The future of IT will be reduced to three kinds of jobs

By Jason Hiner

There’s a general anxiety that has settled over much of the IT profession in recent years. It’s a stark contrast to the situation just over a decade ago. At the end of the 1990s, IT pros were the belles of the ball. The IT labor shortage regularly made headlines and IT pros were able to command excellent salaries by getting training and certification, job hopping, and, in many cases, being the only qualified candidate for a key position in a thinly-stretched job market. At the time, IT was held up as one of the professions of the future, where more and more of the best jobs would be migrating as computer-automated processes replaced manual ones.

Unfortunately, that idea of the future has disappeared, or at least morphed into something much different.

The glory days when IT pros could name their ticket evaporated when the Y2K crisis passed and then the dot com implosion happened. Suddenly, companies didn’t need as many coders on staff. Suddenly, there were a lot fewer startups buying servers and hiring sysadmins to run them.

Around the same time, there was also a general backlash against IT in corporate America. Many companies had been throwing nearly-endless amounts of money at IT projects in the belief that tech was the answer to all problems. Because IT had driven major productivity improvements during the 1990s, a lot of companies over-invested in IT and tried to take it too far too fast. As a result, there were a lot of very large, very expensive IT projects that crashed and burned.

When the recession of 2001 hit, these massively overbuilt IT departments were huge targets for budget cuts and many of them got hit hard. As the recession dragged out in 2002 and 2003, IT pros mostly told each other that they needed to ride out the storm and that things would bounce back. But, a strange thing happened. IT budgets remained flat year after year. The rebound never happened.

Fast forward to 2011. Most IT departments are a shadow of their former selves. They’ve drastically reduced the number of tech support professionals, or outsourced the help desk entirely. They have a lot fewer administrators running around to manage the network and the servers, or they’ve outsourced much of the data center altogether. These were the jobs that were at the center of the IT pro boom in 1999. Today, they haven’t totally disappeared, but there certainly isn’t a shortage of available workers or a high demand for those skill sets.

That’s because the IT environment has changed dramatically. More and more of traditional software has moved to the web, or at least to internal servers and served through a web browser. Many technophobic Baby Boomers have left the workforce and been replaced by Millennials who not only don’t need as much tech support, but often want to choose their own equipment and view the IT department as an obstacle to productivity. In other words, today’s users don’t need as much help as they used to. Cynical IT pros will argue this until they are blue in the face, but it’s true. Most workers have now been using technology for a decade or more and have become more proficient than they were a decade ago. Plus, the software itself has gotten better. It’s still horribly imperfect, but it’s better.

So where does that leave today’s IT professionals? Where will the IT jobs of the future be?

1. Consultants

Let’s face it, all but the largest enterprises would prefer to not to have any IT professionals on staff, or at least as few as possible. It’s nothing personal against geeks, it’s just that IT pros are expensive and when IT departments get too big and centralized they tend to become experts at saying, “No.” They block more progress than they enable. As a result, we’re going to see most of traditional IT administration and support functions outsourced to third-party consultants. This includes a wide range from huge multi-national consultancies to the one person consultancy who serves as the rented IT department for local SMBs. I’m also lumping in companies like IBM, HP, Amazon AWS, and Rackspace, who will rent out both data center capacity and IT professionals to help deploy, manage, and troubleshoot solutions. Many of the IT administrators and support professionals who currently work directly for corporations will transition to working for big vendors or consultancies in the future as companies switch to purchasing IT services on an as-needed basis in order to lower costs, get a higher level of expertise, and get 24/7/365 coverage.

2. Project managers

Most of the IT workers that survive and remain as employees in traditional companies will be project managers. They will not be part of a centralized IT department, but will be spread out in the various business units and departments. They will be business analysts who will help the company leaders and managers make good technology decisions. They will gather business requirements and communicate with stakeholders about the technology solutions they need, and will also be proactive in looking for new technologies that can transform the business. These project managers will also serve as the company’s point of contact with technology vendors and consultants. If you look closely, you can already see a lot of current IT managers morphing in this direction.

3. Developers

By far, the area where the largest number of IT jobs is going to move is into developer, programmer, and coder jobs. While IT used to be about managing and deploying hardware and software, it’s going to increasingly be about web-based applications that will be expected to work smoothly, be self-evident, and require very little training or intervention from tech support. The other piece of the pie will be mobile applications — both native apps and mobile web apps. As I wrote in my article, We’re entering the decade of the developer, the current changes in IT are “shifting more of the power in the tech industry away from those who deploy and support apps to those who build them.” This trend is already underway and it’s only going to accelerate over the next decade.

