Official Mobile Security & Innovative Technologies Blog
This blog is managed/edited by Eric Everson. The purpose of this blog is to discuss common threats and solutions that exist within the mobile community in addition to the intricacies of innovative technologies and the markets therein.
Thank you for taking the time to review my blog; I am Eric Everson the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. In addition to my duties at MyMobiSafe, LLC I am also a full-time graduate student and mobile industry researcher. As a mobile security expert and innovative technologies leader, I am glad to answer any questions you may have: EricEverson@Hotmail.com
Thursday 8 October 2009, 6:15 PM
Dell goes Android…Another Mobile Setback for Microsoft?
Dell goes Android…Another Mobile Setback for Microsoft?
Author: Eric Everson
The king of the computer-based Operating System market has struggled to acquire the same level of success and scalability within the wireless industry. For years Windows Mobile has taken a back seat to other Mobile Operating Systems (MOPS) and most recently the introduction of Google’s Android marks a serious threat to Microsoft’s future in this segment.
Windows Mobile admittedly is not a bad environment, but at the edge of innovation, Android likewise ups the ante. One of the key attractions to Andriod from a developer’s perspective is that accessibility and control granted via the Android SDK. While some content can be developed in Microsoft’s free Windows Mobile SDK, there is much more creative control via the Android SDK.
For mobile users greater SDK flexibility translates to a greater variety of available third party content, something that the iPhone has brought to a whole new level. As Dell is tapping deeper into the mobile industry they’ve recently announced that they’ll be bringing an Android-based handset to market next year. While many loyal Dell users are anxiously anticipating the arrival of the Dell phone to complement their technology suite, this news creates a serious ripple in the mobile waters for Microsoft. The issues between Dell and Microsoft have seemed escalated since the disastrous debut of Vista, so it’s not a huge surprise that Dell is looking for a new avenue to embrace their mobile debut.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Microsoft needs to seriously start pulling in some fresh blood or this is sure to be another nail in its wireless coffin. Google is taking aim!
Your innovative tech insider!
Eric Everson – The MobileTech
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Author: Eric Everson
The king of the computer-based Operating System market has struggled to acquire the same level of success and scalability within the wireless industry. For years Windows Mobile has taken a back seat to other Mobile Operating Systems (MOPS) and most recently the introduction of Google’s Android marks a serious threat to Microsoft’s future in this segment.
Windows Mobile admittedly is not a bad environment, but at the edge of innovation, Android likewise ups the ante. One of the key attractions to Andriod from a developer’s perspective is that accessibility and control granted via the Android SDK. While some content can be developed in Microsoft’s free Windows Mobile SDK, there is much more creative control via the Android SDK.
For mobile users greater SDK flexibility translates to a greater variety of available third party content, something that the iPhone has brought to a whole new level. As Dell is tapping deeper into the mobile industry they’ve recently announced that they’ll be bringing an Android-based handset to market next year. While many loyal Dell users are anxiously anticipating the arrival of the Dell phone to complement their technology suite, this news creates a serious ripple in the mobile waters for Microsoft. The issues between Dell and Microsoft have seemed escalated since the disastrous debut of Vista, so it’s not a huge surprise that Dell is looking for a new avenue to embrace their mobile debut.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Microsoft needs to seriously start pulling in some fresh blood or this is sure to be another nail in its wireless coffin. Google is taking aim!
Your innovative tech insider!
Eric Everson – The MobileTech
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Wednesday 30 September 2009, 4:59 PM
Electric Motorcycles: The Motorcycle of Tomorrow?
Electric Motorcycles: The Motorcycle of Tomorrow?
By: Eric Everson, BikerAwareness.com
A significant investment by Best Buy Venture Capital into the Brammo motorcycle company has catapulted electric motorcycles to the forefront of the ailing motorcycling industry. As the Brammo company has brought their Enertia single-seat motorcycle model to market in a unique distribution partnership with Best Buy, the electric motorcycle may be available in a store new you.
Could this be the motorcycle of the future? Admittedly I’ve only seen (and have yet to ride) the Brammo Enertia, but at face value this thing seems much more “moped” than motorcycle. Digging deeper into the specifications you’ll also find that this bike has a top speed rating of around 60 MPH, which would make navigating any heavy traffic urban environment more risk than reward. Despite its shortcomings, I’m actually very excited to see this technology introduced into the motorcycle industry.
