MOBILE COMPUTING  and E-Commerce

MOBILE COMPUTING

(1) What is Mobile Computing? 

The term "mobile computing" has come to be frequently seen in newspapers and magazines. Mobile computing is a general term for a form of communication by voice, image, character data, etc.

In conjunction with a portable computer in a mobile environment (mobile environment) In mobile computing, mobile information terminals such as laptop computers and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) are used in combination with mobile phones such as mobile phones and PHS. New communication styles are being created that combine these devices with rapidly developing communication networks such as the Internet.

(2) Why is mobile computing now?

There are two main reasons why mobile computing is attracting attention now. One is that the progress of business activities is faster than before, and the need to expand the available time and space is increasing. Second, as will be described later, the performance of mobile information terminals such as mobile phones and notebook computers and mobile phones has improved significantly in the last few years, making it possible to perform work equivalent to work in an office environment even outside the office. It has become. With improved hardware and software performance, the reality is finally approaching the concept of the portable personal computer "Dynabook" once advocated by Alan Kay.

Below, we describe the outlook for mobile computing system trends and their future vision.

2 Mobile computing products. Market Trends

(1) Classification of

Mobile Information Terminals Mobile information terminals used in mobile computing are roughly classified into the following four in descending order of weight.
1. Sub note. Personal computer (around 2 kg)
2. Pen computer (around 1 to 2 kg)
3. Palmtop computer (within 1 kg)
4. PDA (around 500 kg)
Chart 1 summarizes these. Most of the new products such as personal computers that have appeared recently are these personal digital assistants. The number of new products for conventional desktop PCs is decreasing.

(2) Product trends of

mobile information terminals The following four features are commonly found in product trends of mobile information terminals.
1. Compact and lightweight
2. Longer continuous drive time
3. Higher functionality
4. Multi-functionalization
Of these, the most prominent trends are compact and lightweight, and multi-functionalization.

FIG. 1 shows an example of miniaturization and weight reduction seen in a PDA. The maximum size of the main body was reduced to fit in a shirt pocket from 1994 to 1995. Looking at the weight of the main unit and modem, the weight was reduced by nearly 30% from 1994 to 1996. In addition, credit card-sized mobile information terminals have also appeared. At present, only text information downloaded from the Internet can be viewed, but this is one direction for mobile information terminals in the future.

In addition, the following tendencies can be seen in terms of complex functions.
・ Built-in fax modem ・
Equipped with WWW browser on the Internet
・ Addition of digital camera machine
・ Addition of voice memo machine ・
Integration with mobile phone As a
whole, enhancement of communication function and multimedia function There is a tendency.

There are two future directions for mobile information terminals. One is the direction of strengthening cooperation with networks, and the other is the direction of intelligent functions.

As the link with the Internet is strengthened, OS-independent "network computers" are expected to appear. Relational. The concept of the "network computer" (Note), which was created by the database giant Oracle, is that the terminal price is less than $ 500, a high-speed processor is used, the emphasis is on network access functions, and the memory capacity is also large. There are few, and it does not have a floppy disk or a hard disk. It is a computer limited to the functions of downloading a program (applet) written in "Java" developed by Sun Microsystems, a major workstation company, via the Internet and executing it on a terminal. This shows the evolution of personal computers in a direction different from the Wintel (Windows & Intel) specification personal computer architecture, which is the majority of existing personal computers.

On the other hand, regarding the tendency toward intelligent functions, there is a movement to introduce communication functions using agents (agents).

For example, it will be held at a network service called "Paseo" which is being piloted by NTT Fan Planning. Based on the PDA, Paseo is trying to apply it to an easy-to-use e-mail service by using the agent function using the language "Telescript" developed by General Magic. Telescripts can also be used to send out agents to search databases on the network for applications other than email services.

To effectively utilize such agent functions, it is necessary to clarify the business processing flow on the agent side and make it a simple processing flow. It is dangerous to think that you can do anything with an agent. Simple work such as reviewing accommodations and repeating searches under different conditions would be suitable for user agents.

