Chapter 7: Wireless, Mobile Computing and Mobile Commerce at Club IT

Reading about the mobile and wireless technologies that are becoming ubiquitous today has heightened your awareness of the pervasive computing on campus and in your community. Many of your friends and acquaintances have the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other devices described in this chapter, and they also frequent Club IT. Is there a way for Lisa and Reuben to use mobile computing and mobile commerce to attract more customers?

  1. Podcasting is becoming a popular way to get audio and music shows out to a potentially huge audience. You see an opportunity for Club IT to prepare weekly podcasts of their events and make them available through the iTunes music store as well as the Club IT web site. Interviews, live music, and commentary would let people see what a fun place Club IT is. Listen to a variety of podcasts on the web (iTunes’ directory is a good place to start). Describe what you found, and make your recommendation to Lisa and Reuben on the feasibility of podcasting live Club IT events.
  1. Club IT’s owners are proud of their friendly staff and the fun atmosphere they create. Yet, sometimes service becomes quite slow, simply because they are so friendly and take the time to make sure customers are enjoying themselves. Walking back and forth between seats and the bar take extra time, and eliminating some steps could improve service. Search the web for wireless products, such as PDA devices, that would help the waitstaff, then prepare a memo that makes a recommendation to Lisa and Reuben.
  1. Reuben and Lisa have been so busy growing the Club IT’s clientele, they just haven’t had time to keep up with recent advances in mobile computing and mobile commerce. Use this chapter as a starting point, and prepare a PowerPoint presentation that describes the different wireless devices that customers would be likely to have, including example photos of these devices that you find on the web, along with possibly uses both with ClubIT and for communicating with customers outside of the club and advantages and disadvantages of incorporating them into Club IT’s services.
  1. Part of Club IT’s cache is its high-tech appeal. What is needed in order to make the club a Wi-Fi hotspot? Using the club’s existing broadband Internet connection, describe how you would provide wireless access to the club’s space. Consider the Wi-Fi availability in your town and whether or not this free service would provide a competitive advantage over other clubs. Prepare a memo to Lisa and Reuben with your findings.