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Organizations are at Risk from Lax Wi-Fi Security
According to our research, laptop computers comprise about one-third of all personal computers in U.S. and Canadian businesses, and most of them include wireless communications capabilities. But according to data from our 2006 IT Security Study, many IT organizations fail to grasp many of the easier concepts and configurations that are available to secure wireless networks. This article quantifies the adoption rate for two public wireless security standards (WEP and WPA) and breaks down the analysis by organizational size (based on the number of laptops supported.) The article also includes practical recommendations for securing wireless networks and itemizes the reasons that organizations should upgrade to the WPA standard as soon as possible.
April, 2006
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The Falling Costs of Mobile Computing
The increase in the use of mobile computing, centered around laptop computers, presents special challenges to IT managers. This Research Byte, which is an executive summary of our full report, Falling Costs of Mobile Computing Drive Corporate Adoption, which forecasts the deployment and cost differential of laptop computers relative to desktops. It also includes recommendations for IT managers to manage the challenges of mobile computing, the greatest of which is security of data carried on mobile devices.
December, 2005
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Falling Costs of Mobile Computing Drive Corporate Adoption
Replacement of desktop computers with laptops is increasing in many companies, driven primarily by the falling cost of laptops relative to desktop computers. In view of the inevitable shift to mobile computing, IT executives must address critical issues in managing this technology, the foremost of which is security of data that is untethered from the corporate network. This report tracks percentage of laptops to total PCs installed in corporate environments since 1999 and forecasts this metric through 2007. We also calculate the cost differential between laptops and desktops since 2002 and forecast this metric through 2008. (5 pp., 2 figs.)[Executive Summary]
December, 2005
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Getting Control of Spending on Wireless
Over the past five years, businesses have greatly increased their use of cellular phones and wireless email devices. But many organizations exercise little control over these expenses. This article provides practical tips for getting control of and reducing the costs of wireless services.
October, 2005
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Beyond Customer Mandates: RFID Promises Operational Benefits
Many companies start implementation of RFID because major customers such as Wal-Mart force them to. However, RFID has much to offer in its own right in terms of better management control in a variety of applications. This report analyzes the factors that IT groups should consider in planning for RFID along with economic insights into the value of the technology. Specific software and IT systems are discussed, including the crucial issues of standardization and security.
September, 2005
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Wi-Fi Ready for Prime Time
Wi-Fi is a low risk investment as long as a security assessment and appropriate risk mitigation measures are included as part of the overall strategy for implementation
August, 2005
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Wi-Fi Moves Into Enterprise Computing
Wireless computing, or Wi-Fi, is making rapid inroads into corporate networks, driven by demands of mobile users and others who appreciate the convenience of being free from wired connections. According to the Computer Economics 2005 Information Systems Spending and Technology Trends survey of key CIOs and IT managers, the ROI and TCO characteristics of Wi-Fi are excellent. Therefore, Wi-Fi is a low risk investment as long as a security assessment and appropriate risk mitigation measures are included as part of the overall strategy for implementation.
June, 2005
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Wireless Networking in the Enterprise
Wireless networks, more commonly referred to as Wi-Fi, are increasing both in quantity and performance. Selecting an effective approach for installing Wi-Fi within your company requires first understanding the options available and the trade-offs inherent in each. Wi-Fi remains an emerging technology, and some of the fundamental protocols are still under development. This immaturity does not necessarily imply great risk in developing a wireless network, but it does signal the need for caution in making choices. Click here to purchase. - $125 (USD)
June, 2004
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Wireless Internet Training Terminals
Computer Economics anticipates that within the next few years, private companies, colleges and universities, military organizations, and perhaps a small number of primary and secondary schools will start using wireless Internet devices for education or training purposes. The key advantage of wireless Internet training terminal (WITT) devices is that they provide an anywhere, anytime platform for education because they do not require external power sources or physical connections to the Internet.
August, 2002
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Wireless Technology to Boost Internet Usage
Internet users are increasingly turning to broadband wireless solutions as frustrations with dial-up and hardwired connectivity grow. Depending on location, many users have the option of selecting a wireless Internet link that offers speeds of 2 Mbps to 11 Mbps. The economy of wireless Internet is often attractive.
August, 2002
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Instant Messaging Turns on Developers (June 2002)
According to the new Evans Data Winter 2002 Wireless Developers Survey, messaging has overtaken email as the most popular application, with almost half of all wireless developers developing messaging applications. These messaging applications include Instant Messaging (IM), SMS, and Unified Messaging. The interviews with developers who are actively engaged in wireless applications also found that the pace of wireless development continues to accelerate. The percentage of respondents who will devote 50% or more of their time to wireless applications will increase from 19% to 24% since the last Evans survey six months ago.
June, 2002
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The Future of Wireless Mobile Commerce
Mobile commerce (m-commerce) would seem to have an almost unlimited potential. Considering projections that over one billion users will possess PDAs or other devices equipped for wireless data by 2004, the attraction of selling to this group is high, but Computer Economics recommends taking a realistic view of m-commerce in light of the technological and cultural issues that must be resolved before sales can take off.
May, 2002
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Tracking and Navigation Systems Boom (Jan 2001)
J.D. Power Clubs' carclub.com plans to offer Airbiquity's Global Positioning System (GPS) wireless Accessory for under $200. The service is expected to include roadside assistance; accident assistance; route support; and concierge services, such as locating hotels, restaurants, ATMs, and hospitals. This is the first distribution agreement for the Airbiquity GPS Accessory. Computer Economics expects similar services to be offered by automobile manufacturers and other auto-related clubs.
May, 2002
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Wireless LAN Choices Abound (April 2002)
The availability of several IEEE-approved protocols for wireless LANs (WLAN) is making the decision of which to select for what applications difficult. Not only do the standards differ in data rate, frequency spectrum, performance, and cost but they also impact the design and administration of the hardwired network to which the WLAN connects. Additionally, there are other WLAN protocol options such as Bluetooth and HomeRF as well. This thorough look at each of the IEEE 802.11 protocols will provide IT managers with the understanding they need to begin planning their organizationâs WLAN implementation.
April, 2002
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Planning for Wireless Data Communications
As wireless data communications becomes a reality in today's ever-shrinking world of business and commerce, enterprises should evaluate the technology and begin formulating a plan for adoption. Wireless data solutions are a vital facet of remote access technology for companies with an increasing number of mobile or remote employees. Enterprises have the opportunity to deliver high-speed voice, video, and data traffic to employees carrying personal communications services (PCS) systems at their side.
March, 2002