices can 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 (Zimmerman, 1999). It will also be worthwhile to add that the operating systems also differ for each type of hardware and hence, characterises the hardware ware types. Software The physical devices cannot work alone and always need to run on a wide variety of system and application software and operating systems. Windows Microsoft is one of the most popular operating systems run on computer laptops, notebooks and netbooks. Some PDAs also run on Windows. Linux is common software used on these mobile devices and these are commonly associated with Apple Computer products. In terms of PDAs, tablet and smart phones, most common operating systems are Google Android and Apple software. Each functioning system/environment has some form of combined development environment (IDE) for application development and most of the operating environments deliver more than one development environment option for custom application development (Zimmerman, 1999). Communication The mobile computing device needs to interconnect with a fixed physical link or central server through certain protocols. This connection attribute actually define mobile computing. While there are many communications technologies available today, the best common types are GSM/GPRS and Wireless Local Area Networks (including Wi-Fi Hotspots). The high quality of the network connectivity will always depend on coverage, speed, set-up costs and maintenance costs (Ositech).

Jennifer Takye ID: 09297036 4.0 Uses and Importance of Mobile Computing

Mobile computing is an essential part of human existence now a day. Many services and operations are now in need of on this technology. The flexibility this solution offers is unbelievable and can hardly be compromise with any other solutions. Moreover, many academic works have been published to demonstrate the use of this technology. Chen and Kamara (2011) have extended this concept to information management in the construction industry. Wu et al. (2007) have discussed this technology in the health sector. Monares et al (2011) have shown the importance of this technology in urban emergency response situations. Also, a lot of examples of institutions, organisations and corporations have been shown to be readily embracing and greatly promoting the concept of mobile computing technology (2010 Horizon Report). In general, mobile computing allows better-quality functioning productivity, information accessibility, overall quality, and management effectiveness (Zimmerman, 1999). Considering the social impacts, there are many ways the concept of mobile computing has shaped, is shaping and will continue to shape us positively. The following are few examples of mobile computing applications and uses. Field Services Majority of field service activities particularly in engineering now depend on on handheld computing devices and PDAs. The mobile computing technology allows them to get information while on site and to transmit such back to their respective offices. It is similarly used by field sales men such as those selling utilities, who set up energy contracts while in the field. Emergency Services Fire fighters According to (Zimmerman, 1999), Ability to receive information on the move is quite important where the emergency services are involved. Material concerning the address, type and other details of an incident can be dispatched quickly, via mobile computer systems, to one or several appropriate mobile units which are in the vicinity of the incident Also, sensor technology can possibly play an important role in search and rescue operations by first responders. It informs fire fighters if a specific section of a building is found to be unstable and is about to collapse Mazliza Othman, 2008). Agriculture Here, sensors are used to monitor environmental conditions that may affect the crop. Early detection and alert of a change in temperature would help farmers to take precaution steps to protect their crops. Information alert is always through remote communications that rely on mobile computing. (Mazliza Othman (2008))

Jennifer Takye ID: 09297036

Healthcare The Arrhythmia Monitoring system (AMS) is a medical telemetry system that makes use of wireless technology to monitor patients suffering from arrhythmia. It provides means for health care professionals to continuously monitor a patent's and allows patients to be in the comfort of their homes. (Mazliza Othman (2008))

Credit Card Verification At Point of Sale (POS) terminals in shops and supermarkets, when usage of credit cards for transactions, the intercommunication required between the bank central computer and the POS terminal, in order to effect confirmation of the card usage, can take place rapidly and securely over cellular channels using a mobile computer unit. This can speed up the transaction process and discharge congestion at the POS terminals (Koudounas and Iqbal, 1996). News Reporting Mobile computing applications are frequently being used by news men in the field and these aid their operations dramatically. Campus Learning With the availability of Wi-Fi hotspots around campuses, students and lecturers can log into the schools network using their devices. This greatly aids learning. The above examples have demonstrated that the improvements in efficiency made possible by mobile computing are massive. Mobile computing technology can be applied to a diverse range of problems and achieve similar improvements in operational efficiency.

5.0

Conclusion

Mobile computing is a beneficial technology, whose importance cannot be compromise. The technology is continuously evolving and will continue to shape human existence. Mobile computing technology is applied using many combinations of hardware, software, and communications technologies. Mobile computing is a robust and potentially strategic technology that improves information quality and accessibility, increases operational efficiency, and enhances management effectiveness amongst other applications.

Jennifer Takye ID: 09297036 References 1. 2010 Horizon Report: http://wp.nmc.org/horizon2010/chapters/mobile-computing/ 2. lvaro Monares, Sergio F. Ochoa, Jos A. Pino, Valeria Herskovic, Juan Rodriguez-Covili and Andrs Neyem (2011): Mobile computing in urban emergency situations: Improving the support to firefighters in the field. Expert Systems with Applications 38 (2011) 1255 1267

3. Dhawan, C. (1997). Mobile Computing: A System Integrator's Handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill. 4. Dr Jim Rudd, Christopher Davia and Partricia Sullican (2009). Education for a Smarter Planet: The Future of Learning http://pdfred.com/view/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5yZWRib29rcy5pYm0uY29tL3JlZHBhcGVycy9wZGZzL3Jl ZHA0NTY0LnBkZg>

5. ETH Zurich (2004): Mobile Computing <http://www.dcg.ethz.ch/lectures/ss04/mobicomp/lecture/1/Chapter1Introduction4Slides.pdf> 6. James B. Zimmerman (1999): Mobile Computing: Characteristics, Business Benefits, and the Mobile Framework. University of Maryland European Division - Bowie State; INSS 690 CC <http://ac-support.europe.umuc.edu/~meinkej/inss690/zimmerman/INSS%20690%20CC%20%20Mobile%20Computing.htm>

7. JenHer Wu, ShuChing Wang and LiMin Lin (2007): Mobile computing acceptance factors in the healthcare industry: A structural equation model. International Journal of Medical Informatics 76 ( 2007 ) 66 77 8. Mazliza Othman (2008). Principles of mobile computing and communications. London: Boca Raton, Fla. Auerbach Publications; [London: Taylor & Francis distributor] 2008. Pages.5-10.

9. Ositech. http://www.ositech.com/downloads/123dwnlod_1.html Srikanth Pullela (2002): Security Issues in Mobile Computing. University of Texas. http://crystal.uta.edu/~kumar/cse6392/termpapers/Srikanth_paper.pdf 10. Uwe Hansmann (2008). Persuasive computing. London: Springer. 11. Vasilis Koudounas and Omar Iqbal (1996): MOBILE COMPUTING: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. Imperial College, London <http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~nd/surprise_96/journal/vol4/vk5/report.html#step9>

Jennifer Takye ID: 09297036 12. Yuan Chen and John M. Kamara (2011): A framework for using mobile computing for information management on construction sites. Automation in Construction 20 (2011) 776 788