I know what my regular BikerAwareness.com readers are thinking, “How can this diehard V-Twin guy get excited about a little electric bike that costs upwards of $13K?” The truth of the matter is that while I think the current model is a bit pricy and perhaps a bit fundamentalist in design, I see great upside for this company to collaborate within the motorcycle industry. I’m looking down range here, but imagine a hybrid Harley-Davidson (or insert your favorite motorcycle brand here) that turns your 200+/- mile trip per tank journey into a 400+/- trip and I think you’ll start to see where I’m coming from.
Additionally as my inner nerd emerges, I love the approach of Brammo as they have developed this bike from the forefront with third-party electronics in mind. As Jeff St. John recently noted, “…given features like a built-in Web server and APIs that Brammo is opening to third-party application developers, "What we're selling is a lot closer to consumer electronics than to transportation," he (Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher) said. He envisions add-ons like on-board cameras that can download images to travel blogs.” Again looking down range, I think that you can begin to envision what this represents for the future of motorcycling.
While I’ve focused on Brammo, the truth is that they are one of many startups including companies like Vectrix, Zero Motorcycles, and premium providers such as Mission Motors that are tapping into this emerging niche market. As the future of motorcycling has always been as open as our heart’s desire, I see a great future in this developing market and I look forward to great things to come. I don’t see the rumble of my Harley-Davidson fading into the pages of history, but I see great opportunity for technology integration.
R2L ~ L2R! Ride Safe!
Eric Everson, "The MobileTech"
Ref:
St. John, Jeff. 2009. http://seekingalpha.com/article/123364-best-buy-to-sell-brammo-electric-motorcycles
By: Eric Everson, BikerAwareness.com
A significant investment by Best Buy Venture Capital into the Brammo motorcycle company has catapulted electric motorcycles to the forefront of the ailing motorcycling industry. As the Brammo company has brought their Enertia single-seat motorcycle model to market in a unique distribution partnership with Best Buy, the electric motorcycle may be available in a store new you.
Could this be the motorcycle of the future? Admittedly I’ve only seen (and have yet to ride) the Brammo Enertia, but at face value this thing seems much more “moped” than motorcycle. Digging deeper into the specifications you’ll also find that this bike has a top speed rating of around 60 MPH, which would make navigating any heavy traffic urban environment more risk than reward. Despite its shortcomings, I’m actually very excited to see this technology introduced into the motorcycle industry.
I know what my regular BikerAwareness.com readers are thinking, “How can this diehard V-Twin guy get excited about a little electric bike that costs upwards of $13K?” The truth of the matter is that while I think the current model is a bit pricy and perhaps a bit fundamentalist in design, I see great upside for this company to collaborate within the motorcycle industry. I’m looking down range here, but imagine a hybrid Harley-Davidson (or insert your favorite motorcycle brand here) that turns your 200+/- mile trip per tank journey into a 400+/- trip and I think you’ll start to see where I’m coming from.
Additionally as my inner nerd emerges, I love the approach of Brammo as they have developed this bike from the forefront with third-party electronics in mind. As Jeff St. John recently noted, “…given features like a built-in Web server and APIs that Brammo is opening to third-party application developers, "What we're selling is a lot closer to consumer electronics than to transportation," he (Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher) said. He envisions add-ons like on-board cameras that can download images to travel blogs.” Again looking down range, I think that you can begin to envision what this represents for the future of motorcycling.
While I’ve focused on Brammo, the truth is that they are one of many startups including companies like Vectrix, Zero Motorcycles, and premium providers such as Mission Motors that are tapping into this emerging niche market. As the future of motorcycling has always been as open as our heart’s desire, I see a great future in this developing market and I look forward to great things to come. I don’t see the rumble of my Harley-Davidson fading into the pages of history, but I see great opportunity for technology integration.
R2L ~ L2R! Ride Safe!
Eric Everson, "The MobileTech"
Ref:
St. John, Jeff. 2009. http://seekingalpha.com/article/123364-best-buy-to-sell-brammo-electric-motorcycles
Wednesday 30 September 2009, 1:41 AM
Verizon Wireless: Handset-level Mobile Security?
Verizon Wireless: Handset-level Mobile Security?
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe, LLC
In reading a recent press release from Verizon Wireless, something very interesting caught my eye, “Mobile Application Security - Set of professional services designed to help enterprises deliver mobile applications securely by maintaining consistent levels of protection and compliance for both traditional and mobile applications.”(Verizon; 2009) Digging deeper into this offering I found that the Mobile Security plan will enforce access codes, establish policies by which devices that are stolen or lost can be locked by the administrator and cleansed of data; encrypt devices and data cards; and deliver firewall and antivirus applications. (Managing Automation; 2009)
Perhaps it’s because I live mobile security all day, every day, but I think in their attempt to extend their professional services business, Verizon Wireless may have just walked into a hornet nest. The question is, how many times will they have to get stung before they realize the enormity of this unique industry?
