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TOPIC: Mobile Technology: It’s About More than Apps and Gadgets
Date: Monday, September 10, 2012
Time:
6:00 – 6:30 pm:Networking
6:30 – 8:00 pm: Meeting
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Mobile Technology made its big splash with the introduction of smartphones in 2007 and tablets three years later. The dizzying array of new “gadgets” – including 233 Android phones and dozens of tablets of all sizes – has distracted us from the core issues of this latest technology revolution. The last time this happened was in the 1980s, when PCs were introduced and numerous companies fought to the death, with Microsoft winning the “gold.”
This talk will focus on the industry and technology issues we now confront. Choosing your next “computer” – which could be a smartphone or tablet – is not simply a matter of carrier, price, and color since a “free phone” could cost two thousand dollars over the life of a contract. Most people haven’t had to make real “computer decisions” because the company provided a computer along with a cubicle. That’s changed now, since many of us are able to BYOD – Bring Your Own Device – and IT has to deal with it. App development, off-shoring, and user choices are combining with the move to the Cloud to dramatically alter the IT profession.
As we wade further into these exciting/troubled waters, we need to think about the operating systems of the companies who are trying to lure us into their fold/trap. Just like the PC model, it is not easy to change once you start down a particular road – selecting and learning a device and operating system, and installing and paying for a hoard of apps.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Gary Braley has been a software developer, project manager, independent consultant, and educator. He has consulted for over 100 clients and lectured on technology across the country and overseas. He now speaks on mobile information technology for all types of audiences. Gary also writes a monthly newsletter and blog on this and other topics. Gary has a Masters Degree in mathematics from Ohio State University, and he has taught and lectured at the high school and university level.
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