September 24, 2007
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Editor’s note:
Wireless networks get closer

What's New:
• Mobile social networks take off
• Microsoft pushes toward 700 Mhz

Executive Analysis:
• First WiFi Blackberry
• Nokia's cellular + WiFi phone

Also Noted:
Stylish Nokia E51; 2008 the year of WiMAX?;
And much more...

Hands-On Wireless:
• iPhone transforms AT&T network
• CIO looking for network skills

I remember when email wouldn't travel between networks. I had separate accounts for MCI Mail and Compuserve to increase my reach: it was a great day when email could traverse the Internet and move between networks. Now, of course, we take for granted that messages can move from one client to another. We're on the verge of reaching a similar point, at which the type of network that any client is connected to will matter much less. Smartphones that use both cellular and WiFi networks have been discussed for some time now, but they're finally beginning to make their way to market. Between cellular (and 3G data) networks, WiFi hotspots, and WiMAX networks, we're rapidly approaching a place when ubiquitous data connectivity will be a reasonable assumption virtually anywhere "in town". For those of us who work while moving from place to place, this is an incredible development. It's no less remarkable for organizations large and small because it will continue the change in how work (and the workplace) is defined. I'm not sure that I agree with Intel's assessment that 2008 will be "The Year of WiMAX", but I'm quite confident that we'll look back on 2007 and 2008 as years when the way that we work changed forever. -Curtis

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What’s New

1. Mobile social networks take off

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Companies are rushing to embrace social networking sites and technologies ranging from Facebook to Second Life. For firms that are rapidly deploying wireless applications and platforms, there is a new dilemma regarding whether an existing social networking platform should follow users into the mobile world, or if a new, designed-for-mobile social networking framework should be used. Companies like MocoSpace, Bluepulse, and SayNow are building communities around voice communications and mobile-friendly text nuggets. Organizations moving more of their work to the social networks should check out the newcomers--and should work to ensure that management and security issues are addressed from every angle.

For more on the new mobile social networks:
- read the whole story at WirelessWeek

2. Microsoft pushes toward 700 Mhz

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The run-up to the January 16 auction of the 700 Mhz spectrum is getting more and more exciting. First came the news that preliminary 700 Mhz devices would interfere with existing wireless services. Next, came complaints from the cell-phone industry about the structure of the auction. Now, Microsoft has weighed in on the interference issue by sponsoring a study that concludes that no interference will take place. When you have Microsoft and Google pushing for a new way to deliver applications, you get the feeling that things are about to get much more interesting.

For more on the new engineering study:
- read the study analysis at eWeek

Executive Analysis

1. First WiFi Blackberry

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The evolution of wireless clients from RIM continues as the Blackberry 8820 hits the street with quad band GMS/EDGE network connectivity and long-awaited WiFi capabilities. In addition to the features that users expect from a Blackberry, the 8820 will support unlicensed mobile access (UMA), so that calls can be transferred from the cellular network to a WiFi network, with no impact on the user. The handoff is becoming a must for dual-mode phones, and the 8820 should be a strong competitor in the space.

For more on the new Blackberry:
- read the new product news at CIO-Today
- and check out a photo of the new handset at DailyTechRag

2. Nokia's cellular + WiFi phone

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Nokia helped dual-mode phones move forward with the introduction of the Nokia 6301, a smartphone that connects calls through either the cell network or an available WiFi network. The phone, a tri-band GSM model, will not be available in the U.S. in its initial configuration. Future versions might make it to North America, however, after the European markets have had a chance to work through any first-version issues that arise. Stay tuned.

For more on Nokia's dual-mode phone:
- read the product analysis at CIO-Today

> Stylish Nokia E51. Article

> Qualcomm still target of ITC. Article

> 2008 is the year of WiMAX? Article

> Sprint Airave moves cellular over the 'net. Article

Hands-On Wireless

1. iPhone transforms AT&T network

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The iPhone has certainly had an impact on customer's wallets, on Apple's Mac OS release schedule and on competitors like Nokia and Motorola. Now, it seems that the device has also had an impact on AT&T's cellular network. AT&T says that network upgrades go on all the time, but 20,000 new radios seems like a significant change for a single new device. The upgrades are having an impact beyond the iPhone, though--customer churn is low, and customer satisfaction is high. With results like these, the iPhone could prove important to AT&T for a long time to come.

For more on AT&T's network upgrades:
- read the business analysis at WirelessWeek

2. CIO looking for network skills

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CIOs have a lot of things on their minds, and recruiting talented staff members is near the top of the list. Finding expertise in specialized areas ranging from security to VoIP is a critical piece of the overall technology management job. According to a new Robert Half Technology study, fourteen percent of CIOs say they're looking to hire new staff in the fourth quarter--and networking skills are at the top of their list of needs.

For more on CIO hiring plans:
- read the job skills report at eWeek

©2007 FierceMarkets, Inc. This email was sent to tayllorcriss@gmail.com as part of the IT-Wireless email list which is administered by FierceMarkets, 1319 F Street NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20004, (202) 628-8778.

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