I’m all for Verizon Wireless expanding their professional services business because as they’ve finally formally recognized the definite need for such services in the marketplace. Traditionally wireless providers have taken a network-level security approach to mobile security (i.e. digital security safeguards at the network-level so that they can promote their “mobile security”). In essence if your handset became infected, it only meant that you had to buy a new one which contributes to the profitability of the provider. This move into the handset-level marks an unprecedented move into the mobile security market by a wireless service provider. Naturally, seeing a company like Verizon Wireless entering the mobile security business justifies everything that we’ve been working toward at MyMobiSafe.com for the past five years with regard to recognizing the handset-level vulnerabilities that every wireless user faces.
It will be interesting to see how Verizon Wireless embraces their new mobile security market and to see what new developments they’re able to bring to the market. I’m sure in a move like this Verizon Wireless has the financial means to develop an impressive mobile security lab and security suite, but clearly significant resources (financial, personnel, PP&E, etc) will be required to embrace this market successfully.
Verizon Wireless entering the mobile security market now is an indication that the value of handset-level security has become a mainstream issue. This announcement marks a significant move into a highly specialized market wherein Verizon Wireless must emerge successful; a failure in this market at their level could be catastrophic for everyone on the Verizon Wireless network.
Welcome to my world Verizon Wireless!
Eric Everson - The MobileTech
Refs:
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2009/supporting-a-mobile-workforce.html
http://www.managingautomation.com/maonline/news/read/Verizon_Unwraps_New_Services_to_Manage_Mobility_33027?page=1
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Author: Eric Everson, Founder MyMobiSafe, LLC
In reading a recent press release from Verizon Wireless, something very interesting caught my eye, “Mobile Application Security - Set of professional services designed to help enterprises deliver mobile applications securely by maintaining consistent levels of protection and compliance for both traditional and mobile applications.”(Verizon; 2009) Digging deeper into this offering I found that the Mobile Security plan will enforce access codes, establish policies by which devices that are stolen or lost can be locked by the administrator and cleansed of data; encrypt devices and data cards; and deliver firewall and antivirus applications. (Managing Automation; 2009)
Perhaps it’s because I live mobile security all day, every day, but I think in their attempt to extend their professional services business, Verizon Wireless may have just walked into a hornet nest. The question is, how many times will they have to get stung before they realize the enormity of this unique industry?
I’m all for Verizon Wireless expanding their professional services business because as they’ve finally formally recognized the definite need for such services in the marketplace. Traditionally wireless providers have taken a network-level security approach to mobile security (i.e. digital security safeguards at the network-level so that they can promote their “mobile security”). In essence if your handset became infected, it only meant that you had to buy a new one which contributes to the profitability of the provider. This move into the handset-level marks an unprecedented move into the mobile security market by a wireless service provider. Naturally, seeing a company like Verizon Wireless entering the mobile security business justifies everything that we’ve been working toward at MyMobiSafe.com for the past five years with regard to recognizing the handset-level vulnerabilities that every wireless user faces.
It will be interesting to see how Verizon Wireless embraces their new mobile security market and to see what new developments they’re able to bring to the market. I’m sure in a move like this Verizon Wireless has the financial means to develop an impressive mobile security lab and security suite, but clearly significant resources (financial, personnel, PP&E, etc) will be required to embrace this market successfully.
Verizon Wireless entering the mobile security market now is an indication that the value of handset-level security has become a mainstream issue. This announcement marks a significant move into a highly specialized market wherein Verizon Wireless must emerge successful; a failure in this market at their level could be catastrophic for everyone on the Verizon Wireless network.
Welcome to my world Verizon Wireless!
Eric Everson - The MobileTech
Refs:
http://newscenter.verizon.com/press-releases/verizon/2009/supporting-a-mobile-workforce.html
http://www.managingautomation.com/maonline/news/read/Verizon_Unwraps_New_Services_to_Manage_Mobility_33027?page=1
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Tuesday 15 September 2009, 8:45 PM
Today’s Japanese Cell Phone Merger - NEC, Casio, Hitachi
MobileTech Wireless Insight: Today’s Japanese Cell Phone Merger - NEC, Casio, and Hitachi
Author: Eric Everson, “The MobileTech”
As explored by The Wall Street Journal today, cell phone makers NEC, Casio, and Hitachi have agreed to merge their cell phone operations. For some celebrity dating name fun, perhaps “NECasiotachi” will emerge?