(3) Market trends

From the recent trends related to mobile computing mentioned so far, the future direction can be estimated as follows.
1. Decrease in desktop PCs and increase in mobile information terminals.
2. Progress in making mobile information terminals smaller and lighter, more multifunctional, and more multimedia. Introducing credit card terminals.
3. Strengthening the connection of mobile information terminals with networks
4. Increasing the number of digital mobile phones and expanding the service area on a global scale
"You can communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world by voice, text, and images with a credit card type terminal," is the vision of mobile computing shortly.
[1] The ever-growing mobile phone market The

The mobile phone market, which plays an important role in mobile computing, continues to grow significantly. As shown in Fig. 2, the cumulative number of mobile phone subscribers at the end of 1995 exceeded 10 million. Even after entering 1996, the high level of increase has continued The trigger for this market expansion is the liberalization of handset sales in the spring of 1994 and the introduction of PHS in 1995. Initially, it was predicted that the market share of mobile phones would decrease due to the introduction of PHS, but in reality, By the end of 1996, the total number of mobile phones and PHS subscribers is expected to increase to nearly 20 million units. One in six Japanese will own. a mobile phone.

[2] Global digitalization of

mobile phones, On the other hand, the digitization of mobile phones is progressing rapidly. In the European market, the number of new subscribers in 1995 was 8.51 million, of which 66% was digital such as GSM (Global System) for Mobile Communications), surpassing analog for the first time. Even based on the total number of subscribers, the digital method is expected to exceed the majority by the end of 1996. In Japan as well, NTT DoCoMo has announced plans to significantly The Number Of Increase Base Stations For Digital Mobile Phones In 1996.

The Progress Of Such Digitization Is Due To The Following Advantages Over Analog Telephones.
-Clear Sound Quality-
Difficult To Eavesdrop-
For Data Communication Suitable In
In particular, The Number Of Digital Mobile Phone Users Will Continue To Increase Due To Its Excellent Data Communication, Which Is Of High Importance In Mobile Computing. Expected To Be.

[3] Movement Of

High-Speed Data Communication Standardization Of PHS Although It was said that it was suitable for high-speed data communication, the communication standard of 32 kilobits per second of PHS was finally unified. This is because the Telecommunications Technical Committee (TTC) established a digital data communication standard between PHS base stations and public networks on April 24. As a result, the digital processing standard inside PHS was established by the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB), which has already been announced, and PHS Internet access. It can be said that the standards for digital communication terminals. have been established, including the digital wireless transmission method between PHS and base stations set by the forum. The current data communication speed using mobile phones is highest at 9.6 kilobits per second, and it is expected that large data such as image data can be exchanged at high speed.

PHS was originally developed from an indoor cordless phone. Therefore, regarding outdoor use, there are some technically immature parts such as a low incoming call rate as compared with mobile phones. Under these circumstances, the spread of PHS will be accelerated if technological improvements specializing in low-cost high-speed data communication, which are the advantages of PHS, and the development of base stations are promoted rather than voice communication functions. Conceivable.

[4] Internationalization trends in the mobile communications field The

This can be divided into movements in terrestrial communication and movements in satellite communication.

First, in terrestrial communication, attention is focused on the worldwide spread of GSM to countries other than Japan.

GSM is a terrestrial digital mobile phone standard jointly developed by European carriers and telecommunications equipment manufacturers. As of May 1996, GSM is the de facto standard adopted by 86 countries including China, India, and Southeast Asian countries in addition to European countries. another party has a mobile phone of this type, it is possible to connect with only one number regardless of the other party's 86 countries. On the other hand, the digital mobile phone system PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), which is popular in Japan, is a standard unique to Japan. Therefore, it cannot be used overseas.

While GSM is the mainstream of terrestrial communication methods, the immediate situation is that there are several methods for each region. In Japan, there is a movement to introduce the CDMA system, which is popular in the United States, and if it is possible to secure competitiveness in terms of convenience and cost, it is expected that it will coexist with the PDC system.

Next, in satellite communications, the movement of "satellite mobile communication service" using the geostationary satellite N-STAR, which started in March 1996, and the movement of "Iridium mobile phone service", which started in 1998, are attracting attention. .. Compared to terrestrial communication, satellite communication has the advantage of being able to cover a wide area, including areas other than land.

"Satellite mobile communication service" was started by NTT with the entire area of Japan as a service area. On the other hand, the "Iridium Mobile Phone Service" uses 66 satellites to make the world a service area. Since satellite communication has, In addition, one terminal can be used for iridium. In the case of a service, you can directly call the other party's terminal With the same number anywhere in the world. This service is a business that is being promoted mainly by "Iridium", which is funded by Motorola and others. In Japan, "Nippon Iridium", which is funded by DDI and others, is promoting it.

