In the enterprise computing world, the word “mobile” is commonly misunderstood. Many tend to think of mobile as synonymous with portable, but those two definitions are in fact vastly different. Portable specifically speaks to the ability to carry a device with you. An iPad and a laptop are both technically “portable”
However, if you ask anyone if an iPad is “mobile,” the answer will be “yes.” If you ask the same question about a laptop the answer will almost always be “no.” So size can contribute to mobility, but it is not the definition of mobile. To further the confusion, cellular connectivity (e.g. 4G, LTE) vs. WiFi connectivity can often complicate the definition of mobile. Is an iPad without cellular connection still mobile? Most would say “yes.” Is a laptop that has built-in cellular connectivity mobile? Most would say “no.” Connectivity can contribute to mobility but it is not the sole defining factor. Keeping these details in mind, you may find yourself asking, just what is mobile?
The truth is that mobile (particularly in the enterprise) is a philosophy or modus operandi. Any device that is mobile at it’s core needs to be an enabler to that end and reinforce the widely accepted definition: “a device where most users find it most comfortable to interact with it via touches and taps.”
A non-mobile device is one where most users would find it most comfortable to use non-touch interactions, such as a typing on a keyboard and using a mouse. This does not mean that the presence or lack of a keyboard is the defining factor. The main defining key is what methods users find “most comfortable” on that particular device. An iPad that has a keyboard is still mobile. A Windows laptop that is touch enabled is still not mobile, as evident by the mass rejection of the Windows touch-centric Metro interface in favor of the standard desktop experience.
Companies should specifically keep this in mind when they are deciding to “mobilize” their field force and make sure that they are not just rolling out “portable” devices. Further, even if a device itself is not mobile, such as a laptop running Windows, application providers can create mobile-optimized apps that are “most comfortable” being used with the touch interface of modern laptops/desktops.
As enterprise technology rapidly changes, terms can become conflated as companies rush to embrace new devices before properly understanding their application. It can be easy to get ahead of yourself, to start planning and developing even before answering the question: What is mobile? The concept of mobile is more than just new technology, it is a new way of thinking and of doing things while keeping the mobile experience in mind at every step. It is crucial to the success of any organization that these terms be carefully pinned down before building a strategy around them. By understanding what mobile is, it can help prevent confusion and ultimately strengthen your organization.
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