A potential benefit of dual-mode devices is also the ability to integrate with existing enterprise voice infrastructure to take advantage of intercompany dialing and lower long-distance rates.

What are the challenges?

PC management solutions took a long time to mature. Fortunately, mobile device management is maturing faster. It is not a major challenge for us because we limit employees to just a few choices, but companies that allow employees to connect nearly any device to their network are going to have a major management headache soon.

We are forced to support more device diversity than we would like due to the sheer number of devices available, combined with relatively short product lifecycles and the lack of global offerings. However, we cannot support every employee's personal favorite.

Dual-mode devices—those with cellular and wireless LAN (802.11b/g) connectivity—pose another challenge. Currently, handheld devices are outside our network and pose little or no risk to the rest of the corporate environment. Dual-mode devices bring direct connectivity inside the enterprise and introduce additional security and device management challenges.

What are the core software applications that mobile business users need right now?

Mobile e-mail and PIM (personal information management). The capability to make an international mobile phone call across the company's global voice network or supplier. A great mobile browser that can browse the company intranet. Mobile IM. GPS-enabled mapping and driving directions and device tracking. Mobile workflow applications.

TI has a large presence in Asia. Why do you think Asian countries have led in the adoption of mobile devices and multimedia applications?

Asian countries have generally lagged behind the U.S. in wired connectivity. Wireless networks allow them to skip the need to finish the wired buildout, resulting in a leapfrog effect. The costs associated with computer hardware, a broadband connection plus hotspot charges are too expensive when compared to the average per capita income in most Asian countries. Owning and using a smart phone is much more cost-efficient. Additionally, the living spaces in Asia are smaller than in the U.S., so a PC or laptop takes up expensive real estate.

What is the holdup in the U.S. as it relates to mobile device usage? Is it cost? Culture? Technology? A form-factor issue?

The holdup on more applications isn't technology or cost; it's a combination of culture and form factor. We just aren't used to thinking about including the handheld form factor in the design of new applications.

The form factor is a barrier because you can't just shrink an application and be done. You have to rethink the purpose of the application for a handheld. E-mail on a handheld is very different from e-mail on a PC.