Integrating Wireless Laptops and Handheld Devices into Enterprise Applications

A growing number of businesses want to integrate secure, wireless communications into their enterprise networks. This challenges network and system administrators with the tasks of determining how quality remote access can be guaranteed, how the access can be simplified for users, and how enterprise security can be safeguarded. Additionally, IT is being asked to deploy new wireless remote capabilities quickly and successfully. This article covers the unique planning and implementation issues required for wireless integration with other enterprise resources.

The flexibility of wireless communications in the field, coupled with savings on line costs for more traditional communication methodologies, has made wireless a preferred communication mode for many companies with high numbers of employees who are field-active. Utility companies, police forces, sales forces and other field-oriented personnel look for handheld or laptop devices to do business with and to respond to situations. These field users also require critical support from enterprise databanks to do their jobs deftly and swiftly.