Home > Articles > Networking > Wireless/High Speed/Optical

This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

5.2 Wireless Decision Process 

Since wireless solutions depend greatly on the specifics of the problem they are solving, the process of selecting the right wireless solution is greatly simplified by focusing on the business requirements first. A given business requirement, such as the ability to deliver work orders to a user who spends many hours away from convenient power sources each day, imposes some critical technical constraints that have major implications for the entire solution design. The need for long battery life drives the selection of the client device. This selection may put constraints on the size and type of display and network connectivity options, which, in turn, affect the quantity of work order data transmitted, and its formatting and presentation. The resulting wireless architecture has implications for security, support processes, development tools, and service contracts with network and software providers.

This basic flow is true for every type of wireless solution, enabling us to offer a structured, top-down decision approach for turning business requirements into a design for a complete wireless solution. This approach proceeds in set levels from business requirements down to implementation strategy. It quickly narrows technology choices to a manageable number by focusing only on choices that are compatible with previous decisions. At each level, a set of choices is made and our breadth of options shrinks. If we follow the approach through to its conclusion, we have proven that it is conceptually possible to address our business requirement with a wireless solution and we have identified a "straw man" candidate for detailed analysis and feasibility assessment.

The diagram in Figure 5.3 illustrates the Wireless Decision Process. It uses a combination of business requirements gathered through the "Why, Who, What, When, and Where" questions from Chapter 4 and management considerations to drive require

Figure 5.3Figure 5.3 The Wireless Decision Process

In practice, this process is not purely linear. Choices within each level interact. For example, our desired network option might not neatly match our application data requirements or our preferred client devices. To address these issues, we must cycle between levels, resolving an incompatibility by moving up in the hierarchy and rethinking our approach within our now known and understood technology constraints. We continue cycling in this manner until we have a solution that balances our desired capabilities with the available technologies. In the unlikely case that compromise is not possible, or our business requirements drive incompatible and irresolvable technology strategies, wireless technology is not a feasible solution for our problem.

The sections that follow provide an overview of the activities and deliverables within each layer of the Wireless Decision Process.

5.2.1 Business Requirements

This layer identifies the characteristics the wireless solution must have to successfully address its desired business objectives. It defines the goals of the project (why), identifies who is going to use the solution, what functions it must perform, when its information must be available, and where the solution will be deployed. Answers to these questions are business focused, leaving the technical details for the subsequent layers. For example, we need a solution for our field service representatives that will work at any client site. It must have access to information in our corporate billing application. We need to collect time spent, actions taken, and parts used. We need to be able to print an invoice on the spot, and so on. To implement this layer, gain a thorough understanding of the business objective being addressed and conduct a detailed analysis of the environment in which the solution will operate. Use standard business analysis techniques, such as interviews, assessments of current and desired processes and tools, and documentation reviews, guided by an assessment questionnaire that focuses on the nuances of a wireless and mobile solution. The final deliverable of this phase is a formal, documented set of business requirements. This document is the starting point for developing solution requirements, supporting cost justification efforts, and soliciting proposals from external solution providers.

5.2.2 Management Considerations

Wireless and mobile solutions raise a host of issues with implications for corporate policies, standards, and operations. For instance, allowing workers to perform important tasks at off-site locations may have audit impacts, affect union contracts, or expose the company to a new set of legal issues. Remedies to these issues, although not necessarily part of the original business requirements, will certainly affect the design and implementation of the final wireless solution. They also have ramifications on the supporting business processes. For example, the wireless solution may require a new set of audit policies and procedures.

Management considerations permeate all levels of the Wireless Decision Process, down to the details of the project's implementation and support infrastructure. Begin implementing this layer by reviewing the project's business requirements with company executives and appropriate individuals within the corporate legal, audit, human resources, and operational areas. Treat management considerations as a filter through which project requirements and design documents must pass. For more information on management considerations refer to Chapter 8.

