While the convergence of computing and communications may be the future, and the future may be now, the convergence of ideas to actual product line takes longer to reach fruition.
This could leave the wireless industry a little discombobulated as it journeys to a world where the wireless Internet is as prevalent as running water and thought of as another utility-like electricity-used by everyone without much thought about where it came from.
Few doubt the wireless Web will be extremely successful. In fact, McKenzie & Co. told the PCIA GlobalXChange audience that m-commerce will be the biggest growth industry of the decade.
Businesses will save about $230 billion due to the wireless Internet and spend about $150 billion with wireless enablers to save that money. The consulting firm noted that wireless connections in Finland have changed everything. Speeding tickets in Finland are based on how fast the driver is going and his income level-the richer you are, the higher your fine. Lying about your income level to police who can quickly check the information with their version of the IRS is no longer an option.
McKenzie & Co. also told of a study in Scandinavia that found young teens who had cell phones were more popular than their peers without a wireless connection. Talk about your digital divide!
But everyone has a little different vision of what turns this wireless journey will take. Some say WAP technology, some say location services, some say content and others say voice telephony will continue to lead the wireless industry.
The different voices lend credence to the industry. But they also cause confusion.
PCIA President Jay Kitchen noted that what some call confusion, others call opportunity.
At this point, not all visions may be created equal, but they all carry some weight, which is confusing.
But hey, this industry has survived multiple standards, an alphabet soup full of acronyms and the whims of Wall Street. It’s not going to let anything stand in its way.
The wireless industry is on the verge of something big. The future is now.
