Survey of Technology Sector Employees: Wireless Technology and Security

Popular wisdom has it that freedom from a wire and a plug will transport Internet users into limitless new possibilities of information value, connection with friends and colleagues, patterns of work, and innovative organizational structures. These impressions undoubtedly reflect a growing use of wireless technology, and many stories of success can be found in the popular media. However, there is little representative information on how wireless is actually affecting people's use of the Internet, how that use is affecting work, and what barriers exist to further expansion. This survey was carried out to provide that information. In particular, we focused on a group of people that were likely to be "leading edge" users of networking technology, on the assumption that usage patterns in that group would serve as a harbinger of change to come.

There were 273 respondents to the survey - which was conducted online over a two-week period ending on July 7, 2003 - of which 157 (57.5%) indicated that they personally make use of wireless technology for connection to the Internet. The respondents included CEO/President, Chief Information Officer or Chief Financial Officer (19.4%); Programmer, Software Architect, Software Engineer, Software Developer or Project Manager (14.9%); Internet Security, Intranet Manager, LAN Manager, MIS Manager, Network Administrator, Networking Manager, VP/Director Marketing, VP/Director MIS, VP/Director Information Technology (12.2%); and Database Administration (7.1%). A significant percentage of the respondents (73%) indicated that they recommend, approve or buy goods or services relating to the technology industry as part of their primary job function.

Topics in the survey include: access to wireless Internet connectivity, uses of wireless devices in the home and office, impact on work, barriers to use, value in terms of cost, nature of respondent's organization, and demographic characteristics of respondents.