After much premature hype and consequent disillusionment, the "wireless revolution" is finally becoming a commercial reality. Predictably, many of the problems reported by early adopters concern usability: Expensive Bluetooth devices refuse to interact; installing a Wi-Fi LAN isn't as easy as it sounded in the chatroom; competing signals disrupt communications; security is a huge concern.
These issues may be resolved as wireless technology evolves beyond the teething stage. Technical overseers like the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) are already addressing many such problems. Ultimately, their success or failure may have a profound effect on our daily lives.
Usability is a critical problem facing all IT industries. As devices and programs become more and more sophisticated, human beings are increasingly overwhelmed. It's hard enough just choosing the right product, let alone learning how to use all its features. Many people just don't bother - they choose the cheaper product with less options. As a result, technology stalls or goes backwards.
The concept of a wireless Personal Area Network (or PAN) introduces a whole new level of personalised interaction with technology. It also offers a golden opportunity to resolve these usability problems across the entire IT spectrum.
Basically, a PAN involves wireless devices interacting with each other - and with external devices - according to the user's personal preferences.
In an ideal PAN scenario, the devices you encounter are alert to the capabilities of your own devices, advised of your preferred settings, and able to wirelessly resolve complex background issues like protocols and formatting. Your PAN is a virtual environment that moves with you from the office to the car to the home.
If wireless technology can successfully deliver such seamless, wireless interaction, users should find it easier than ever to do what they want and finally begin living in the technological promised land.
