The dark side of wireless: wireless is convenient, but beware, if not used properly it can open up your network to the outside world.

AuthorGere, Scott
PositionEditorial

Would you take your most sensitive business data--financial records, private correspondence, customer account information, even user names and passwords-and throw it out your window for any passerby to read?

Would you install an Ethernet jack, wired directly to your network, on the outside of your building for anyone to plug into?

Of course not. But if you're using a wireless network at your office, you may be doing exactly that.

WHO IS USING WIRELESS?

According to a report from IT analyst firm Yankee Group, the number of wireless installations doubled in 2002 over 2001-and 2003 statistics indicated that installations were expected to triple.

Small and mid-size business use of wireless technology appears to be largely driven by successful home installations. Managers experience the ease of use as they expand their home network, then bring the technology into the workplace as a way to ease technology adoption, lower costs and increase flexibility.

There are no hard statistics available regarding wireless use in Alaska, but anecdotal evidence suggests a growing adoption rate.

An afternoon tour of Anchorage's "airspace" (see sidebar) revealed wireless networks around every corner-retail stores, law firms, accountants, major corporations, grocery stores, dry cleaners, medical offices and more.

Some wireless access points in Anchorage are meant for public use--coffee shops, hotels, etc.--while most are private businesses that probably don't intend to provide public access.

WHY IS WIRELESS SO APPEALING?

The use of wireless technology is growing exponentially. Why? Besides all the media hype proclaiming wireless as the next "great thing," it's an easy, fast solution to expanding a network.

Plug it in and you're online! One wireless manufacturer boasts a 60-second installation.

Besides simple and rapid deployment, the most obvious advantage of wireless is, at least on the surface, a significantly lower cost of installation. No wiring expenses, paying someone to crawl through the ceiling, installing conduits and jacks. The savings is even higher in older buildings, or in temporary work environments or expanding offices.

Wireless increases productivity. With a wireless card for your employees' laptop or PDA, they can move about in the office and stay connected. In a retail business, they can check inventory and prices from the floor, while talking to customers.

Still, anything that seems too good to be true probably is. And wireless, for all the...

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