What this merger really makes us question is, do these three companies have more to offer the already crowded handset market by joining forces? Will NECasiotachi become the new face of innovation within the wireless industry futures? To take a candid look at these brands with regard to their market share respective to the wireless industry specifically, these brands have all endured a certain fall from grace.
The wireless industry is the frontier of innovation today, so the question must be asked, “What can we hope to see emerge from this merger?” Having been in the trenches of the wireless industry for many years now, I believe the most strategic approach these companies could take would be to concentrate on the mobile hardware market as a means of driving development for the next generation handset. In considering the strengths of these brands, each of them is respectively savvy with regard to their hardware electronics, yet the Mobile Operating System (MOPS) environment could be fatal to this merger.
If this merger results in a handset that introduces milestones for handset innovation and is married with an innovative MOPS such as Google’s Andriod, the company might have a fleeting chance at revival. To take on the MOPS market with yet another Proprietary MOPS (pMOPS) and a second-rate handset could prove catastrophic. Combined these companies could seemingly move mountains together in delivering hardware-focused handset innovations. I believe that what this merged team needs is to create an innovation laboratory from the forefront to brainstorm, research, and design new designs.
On the horizon, the combined force of this company is sure to either make a revived comeback or at minimum one great 3-in1 acquisition target. Though the handset market is crowded, there remains significant innovation opportunity in the smartphone segment. Keep your eye on what’s to come from NECasiotachi!
Cheers,
Eric Everson “The MobileTech”
Your innovative technologies insider!
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Author: Eric Everson, “The MobileTech”
As explored by The Wall Street Journal today, cell phone makers NEC, Casio, and Hitachi have agreed to merge their cell phone operations. For some celebrity dating name fun, perhaps “NECasiotachi” will emerge?
What this merger really makes us question is, do these three companies have more to offer the already crowded handset market by joining forces? Will NECasiotachi become the new face of innovation within the wireless industry futures? To take a candid look at these brands with regard to their market share respective to the wireless industry specifically, these brands have all endured a certain fall from grace.
The wireless industry is the frontier of innovation today, so the question must be asked, “What can we hope to see emerge from this merger?” Having been in the trenches of the wireless industry for many years now, I believe the most strategic approach these companies could take would be to concentrate on the mobile hardware market as a means of driving development for the next generation handset. In considering the strengths of these brands, each of them is respectively savvy with regard to their hardware electronics, yet the Mobile Operating System (MOPS) environment could be fatal to this merger.
If this merger results in a handset that introduces milestones for handset innovation and is married with an innovative MOPS such as Google’s Andriod, the company might have a fleeting chance at revival. To take on the MOPS market with yet another Proprietary MOPS (pMOPS) and a second-rate handset could prove catastrophic. Combined these companies could seemingly move mountains together in delivering hardware-focused handset innovations. I believe that what this merged team needs is to create an innovation laboratory from the forefront to brainstorm, research, and design new designs.
On the horizon, the combined force of this company is sure to either make a revived comeback or at minimum one great 3-in1 acquisition target. Though the handset market is crowded, there remains significant innovation opportunity in the smartphone segment. Keep your eye on what’s to come from NECasiotachi!
Cheers,
Eric Everson “The MobileTech”
Your innovative technologies insider!
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Thursday 13 August 2009, 8:09 PM
Microsoft and Nokia: MicroNokia - Beyond Face Value
Microsoft and Nokia: MicroNokia - Beyond Face Value
Author: Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com
The world is a buzz today about the Microsoft and Nokia alliance (channeling the common tabloid practice of conjoining celebrity names as they couple, I guess this gives us “MicroNokia”). So what of all of this “MicroNokia” business anyway? Sure at face value, we all get the idea that the Microsoft Office suite will gain greater penetration in the mobile market and Nokia might sell a few more smartphones. Is there more than meets the eye within the “MicroNokia” alliance?
Having been in the wireless industry for longer than I’d like to admit, the daunting reality here is that there is way more strategy behind a move like this than what is conveyed at face value. Whenever one looks at Microsoft strategy in the wireless environment, one must keep in mind that despite their stronghold in the sister industry of computing, Microsoft has struggled in this market space for years. With that said, this is an industry that can not elude Microsoft if the company wants to remain on the frontier of innovation.
