Select a topic: Back to Solutions Library Data Storage Hardware Internet Interviews Networking Organizational Strategies Software Systems Technologies Telephony CDW·G Solutions™ March 2003    · Problem Definition · Research · Planning Partner · Workforce Characteristics · Existing Process and Technical Architecture · Back-end Systems and Information Flows · Security · Mobile System Component Options · Evaluation Factors for Mobile System Components · New Business Process and Technical Architecture Careful planning can determine the success or failure of a mobile device deployment project. Selecting the appropriate applications, devices and accessories is critical. Additionally, internal databases need to be modified and secured for access by a mobile workforce. The factors to consider in a mobile computing plan are numerous but not insurmountable. Here is an outline of the factors relevant to mobile device deployments and a case study from two IT managers, who have each recently completed two successful deployments. Problem Definition The most important component of a mobile device deployment plan is the problem definition. You need to clearly identify the information access and process problems that are potentially solvable with mobile devices. For example, if your organization needs more powerful mobile technology to present video clips on notebooks in a variety of office environments, research all problem areas. Perhaps the problem is not outdated notebooks but inadequate network service for multimedia data transmission. Research While each problem is unique, IT managers face common mobile device deployment issues, such as acquisition and maintenance costs, data security, middleware, application modifications, user training and backup procedures. Educate yourself as much as possible in these areas. Most device manufacturers include case studies on their Web sites. IT associations are another source of lessons gleaned from successful deployments. Planning Partner Mobile technology is becoming more complex. There are more device types to evaluate, including the new Tablet PC platform, and more wireless network technologies to consider, such as the latest high-speed (3G) wireless data networks. You can boost your planning efforts with an objective perspective from an independent consultant or a third-party acquisition partner. The alternative is establishing and maintaining relationships with multiple vendors. Whatever your choice, consider whether you want to outsource project components, such as programming, training or support. Workforce Characteristics Mobile device deployments often vary by the number of job functions users perform. A broad program can provide the opportunity to experiment with multiple device types and to assess their fit for various job functions. Your mobile workforce might consist of a variety of mobile professionals. Some may work in situations where both image and function are important. Others might be frequent users of public networks or hot spots located in airports and libraries. Categorize your mobile workforce by job function, work setting and travel demands so your plan contains profiles of each mobile user group. Existing Process and Technical Architecture It's not unusual for a mobile systems project to derail because the plan failed to account for all components of existing processes or technical architecture. Begin with an inventory of your users. If every user group of an existing system affected by a mobile deployment is not contacted before system modifications are implemented, important requirements can be overlooked. Diagram those processes and then link the relative segments of the existing technical architecture. A mobile deployment project is an opportunity to reassess existing processes wherever possible. Back-end Systems and Information Flows From an existing technical architecture you can inventory current systems and information flows affected by the mobile device deployment project. Access to voice mail, e-mail and proprietary databases is typically needed by a mobile workforce. Mobile workers may also need timely access to data from external sources, such as news, weather and travel guides. Some remote users need to capture and transmit digital images. The goal of this planning phase is to identify the comprehensive information needs of the mobile workforce and the internal and external information sources. Security A critical planning component is system security. It's imperative to preserve the existing security mechanisms and procedures as well as supplement them with layers that address the introduction of new devices, software and wireless networks. Mobile access to systems with security loopholes invites major problems. Mobile System Component Options An effective mobile system requires assembling various components. You'll need to select the most appropriate device type and related accessories for each job function and mobile user group. Mobile devices need wired and wireless connections to communicate with back-end systems, a requirement that involves an evaluation of networks for voice and data communication, shared and dedicated servers for managing mobile computing and middleware solutions for securing and compressing data. Evaluation Factors for Mobile System Components Develop a checklist or ask your planning partner to provide one to facilitate a thorough evaluation of mobile system components. You don't want to base a mobile device deployment program on the latest devices only to discover subsequently that they're not available in the quantity you need or that your wireless carrier provides inadequate coverage. Demand assurances from vendors that end users will experience high-quality performance once all the mobile system components are integrated. For end-user devices the checklist should include cost, availability, service and support, size, weight, battery life, screen visibility both indoors and outdoors, multimedia capabilities, built-in wireless functionality, voice recording and available accessories. The voice and data network checklist should include cost, coverage, transmission speed, availability of information services, device support, security, and amount of programming required for a custom interface. Servers and middleware need to be evaluated on cost, ease of implementation and maintenance, service and support, security, backup and performance. New Business Process and Technical Architecture Once the evaluation phase is complete and the mobile system components are selected, the reengineered processes must be documented with overlays of supporting technical architecture. Compare the modified systems diagram to the original diagrams completed earlier in the planning cycle to ensure that the integrity of the project scope is maintained. The completed inventory and diagram of the new systems architecture provide the template for the project implementation plan including programming, testing, device deployment, user training and measurement. Planning a mobile device deployment doesn't have to be tedious. When the process is completed thoroughly, it results in a project with clear boundaries and a comprehensive project plan. It also ensures a consensus on the desired results for improved productivity, sound cost/benefit analyses, the necessary resources, selection of appropriate mobile system components and timely implementation. For more information on the products discussed in this article, please contact your CDW·G account manager at 800.594.4239.