The 10 best IT certifications: 2012

By Erik Eckel

When it comes to IT skills and expertise, there are all kinds of “best certification” lists. Pundits are quick to add the safe bets: Cisco’s CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), Red Hat’s RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer), and other popular choices.

This isn’t that list.

Based on years of experience meeting with clients and organizations too numerous to count, I’ve built this list with the idea of cataloging the IT industry’s 10 most practical, in-demand certifications. That’s why I think these are the best; these are the skills clients repeatedly demonstrate they need most. In this list, I justify each selection and the order in which these accreditations are ranked.

1: MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008

I love Apple technologies. The hardware’s awesome, the software’s intuitive and their systems make it easy to get things done fast while remaining secure. But it’s a Windows world. Make no mistake. Most every Mac I deploy (and Mac sales are up 20 to 25 percent) is connected to a back-end Windows server. Windows server experts, however, can prove hard to find.

IT pros who have an MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional): Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 accreditation demonstrate significant, measurable proficiency with Active Directory, configuring network and application infrastructures, enterprise environments, and (if they’ve chosen well) the Windows 7 client OS.

That’s an incredibly strong skill set that everyone from small businesses to enterprise organizations require. Add this line to your resume, and you may be all set to find another job should your current employer downsize.

Honorable mentions for the top spot include the MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2 and MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2010. Microsoft Exchange owns the SMB space. Virtualization initiatives are only getting started and will dominate technology sectors for the next decade at least. Administrators who can knowledgeably navigate Microsoft’s virtualization and email platforms will only grow in importance.

2: MCTS

Not everyone has time to sit as many exams as an MCITP requires. The MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist) certification is among the smartest accreditations an engineer can currently chase. As mentioned above, it’s a Windows world. Adding an MCTS certification in Exchange, SharePoint, Virtualization, Windows Client, or Windows Server will strengthen a resume.

There is no downside to any of these MCTS accreditations. Each of the above tracks provides candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency with specific technologies that organizations worldwide struggle to effectively design, implement, and maintain every day.

3: VCP

Virtualization is all the rage. It makes sense. Hardware manufacturers keep cranking out faster and faster servers that can store more and more data. Tons of servers sit in data centers using just fractions of their capacities. Virtualization, which enables running multiple virtual server instances on the same physical chassis, will continue growing in importance as organizations strive to maximize technology infrastructure investments.

VMware is a leading producer of virtualization software. Tech pros earning VCP (VMware Certified Professional) certification give employers (both current and future) confidence they can implement and maintain VMware-powered virtual environments. And if you talk to the techs responsible for maintaining data centers, you’ll frequently hear that VMware remains a favorite over Microsoft’s Hyper-V alternative, although most sober IT pros will have to admit Hyper-V is improving and closing the gap.

4: CCNA

The next politically correct certification to list is the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). However, that’s a massive exam that few professionals realistically will ever have an opportunity to obtain. And while Cisco equipment frequently composes the network backbone, fueling numerous medium and large organizations, most organizations don’t need a CCIE and don’t have the resources to pay one.

That’s why I believe the more fundamental CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is a smart bet. A CCNA can help technology pros better familiarize themselves with the network OS’s fundamentals, while simultaneously strengthening their resume. Particularly motivated candidates can proceed to earn a CCNA Security certification, as the network security focus is a critical component of enterprise systems.

5: CSSA

In early 2012, Dell announced its pending acquisition of SonicWALL. There’s a reason Dell is buying the hardware manufacturer: SonicWALL has made great strides within the SMB unified threat management market.

Someone needs to be able to configure and troubleshoot those devices. The CSSA (Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator) certification not only proves proficiency in installing and administering the company’s devices, certified professionals receive direct access to tier two support staff and beta testing programs.

Organizations are always going to require network devices to fulfill firewall, routing, and threat management services. SonicWALL has carved out quite a bit of market share — so much so that it will now have the marketing might of Dell helping fuel additional growth. Knowing how to configure the devices will help IT pros, particularly those who support numerous small businesses.

6: PMP

Too many chiefs isn’t an IT problem I hear or read much about. Instead, it seems there’s a lack of IT pros capable of sizing up a project’s needs, determining required resources and dependencies, developing a realistic schedule, and managing a technical initiative.