Because I can’t resist saying so, from a brand equity perspective, let’s face it, Apple is flogging Microsoft in this market! They can try to defend their “PC is more bang for the buck” mantra all they want in the computing environment, but in wireless we know who’s pwned who! To that avail, Microsoft needs to position for a serious revival in the wireless space. What better way to begin laying that foundation than to joining forces with a wireless industry powerhouse like Nokia?
Interestingly, I actually believe that in this whole “MicroNokia” relationship it is Nokia that strategically has the upper hand. I’m sure it will improve their revenues some to partner with Microsoft, but in all honesty Microsoft needs Nokia way more than Nokia needs them. Beyond simple short-term objectives, there are some serious co-developed technologies that could very well emerge from this alliance. For both parties it is this prospect of generating innovative synergy that has likely brought them together beyond all else.
I stand firm in suggesting that Microsoft needs to start doing some serious recruiting throughout all levels of their business as I (like so many of my readers) have lost a certain degree of faith in their existing talent pool. With the right people, product development, and market strategy this alliance has the prospect of rewriting the wireless industry future for Microsoft. As the wireless future is certainly leading to a titanic collide between Microsoft and Google, now is the time to start laying strategic foundations.
As one that knows this market inside and out, I have to say that barring a turbulent breakup, “MicroNokia” could mean big things for the industry as a whole. To all of my friends at these two companies, I have to say that this is an opportunity that doesn’t come along every day (and if you need a little strategic guidance along the way… you know how to reach me). As for the wireless industry, I say prepare yourself for what’s REALLY to come from this alliance.
Your go-to guy in innovative tech!
Eric Everson – “The MobileTech”
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
Author: Eric Everson, Founder – MyMobiSafe.com
The world is a buzz today about the Microsoft and Nokia alliance (channeling the common tabloid practice of conjoining celebrity names as they couple, I guess this gives us “MicroNokia”). So what of all of this “MicroNokia” business anyway? Sure at face value, we all get the idea that the Microsoft Office suite will gain greater penetration in the mobile market and Nokia might sell a few more smartphones. Is there more than meets the eye within the “MicroNokia” alliance?
Having been in the wireless industry for longer than I’d like to admit, the daunting reality here is that there is way more strategy behind a move like this than what is conveyed at face value. Whenever one looks at Microsoft strategy in the wireless environment, one must keep in mind that despite their stronghold in the sister industry of computing, Microsoft has struggled in this market space for years. With that said, this is an industry that can not elude Microsoft if the company wants to remain on the frontier of innovation.
Because I can’t resist saying so, from a brand equity perspective, let’s face it, Apple is flogging Microsoft in this market! They can try to defend their “PC is more bang for the buck” mantra all they want in the computing environment, but in wireless we know who’s pwned who! To that avail, Microsoft needs to position for a serious revival in the wireless space. What better way to begin laying that foundation than to joining forces with a wireless industry powerhouse like Nokia?
Interestingly, I actually believe that in this whole “MicroNokia” relationship it is Nokia that strategically has the upper hand. I’m sure it will improve their revenues some to partner with Microsoft, but in all honesty Microsoft needs Nokia way more than Nokia needs them. Beyond simple short-term objectives, there are some serious co-developed technologies that could very well emerge from this alliance. For both parties it is this prospect of generating innovative synergy that has likely brought them together beyond all else.
I stand firm in suggesting that Microsoft needs to start doing some serious recruiting throughout all levels of their business as I (like so many of my readers) have lost a certain degree of faith in their existing talent pool. With the right people, product development, and market strategy this alliance has the prospect of rewriting the wireless industry future for Microsoft. As the wireless future is certainly leading to a titanic collide between Microsoft and Google, now is the time to start laying strategic foundations.
As one that knows this market inside and out, I have to say that barring a turbulent breakup, “MicroNokia” could mean big things for the industry as a whole. To all of my friends at these two companies, I have to say that this is an opportunity that doesn’t come along every day (and if you need a little strategic guidance along the way… you know how to reach me). As for the wireless industry, I say prepare yourself for what’s REALLY to come from this alliance.
Your go-to guy in innovative tech!
Eric Everson – “The MobileTech”
Eric Everson is a leading mobile technologies researcher and is the founder of MyMobiSafe.com. If you would like to contact Eric Everson for interview or with research related inquiries contact him directly at EricEverson@Hotmail.com.
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