Practical test of a wireless future

Leading technology analyst The Gartner Group is well advanced in a thorough testing programme focusing on the practicalities of wireless solutions. Research director Bob Egan is leading the investigation by replacing all fixed-line communications systems for a 30-day trial.

Currently, says Gartner, there are over 300 million mobile phone users worldwide. In just over five years, there are projected to be more than 1 billion. The trend seems unstoppable - but how workable is the technology in different settings?

Egan describes the purpose of his experiment as "taking a real-world look at the state of wireless access - what are the strengths, the challenges and the costs?"

Gartner expects that about 35% of all knowledge workers will, within the next couple of years, rely on at least three pieces of technology - laptop, mobile phone and a personal digital assistant. That will drive their IT support costs up by about 70% compared to colleagues using fewer devices.

Though the cost of going wireless is high, Egan notes, it is likely to be outweighed by the costs associated with fixed systems and networks. "The significant questions," he adds, "are who should invest in wireless, what technologies and services they should invest in, and how that investment is aligned with an enterprise's business plan."

Results of the trial are expected soon.

Elliott Chase