The Project Management Institute is a nonprofit group that administers the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. The exam isn’t designed to earn a profit or motivate IT pros to learn its product and become unofficial sales cheerleaders. The PMP certifies candidates’ ability to plan, budget, and complete projects efficiently, on time, and without cost overruns. Those are skills most every medium and large business needs within its IS department and such ability isn’t going to be replaced by an app or third-party developer in our lifetimes.

7: CISSP

If you want to specialize in security, the (ISC)² (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc.), which administers the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) accreditation, is your organization. Its vendor-neutral certification has a reputation as one of the best vendor-neutral security certs.

Organizations’ data, networks, and systems are increasingly coming under attack due to the value of personal, corporate, customer, and sensitive proprietary information. So individuals who demonstrate measurable success and understanding in architecting, designing, managing, and administering secure environments, developing secure policies, and maintaining secure procedures will stand out from the pack. In addition, the knowledge gained while earning the certification helps practitioners remain current with the latest legal regulations, best practices, and developments impacting security.

8: ACSP

There’s more to the energy surrounding Apple than pleasant tablet devices, intuitive smartphones, and a stunning stock price. The company continues chewing up market share and shipping computers at rates 10 to 12 times greater than PC manufacturers.

The ACSP (Apple Certified Support Professional) designation helps IT pros demonstrate expertise supporting Mac OS X clients. Engineers, particularly Windows support pros and administrators increasingly encountering Macs, will be well served completing Apple’s certification rack for technical support personnel. Benefits include not only another bullet for the resume but an understanding of Apple’s official processes for installing, setting up, troubleshooting, and maintaining Mac client machines.

9: Network+ / A+

Yes, CompTIA’s Network+ and A+ designations are, technically, two separate certifications. But they’re both critical certs that test absolute fundamentals that every IT pro needs to completely understand.

In fact, there’s an argument to be made that all IT pros should have both of these accreditations on their resumes. CompTIA is a well-respected, vendor-neutral (though vendor-supported) organization that continually develops and administers relevant certifications. The network, hardware, and software skills tested on the Network+ and A+ exams are basics that every self-respecting tech professional should master, whether they’re performing budgeting tasks, deploying client machines, managing site-wide migrations, overseeing security, or administering networks and servers.

10: CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician

With an aging population, U.S.-based IT pros (in particular) should consider earning CompTIA’s Healthcare IT Technician credential. Obviously, if you work in manufacturing, the credential may be a stretch. But manufacturers frequently lay off staff. And many others produce material for health-related purposes.

See where I’m headed?

The interest surrounding health-related technology is almost unparalleled. Look around the city where you live. During the recession, where have you seen growth? Are there lots of new bookstores opening? How about new single-family home developments? Seeing lots of new manufacturing centers?

Doubtful. Like many, you’re probably seeing new medical services offices, immediate care centers, hospitals, outpatient facilities, dental practices, and similar health-related businesses.

They all need IT support. Support technicians, administrators, engineers, managers, and especially consultants who want to position themselves well for the future will do well to demonstrate their proficiency with health care technology’s regulatory requirements, organizational behaviors, technical processes, medical business operations, and security requirements. IT pros could do worse with their time, that’s for sure.

Top IT skills wanted for 2012

By Toni Bowers

Nearly 29 percent of the 353 IT executives who were polled in Computerworld’s annual Forecast survey said they plan to increase IT staffing through next summer. (That’s up from 23% in the 2010 survey and 20% in the 2009 survey.)

Here are the skills that the IT executives say they will be hiring for:

1. Programming and Application Development–61% plan to hire for this skill in the next 12 months, up from 44% in the 2010 survey. This covers the gamut from website development to upgrading internal systems and meeting the needs of mobile users.
2. Project Management (but with a twist)– The twist is that they’re not going to just be looking for people who can oversee and monitor projects. They also want people who can identify users’ needs and translate them for the IT staffers-the increasingly popular business analysts.
3. Help Desk/Technical Support–Mobile operating systems have added a new dimension to help desk and tech support.
4. Networking-This demand is being fueled partially by virtualization and cloud computing projects. The survey also revealed that execs will be looking for people with VMware and Citrix experience.
5. Business Intelligence-Computerworld interprets this uptick to a focus shift in many companies,  from cost savings to investing in technology. That will be nice if it pans out that way.
6. Data Center-Virtualization and the Cloud could also be behind the increased need for IT professionals with backgrounds in data center operations and systems integration.
7. Web 2.0-Tech skills centered around social media will be in demand, with .Net, AJAX and PHP as key back-end skills, with HTML, XML, CSS, Flash and Javascript, among others, on the front end.
8. Security-Although down from 32 percent in the 2010 survey, security stays a top concern of IT executives.
9. Telecommunications-The survey indicates a demand for people with IP telephony skills, and for those familiar with Cisco IPCC call center systems.

