We believe that two of the hottest topics in the coming year will be E-commerce and Mobile computing.  This month, we begin with some words on the subject of Mobile computing.

The mobile phone and handheld computing are two technologies that will develop extensively in the coming year, becoming more integrated as business managers wish to function remotely from their office. 

The cost of acquiring and operating a mobile phone is falling dramatically in real terms. Once again this Christmas, mobile telephones have been the number one seller, with an increasing variety of tariff and attractive calling plan options to meet the needs of almost any user.

To match this, the development of the handheld or palmtop computer is maturing and becoming more attractive and functional.  Psion has led the way in this area for a number of years.  Now there are a number of major manufacturers producing handheld computers. 

This growth has, to some extent, been spurred on by the introduction of Microsoft’s Windows CE operating system.  Windows CE is a very slimmed down version of its bigger brothers, but is compatible with them.  This allows data to be shared between conventional desktop, notebook computers and handheld devices.

One such device is the Casio Cassiopaeia.  It has a very respectable 32Mb of memory, a colour touch-sensitive screen and measures 13cm x 8cm x 2cm.  Input is via a stylus or a miniature on-screen keyboard that responds to the stylus.  One of its major attractions is that it runs both e-mail, contacts database and calendar/diary that are all compatible with Microsoft’s Outlook.  The device can be connected (via a small docking station) to your desktop or notebook computer and e-mail inbox, contacts listing and appointments are automatically synchronised in real time.  It is therefore completely up to date when you leave the office.

Call Alan Finch on 01224 697457 if you need more advice on telecommunications.