Mobile Computing Business Factors and Operating Systems

Abstract

This chapter introduces the enormous impact of mobile computing on both companies and individuals. Companies face many issues related to mobile computing. For example: which devices will be supported by the organization? which devices will fulfill the business objectives? which form factor will win? which features and networks will future devices offer? which operating systems will they run? what will all this cost? what are the security issues involved? what are the business drivers? This chapter will discuss the major business drivers in the mobile computing field, and provide an analysis of the top two operating systems that are currently running the majority of mobile devices. These platforms are the 1) Palm operating system (OS), and 2) Microsoft Windows CE operating system. The chapter will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each operating system and discuss market share and future growth.