How to Automate Your Home with Your iPhone or iPad

By Jason R. Rich

In this article, Jason R. Rich takes a look at a handful of optional products that can be used with your Apple iPhone or iPad in order to automate and control appliances, lights, the thermostat, and other devices within your home from anywhere. Plus, you’ll discover how to use your iOS device as a wireless baby monitor, home video monitoring system, or even to track the location of your dog in real-time.

 

If you own a television set, you’re probably familiar with the concept of a wireless remote control that’s used to change the TV’s channel or adjust the volume. When used in conjunction with various apps and third-party products, your Apple iPhone or iPad can be used as a wireless remote control—not just for your television set, but for a wide range of electrical appliances, lighting, and even to adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere your iOS device has an Internet connection.
When used with optional wireless video cameras that are available from a handful of companies, your iPhone or iPad can also be used as a baby monitor that allows you to view live video feeds remotely via the Internet, whether you want to keep an eye on your child’s nursery or keep tabs on your home (and your pets) while you’re at work.
You’re about to discover a handful of cutting-edge, yet affordable products that can be used with your iOS mobile device that allow you to automate and/or monitor various aspects of your home. For the majority of these products to function, you’ll need a wireless network set up in your home, plus your iOS mobile device will need Internet access while you’re out and about.

The Nest Home Thermostat Can Keep Your Home’s Climate Comfortable

Electronic and programmable thermostats have been around for a while. However, the Nest Learning Thermostat not only gives you full control over the device using your iPhone or iPad from anywhere (inside or outside your home), it also learns your daily route and will adjust the air conditioning or heating system in your home based on your desired temperature while you’re present, but then automatically conserve energy and help to lower your utility bills while you’re away.
Once installed in your home, the Nest thermostat learns your personal schedule and will automatically turn down the heating or cooling system while you’re away, but ensure that while you’re home, the desired temperature is maintained. However, at anytime, you can remotely adjust or re-program the device using your iPhone or iPad.
With its sleek, contemporary, and circular design, the Nest thermostat ($249.00) will fit the décor of any home, and is virtually guaranteed to lower your utility bills if it’s used properly. You can install the device in about 30 minutes or a trained professional installer can do it for you for an additional $119.00.
According to Nest Labs, the creators of the device, the average savings during its first three years of use in a single family home will be $520.00. To learn more, visit their website, or any Lowe’s Hardware Store.

Control Your Lights and Electrical Appliances with Belkin’s WeMo

Belkin has introduced a quick and easy way to automate your home and control lights and electrical appliances using your iPhone or iPad. WeMo is a line of modular, Wi-Fi-based products that transform your iOS device into a feature-packed remote control.
The WeMo Switch ($49.99 each) is a small adapter that gets plugged into a standard electrical outlet. You can then plug in any electrical device, such as a light or small appliance, into the adapter and control it from anywhere using a proprietary app on your iOS mobile device. The WeMo Switch is fully programmable, so that you can set a specific schedule from the convenience of your iPhone or iPad. The WeMo Switch + Motion ($99.99 each) offers the same functionality as the basic WeMo Switch, but includes a motion sensor that activates a plugged in device (such as a lamp) whenever motion occurs within the room.
What’s nice about this home automation system is that it’s modular and scalable. You can buy just one WeMo Switch or multiple switches and/or Switch + Motion adapters, and then place them throughout your home. Each device can be controlled separately, or they can be used in tandem in conjunction with your iOS mobile device.
The WeMo system is available from Apple Stores, Verizon Stores, or directly from the Belkin website. Setting up the system takes just minutes, as long as your home has a wireless network.

SmartHome Offers a More Elaborate Home Automation System

SmartHome has developed three do-it-yourself home automation systems, ranging in price from $385.00 to $925.00, that can be managed using your iPhone or iPad, and used to control lights, appliances, and security cameras while also continuously monitoring motion, window, and door sensors throughout your home.
Whether you’re in your home and too lazy to get up from the couch and turn on or off a light, or you’re halfway around the world on a business trip or vacation, using one of these systems, you can control lights and appliances. Or if someone enters your home, the system will alert you immediately of their presence.