It is expected that these satellite communication services and terrestrial communication services will coexist while competing with each other for the time being, as in the current television broadcasting. From the meaning of maintaining communication infrastructure, it is expected that the significance of existence will increase as a backup position for each other. Ultimately, which type of communication method and terminal will be used most will be determined by reasons such as ease of use for consumers and low cost.

3 Possibility of Electronic Commerce

Opened by Mobile Computing Then, what kind of impact will the spread of mobile computing have on our business style and lifestyle?

The spread of mobile computing will create an "environment where individuals can communicate anytime, anywhere in the world" beyond the conventional two constraints of time and space. By creating such an environment, more people will take a new business style that is free from the Two constraints. People who take this business style carry out various commercial activities through mobile computing, creating new business opportunities that did not exist in the past. In the old example, it is easy to understand the impact of the emergence of convenience stores on society With the advent and widespread use of 24-hour convenience stores, it has become possible to shop without being restricted by time. As a result, the proportion of people who take a night-style lifestyle has increased, causing changes in the time pattern of electricity consumption. Further, the creation of new distribution routes has had a major impact on conventional product distribution.

The proliferation of mobile computing will further expand the capabilities and scale of electronic commerce emerging on the Internet. Its expansion is expected to occur on a global scale far beyond the social impact of convenience stores and will have a significant impact on individual lifestyles and social systems.

For The Functions And Scale Of Electronic Commerce To Expand Due To Such Mobile Computing, It Is A Product With Increased Added Value Because It Is Mobile Computing. The Existence Of Services Is The "Key". In Other Words, The Perspective Of user-oriented products and services is important.

Pia, a major ticketing company, has started selling tickets using the Internet. At this stage, online ticketing is not processed for orders, but if issues such as payment are overcome, online sales via the Internet, which is open 24 hours a day, With such a system, for example, it is possible to reserve and purchase desired concert tickets while on a business trip to France, and to go to the concert after returning to Japan. Alternatively, a service is conceivable in which an

Alan Kay states that every media goes through four stages. In any case, you will not lose the opportunity to listen to the concert you want, which you had previously lost .:
1. Hardware-centric stage
2. Software-centric stage
3. Service-centric stage
4. Lifestyle stage When we
talk about media, Kay refers to computers in particular, and it is extremely flexible like paper and is used in various forms., Seems to be a radical change. in people's view of the world.

The current state of mobile computing, which is a form of media called computers, is that the "hardware-centric stage" is approaching the final stage and is about to move to the "software-centric stage." Rather, the "service-centric stage "that we are about to enter is extremely important. This is the reason why the existence of high value-added services is desired because it is mobile computing. In other words, there are great business opportunities in these service areas. Just as books made of paper can make a big difference in human intellectual ability, the spread of mobile computing will make a big difference in human intellectual ability, whether it is good or bad.

The 21st century is said to be the "era of individual customers." A product that supports individual activities free from the constraints of time and space. It is predicted that the service will grow as a new business. There is no doubt that mobile computing. will increase its existence value as a "driving vehicle" for such business growth.

In the interface testbed project of the "Smart Island Consortium" (sponsored by Japan Research Institute) in which 61 companies from different industries in Japan and the United States participate, Nihon Kotsu Corporation, Sanrio, Seiko Epson, Kenwood, Oki Electric Industry, and building materials companies such as research companies are developing services suitable for mobile environments and considering user-friendly mobile computing systems. Specifically, We Are Considering A System That Enables Online Automatic Reservation And Payment Using Mobile Computing Using The Database Of 3,000 Inns And Hotels Owned By Nihon Kotsu Corporation. Furthermore, In Light Of The Increase In Individual Travelers, We Are Also Considering A "Travel Companion "That Provides Information Support Regarding Individual Travel. A Travel Companion Is A Mobile Information Terminal That Has Multiple Functions Such As A Travel Cost Estimation Function, A Navigation Function At A Travel Destination, And An Image Information Collection Function At A Travel Destination, In Addition to an automatic reservation/payment function. We are trying to create products from the user's point of view by using a "prosumer-type" development style that promotes product development while having actual users try it.