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As it turns out, the former is a bit easier than the latter. Let’s begin with wireless networks themselves – they’ve grown, in both coverage and performance, dramatically over the past 15 years. Wireless phones have become ubiquitous, and moved from vehicle-centric to a fixture in pocket or purse. But even more important, access to e-mail, calendar and scheduling information, and even enterprise applications and data is now possible given the large number of mobile subscriber units (it’s just not fair to call them simply “handsets” anymore) now on the market.

Network managers are also discovering that it’s become much easier in recent years to deploy mobile services. Cellular carriers and operators have a much broader array of services to offer, including performance that really does qualify as broadband. Public-access, metro-scale Wi-Fi “hotspot” services are also becoming popular, many now with enhanced security. And, regardless, it’s possible to extend your corporate security capabilities, like virtual private networks, to mobile devices, so mobility need not have any compromise with respect to security. We also expect Web-services strategies to map nicely onto mobile devices. In short – not much change required here, just (rapid) evolution.

The difficult part, for many enterprises, has been in managing a mobile workforce. Some managers just aren’t comfortable with their human assets being quite literally all over the place, but mobility need not lessen management visibility, control and reporting. Network-based tools, again, extend to workers in the field, so it’s really just a question of trust and management style. Another great truth is fast emerging – work is something you do, not a place you go. Successful enterprises are soon going to be defined by their ability to operate in a fully distributed fashion, taking advantage of mobile computing and communications tools (and staff) to get to the customer before the competition does. A slight change in management style indeed is a small price to pay for this huge benefit.

In the end, it’s not about wireless or mobility, it’s about information. And timely access to information is perhaps the last great differentiator in business today. Firms that structure themselves with this as a core capability will be the leaders going forward.