What is mobile computing?
Mobile computing embraces a host of portable technologies that makes Internet access on the go not only possible, but integral to everyday life. From notebook computers to smartphone like the Android® and iPhone®, to standard cell phones, mobile computing has become an indispensable way of life.
Laptop and notebook computers can use one of two types of wireless access services when away from the home or office. The most commonly used and least expensive is WiFi®. WiFi uses radio waves to broadcast an Internet signal from a wireless router to the immediate surrounding area. If the wireless network is not encrypted, anyone can jump on. WiFi is commonly used in public places to create "hotspots." The drawback to WiFi is that you must locate a hotspot, then stay put within broadcasting range to use it.
An alternative to WiFi is cellular broadband. This type of mobile computing technology utilizes a cellular modem or AirCard® to connect to cell towers for Internet access. The AirCard fits into the PC Card or ExpressCard slot or the USB port of a notebook or laptop, delivering Internet access on the go, literally. One needn't remain stationary to use cellular broadband as the signal will remain strong everywhere there is cellular service.
What is ETS doing with mobile computing?
ETS is working closely with Ellucian, our Banner/MyPortal vendor, to move our Banner
system to mobile devices. We have successfully implemented a Banner / MyPortal prototype
mobile application (mobile app). We are in the process of testing the newly released
mobile student registration module from Ellucian, and we will incorporate it into
the Banner mobile app when the release is ready. We anticipate the first mobile application
release should be ready in Winter of 2015.
What district and colleges applications are currently running on mobile platform?
As we are gradually moving our district and college applications to the mobile platform, here are some examples of applications that are capable running on the mobile platform:
- Foothill College web site
- De Anza College web site
- District web site (Foundation and ETS, more will follow)