Use a Wireless Camera to Transform Your iOS Device into a Baby/Pet Monitor

Several companies have developed extremely portable and wireless cameras that can stream full-color video and sound via the Internet to your iPhone or iPad. Using specialized apps, these cameras can be used as a baby monitor between the nursery and whichever room in you’re in, or they can be used to keep tabs on your infant (and their caretaker) while you’re at work.
These same devices can also function as pet monitors and allow you to watch over your pets while you’re away from home, or as an added level of security to monitor your home when you’re not there. As long as you have a wireless network, any of these cameras can be set up in minutes and begin streaming a video feed to your iOS mobile device using the Internet.
Priced at $129.95, the iZon Remote Room Monitor from Stem Innovationis an app-controlled video camera. It offers live and full-color video and accompanying audio that can be watched in real-time and/or automatically recorded and stored online using a private (password protected) online service.
The iBaby Monitor from iBaby Labs ($199.95) is another highly portable and wireless video camera that can be controlled using a proprietary iPhone/iPad app. What sets this camera apart, however, is that from your iOS device, you can control the camera’s movement remotely, and tilt it up, down, left, or right.
You can also set the camera to automatically follow the motion of whatever subject is in the room. Plus, through your iPhone or iPad, you can talk to your child remotely. The iBaby Monitor has an infrared night vision mode, so you’ll be able to see in the dark while your baby is asleep.

Full Home Security Can Be Controlled from Your iOS Mobile Device

Several well-established home security companies, including ADT, offer systems that can now be controlled remotely using an iOS mobile device. However, cable TV/Internet and VoIP service provider Xfinity (Comcast) has also launched a complete home security and automation system.
Using the Xfinity Home system, which must be professionally installed, you can remotely turn on or off the home alarm system, be alerted if someone enters your home, access a home security camera video feed, plus control your electrical appliances that are connected to the system. The service includes 24-hour monitoring of the security alarm, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, as well as the system’s window, door and motion sensors.
Xfinity Home offers three levels of security and service that are somewhat customizable. The Basic and Preferred systems are priced at $199.00, but also requires a $29.95 per month or $39.95 per month monitoring fee, respectively. The Premier plan ($499.00) requires an ongoing $49.95 per month monitoring fee. To learn more about this home security and automation system, call (855) 709-1198 or visit http://http://www.comcast.com/homesecurity/features.htm.

Using Your iPhone/iPad to Track Your Pet

The SpotLight GPS Locator ($99.99) is a small, lightweight GPS tracking device that connects to your dog’s collar. You can then track the position of your dog or cat remotely from your iOS mobile device using a specialized app. If your pet manages to get loose often, this is a quick and easy solution for tracking and finding him.
SpotLight GPS is one of several products that are available that offer remote GPS tracking capabilities using your iOS mobile device. Some, however, require a monthly monitoring fee, but offer additional features that make recovering your lost pet easier.

Your iPad or iPhone Can Control Your TV, Too

From the App Store, you’ll discover a handful of apps that can transform your iPhone or iPad into a feature-packed remote control for your television and/or home theater system. If you have a TiVo Premier DVR, for example, a specialized (and free) app is available to remotely control and program this device. While you’re away from home, use the TiVo app to schedule program recordings or look up programming schedules.
The free Remote app from Apple allows you to use your iOS mobile device to control your Apple TV or the iTunes software that’s running on your computer as you’re listening to music or watching video content, such as TV show episodes or movies.
Meanwhile, the optional L5 Remote ($59.00) is a small device that connects to your iPhone or iPad and works in conjunction with a proprietary app to serve as a programmable remote control for all of your television, stereo, and other home theater equipment.

Have More Control Over Your Life from Anywhere

Using apps, your iPhone or iPad can help you manage your contacts, to-do lists, and schedule. However, with optional accessories, your iOS mobile device will help you take control of your home, plus keep tabs of your kids or pets. The capabilities of what’s possible using these accessories is constantly evolving, yet it’s becoming increasingly more affordable to purchase and utilize them without having to be a technological genius in order to set them up and make them work.

Negative effects of modern day technology

Author: chavali

Since the industrial revolution, society has become more and more dependent on technology. So much so that we sometimes lack the willingness to think before we act. We become impatient if it takes more than a few seconds to download a copy of the morning news paper. We expect immediate responses to our email, and we expect someone to answer their cell phone whenever and wherever we call. “Industrialization resulted in rapid and sustained economic growth and a massive increase in consumer goods. But at the same time, for many people it meant a thoroughly unpleasant work environment.”1

People in today’s society are always looking for ways to improve their lifestyles and in some way help deal with their physical environment. Agriculture; Farming and cattle herding led to the growth of large, settled human populations and increasing competition for productive lands, touching off organized warfare. The need for transportation brought vehicles into the market. The need for employees brought mechanical robots into society. Battles over land brought on the need for sophisticated weapons. The agricultural system brought on a revolution.

