Recent studies show that 9.5 million people currently access the
Internet using a handheld device. Of that number almost half use
a PDA of some type. This figure will grow rapidly as the number
of "mobile workers" increases.
IDC says
the number of Mobile professionals will grow from 18.2 million
in 2001 to 24.1 million in 2006, driving the highest technology
investment of any mobile segment. By the end of 2006, almost two-thirds
of U.S. workers will be classified as mobile workers of some type.
Mobile working is just entering its fourth stage, according to Raymond Boggs,
program vice president for IDC's Small Business/Home Office services.
With portable PCs and cell phones in the 1980s and 1990s, mobile workers could
stay in touch with customers and colleagues. Now, with wireless networking and
virtual private networks (VPNs), they have access to a full range of corporate
resources.
AthenaOnline
has always envisioned a time when individuals would truly be able
to access knowledge anytime, anywhere - that time is rapidly approaching.
As newer and faster wireless networks become available AthenaOnline will
be at the forefront, finding new ways to deliver business knowledge
to this growing population of mobile workers.
