This will increase the quantity and type of information that systems collect about individuals. According to Gartner, this will result in a legal and ethical minefield, especially in Europe, where there are cultural differences as well as legal differences and systems across countries. Businesses must co-operate with public partners to solve this issue. Machines such as the WAP server offer new points of attack for hacking and wireless communications can be intercepted. Users may be lazy or confused and not operate Bluetooth-enabled devices in the most secure manner.
Phones are physically insecure and easily stolen.
Gartner advises that organisations need to carry out a regular security review of all mobile applications and architectures. Individual users will favour applications that maximise their personal convenience and through to 2005, organisations deploying the most successful mobile applications will require consumer-marketing skills to match applications to consumer roles and requirements. Gartner advises marketing departments to seek external assistance from specialists such as advertising agencies, consumer psychologists and consumer marketing consultants to ensure applications are both focused and compelling. At its first Wireless and Mobile E-Business conference in Barcelona this week, Gartner analysts will deliver predictions on how the wireless economy will shape up, where the revenue will be made and what the right business strategies are for exploiting the economic opportunities. They will also examine the political, technological and security issues which arise as the revolution gains momentum.