The invention of the television has brought all forms of entertainment into our houses with video and audio combined. Before 1950, newspapers and radio were the only ways to bring media or entertainment into the house. Mass production and other job opportunities brought many people from the rural areas and farms into the city. Society is more reliant on technology than ever before. While technologies have their advantages there is a negative effect to all this technology as well. Technology can actually harm society rather then help it. Competition between companies or even cities can sometimes make our lives for even worse. When a city builds more roads to attract tourists, the result is more traffic, not less. Even things we take for granted such as the automobile have negative effect on us. Because the automobiles cause pollution and that can surely harm us slowly.
Technology is making us so bust that we can cant even find time to spend with our closed one’s.it would be surprising to know that people are in contact through chat and online messaging though they are in same city .because they think its more faster and effective but they are forgetting that meeting personaly can never replace online chatting.
Before the advent of television and internet, people had ways of having fun together every day .many of these primitive methods of fun have almost disappeared in the morden world .people used to actually talk with each other ,they would play games with each other but now they play games with computer giving no reaction at all making people drift away from one other.
In many ways modern technology had the opposite effect of making us worker harder and faster just to stay in the same place.

The Advantages Of Wireless Networks

Summary:

Nowadays businesses consider profitability and productivity seriously. The ownership cost and the achieved profit affect all future developments.  While making investments in Information Technology infrastructure, businesses take these factors into account. However, there is no doubt that wireless networking will be a beneficial investment for any business.

Author: Gregory Smyth

In this world of modern technology, most people prefer not to connect computers with Ethernet cables because excessive cables scattered throughout their office or home is unsightly. You can choose to install a wireless network to avoid excessive cabling. For a wireless network, there is no need to use Ethernet cables to connect your computers to the DSL or router.

Usually, a wireless network broadcast signal uses one or more wireless routers or wireless access points. The access points or router are provided with an aerial and an Ethernet port. The Ethernet port in the access point must be connected to the modem which is provided by your internet service provider, if you need internet access. If you have to move the wireless network to another place, you can simply transfer and install it in your new location easily.

You can also make a combination of wired and wireless connections with an access point or wireless router. The access point functions as the receiver and radio frequency transmitter and can interact with computers, IP Phones, PDAs and other access points having 802.11 wireless adapters. IEEE 802.11 standard of wireless transmission is utilized in a wireless local area network (WLAN). Certain other wireless networking standards such as Bluetooth are available now. However, 802.11 standard is considered as the most effectual networking solution. Actually, the aim of the developers of this network interface was to connect computers through a local area network. However, it has now been changed and a wireless network interface is also used for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and internet access.

Based on the surveys conducted so far, it is clear that you can stay connected in your network for a long period each day. If you have a laptop with a wireless connection, you can walk around your office with your laptop without losing the connection. Nowadays, certain emergency services are transferring their confidential data through a wireless network. We can consider this as an evidence for the data security which is provided by wireless network. You can send and share data quickly through a wireless network. This is the main reason why businesses and people prefer this network interface for their data sharing. Another important fact regarding wireless networks is that you can connect to the network easily even from the regions which have poor telecom infrastructure.

Some of the main reasons which make the wireless network interface popular include:

i) Convenience as you can use this network interface at home, the office or anywhere else without hassle.

ii) WLANs are available anywhere in the world at an affordable cost. 

iii) If you are moving to a new location, you can transfer the interface and install it at your new location easily.

iv) There is no need for an Ethernet cable to connect computers to each other.

For a business, one of the main advantages in setting up a wireless network is savings. You can access the changes in your business in a short period of time after installing the wireless network. There is no need to spend money on cables and other equipments. The cost of maintaining a wireless network is also less when compared to other network interfaces. 

Nowadays, you can buy wireless routers at an affordable cost. Also having a wireless network can increase productivity and improve the working environment in your office. 

One of the main drawbacks of this network interface is that it may cause health and environmental hazards. Recent researches reported that the constant use of wireless network interfaces may lead to memory loss, poor concentration, premature senility, nausea and even the hazardous disease named cancer. Some environmental hazards that may occur due the constant usage of this interface are also reported. These hazards occur due to electromagnetic radiation coming out of wireless networks.

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