The Next Generation
Throughout the last decade, technology companies took great steps to improve the content, usability and accessibility of the Internet. Now, however, second generation (2G) technologies have taken a giant leap into the future by making it possible to be productive through wireless handheld devices that are "always on, always connected." Whether it's surfing the Internet, reading, writing or replying to emails, it can all be done from anywhere. No longer do you have to be tethered to a PC to access needed information.

Wireless technology is the next big thing. A few years ago, this industry was in its infancy and being compared to the World Wide Web during its days in the crib. We have all seen how fast the web has grown. The experts and those "in the know" anticipate nothing less than the same explosion in the wireless world.

The U.S. online population using cell phones alone for wireless data is expected to grow from 3 percent to 78 percent over the next 12 months. Surveys show that 52 percent of users would mix the usage on these devices between email, important personal data and business information (Cap Gemini America, 2000, www.cgey.com). Many other studies suggest the same trend. Not only is the use of wireless devices growing but the number of devices available continues to increase as well.

Wireless Solutions for a Portable Planet
Imagine that you are sitting in a restaurant waiting for your date to join you. At the next table, you overhear a teenager talking about the latest pop quiz on his research assignment that just arrived on his Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC (www.compaq.com). Just then, a woman hastily puts on her jacket with a concerned look. You notice her placing her Palm Vx PDA (www.palm.com) in her belt holster. All you could pick up was, "Mr. Robinson's vitals are dropping," as she excuses herself and rushes past you. Shouts of congratulations go up as a gentleman stands up holding his RIM 957 (www.rim.net) wireless handheld device and announces, "I've achieved my commission goals and I am the sales rep with the most customer lead responses for this month!" Finally, you are startled by your cell phone vibrating on your hip. You flip it open and read that your date ran into traffic and will be a bit late to meet you.

Just a fantasy you say? Well, this imaginary scenario isn't as much of a fantasy as it may sound. Current 2G technology has already made each of these scenarios possible--and this is just the beginning. 2.5G and 3G technologies are currently being developed. The more portable this planet becomes, the more truly wireless the solutions will become.

All Aboard!
Yes, wireless technology is driving forward like a high-speed express luxury train. And in every window there is someone with a wireless device in hand and a smile on their face. So what are you doing standing on the outside looking in? Grab a "wireless," run to the next station and when the train comes down the track, jump on and join the ride.

Tyrone McKoy works as a test engineer for Aether Systems, Inc., and lives in Baltimore.