5.2.3 Solution Requirements

The solution requirement layer translates the business requirements into technical requirements that will be used to select specific items within the four components of the wireless architecture. For example, a business requirement to provide a user with extended access to the wireless application in remote areas creates a technical requirement for long battery life. Many technical requirements flow directly from the answers to the business requirement questions. Who will use the solution sets requirements for the choice of device(s) and the design, function, and user interface of the application(s). Answers to the What question drives requirements for application functionality, data sources and access, and impacts device capability requirements. Major technical requirements are generally obvious and quickly determined, for instance, the mobility and location of an emergency room physician immediately rule out options such as laptops and satellite access. More detailed requirements will necessitate research into available options. Depending on the size and complexity of the wireless solution, this layer can be performed by an individual or a small team of solution designers. The major task is to translate business requirements into the parameters used to select specific components. For example, device selection parameters include size, weight, battery life, and display characteristics. The deliverable of this layer is a formal, documented set of technical requirements for the wireless solution.

5.2.4 Solution Considerations

Solution considerations are similar to the management considerations described above, but are technically oriented. Wireless solutions face a host of externally imposed technical constraints and design considerations. Unless the wireless solution is standalone, it has to work within the company's defined technical strategy and standards. For example, your company may prefer to standardize on a single vendor's products wherever possible or it may require a product "agnostic" approach that trades unique features for the ability to easily switch vendors and products at a future date. Other design considerations involve issues such as security, transaction integrity, and development environment standards. Like management considerations, solution considerations are a filter affecting all subsequent levels of the Wireless Decision Process. Implement this layer by reviewing the project's technical requirements with experts within your IT organization. These experts include IT strategy, security, database, network, and standards specialists. If the proposed solution requires integration with corporate applications, appropriate application specialists should be consulted. For more information on solution considerations, refer to Chapter 9.

5.2.5 Technology Strategy

The technology strategy layer produces the wireless architecture design. Using the technical requirements from above, the solution designer evaluates options and selects the appropriate items in each of the four wireless architecture categories. For instance, based on the solution's device requirements, the designer may recommend the use of a Palm or Pocket PC PDA as the preferred client device. Steps within this selection process can include researching option specifications, performing product evaluations, and visiting corporate users of the desired technology. While the decisions made in each architecture category flow directly from their respective requirements, choices must be compatible with each other. Incompatibilities can be resolved by changing one or both competing selections or by devising an appropriate workaround to be incorporated during implementation.

5.2.6 Implementation Requirements

This layer provides the requirements for the Implementation and Support Infrastructure component of the wireless solution. The characteristics of the wireless architecture automatically impose many requirements on the solution's implementation. If the architecture uses a digital cellular network, that portion of the implementation involves negotiating a service contract with a cellular provider. Conversely, an infrared network may be created from components purchased and installed by the solution's users. Selecting a particular wireless device means buying into that device's operating system, which in turn, drives the development tools used to create applications for that device. The choice of a particular wireless consulting firm as a partner may be based on its experience with the chosen technology. While the wireless architecture is the source of many implementation requirements, the other layers of the Wireless Decision Process provide additional input. If the wireless solution needs new audit procedures, those procedures must be designed and deployed as part of the implementation. The solution designer gathers implementation requirements at each step of the Wireless Decision Process and consolidates this information after completing the wireless architecture design.

5.2.7 Implementation Strategy

The final layer of the Wireless Decision Process turns the implementation requirements into an implementation strategy and project plan. The implementation strategy identifies all of the people, processes, and tools needed to implement and operate the wireless solution. For instance, the strategy might opt to perform development work with internal company resources or to hire a consulting partner. In addition to addressing the construction and roll-out the wireless solution, the strategy also covers training, user support processes, system management tools and processes, and the myriad of details needed to support the production use of the wireless solution. The level of effort for creating the implementation plan is proportional to the scale and complexity of the wireless solution. A simple solution, such as providing RIM BlackBerry devices to executives for e-mail access, will have a relatively simple implementation, although it will still involve training, support, and other roll-out and operational issues. In contrast, a large-scale solution, such as supporting UPS delivery drivers throughout the U.S., is a major endeavor and implementing each solution component can be a significant project requiring its own plan.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020