The society has progressively transformed due to the development of various technological applications. In today’s fast-paced digital era, the use of electronic devices is increasing gradually. Technology is the application of technical expertise to improve the efficiency and convenience of achieving tasks that would otherwise be burdensome if executed using conventional means. It has become an essential part of the twenty-first-century civilization because of its expediency in many activities, including communication, transport, security, aviation, surveillance, construction, and entertainment among others. Without technical knowledge, it would be impossible to accomplish various tasks that are vital for human survival in the modern world. Technological advancement has restructured societal norms and values. With the advent of wireless technology, the world is more connected than ever before. Indeed, a person in one continent can execute and complete a business deal abroad using a smartphone. This essay provides insight into wireless technology, its applications, costs and benefits, and impacts on individuals, organizations, and the society as a whole.
Wireless Technology and its History
Wireless technology refers to the transfer of a signal from a device to one or more receivers without any electrical connectivity. The history of wireless technology dates back to the nineteenth century. It is linked to Michael Faraday and James Maxwell who accomplished various developments around electromagnetic induction. Later in 1896, Guglielmo Marconi invented the first wireless device, namely, the telegraph system (Frenzel, 2018). The end of the Second World War between 1946 and 1947 marked a revolution in the development of wireless technology due to the need for transferring information conveniently and faster. In the mid-1946, the public was allowed to use the first commercial mobile radiotelephone. In the following year, the invention of the transistor made it easy to establish a connection between a remote communication device and the computer. A series of inventions in the 1960s led to the advancement of cellular and telecommunication technology. It was not until 1997 when the Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) was invented (Frenzel, 2018). Today, as Atalah and Seymour (2013) reveal, countless commercial and domestic applications, including smartphones, audio equipment, alarms, televisions, and security systems among others depend on wireless networks for operation.
Uses of Wireless Technology by Individuals and Organizations
The deployment of the wireless technology has resulted in novel ways for both individuals and business institutions to perform their activities. Today, it may be unimaginable to live without a smartphone or any other wireless device. Humans, even in the most remote places, are now intertwined with technology than ever before (Frenzel, 2018). The most renowned use of wireless devices is communication. The current number of mobile devices is close to the total world population (McDonald, 2018). Modern technologies such as automation, video conferencing, and electronic mail among others connect not only devices but also people across the world.
The transfer of data is unlimited. With wireless technology, it is possible to access a wide range of information using Internet-enabled devices, regardless of one’s geographical positioning. It is important to note that the advancement of wireless technology has reshaped the way in which organizations conduct activities. Business communication has improved tremendously. In particular, managers benefit from the effectiveness of wireless gadgets in this new era of digitization. Employees no longer need to worry about upcoming schedules and instructions (Byrne & Corrado, 2017). Multiple online document services and databases pave the way for the creation of interactive platforms where workers can login in to check assigned tasks and job reviews. This convenience improves the accomplishment of business goals and objectives.
Tangible and Intangible Costs and Benefits of Wireless Technology
Wireless technology comes with various tangible and intangible benefits. The chief benefit of adopting wireless technology is cost reduction. While value is a complicated and intangible business element, saving money is important for organizations to accomplish commercial goals (Agrawal & Zeng, 2014). The installation of wireless technology is relatively cheaper than the wired network. As a result, it has increasingly become an important asset for both small firms and advanced corporations. Its intangible advantages include improved customer satisfaction and efficiency in operations. Companies are saving substantial amounts of money after setting up wireless networks in offices since there is no need to run wires throughout buildings.
A recent study by Byrne and Corrado (2017) reveals that about 70 percent of businesses around the globe find it difficult to thrive without wireless technology. In addition, firms stay connected to workers who move to remote locations because they can use portable gadgets that support inventory and sales software. As a result, businesses that have adapted to this novelty have realized tangible benefits, including improved productivity and performance. Consumers can order and pay for products through online platforms, hence saving time and money. Companies also benefit from improved asset utilization, organizational flexibility, and resource control. Wireless technology has also increased job satisfaction amongst workers (Byrne & Corrado, 2017). Managers ensure timely exchange of information with their employees without the need for converging in physical meetings. As another tangible benefit, meteorologists no longer need to go to weather stations to gather data regarding environmental conditions. Automated instruments collect or generate information, which is conveyed through wireless devices. The pace of this innovation is rapidly transforming the business and social environment.
Nevertheless, wireless technology generates a mix of tangible and intangible costs for both individuals and organizations. At the outset, due to the ever-changing technological pace, individuals have to replace older devices with new ones that support the most recent software. For instance, some earlier smartphones are incompatible with up-to-the-minute communication applications (Lee & Lee, 2015). In addition, companies have to purchase new computer systems, related equipment, and software to support the wireless network capabilities. This undertaking increases their operational costs. Intangible costs include the time taken by human resources to comprehend and use the system. Losses can also be incurred where a firm needs to replace its employees (Lee & Lee, 2015). The new workforce may require fresh training in the use of the existing infrastructure, which results in additional expenses.
The Impacts of the Technology on Individuals, Organizations, and the Society
The use of wireless networks has influenced the way in which people conduct their activities. The number of people who own smart devices is still increasing. The study by Lobaccaro, Carlucci, and Löfström (2016) reveals that millions of individuals are exchanging information every second via chat rooms, voice calls, and social platforms. The human society is becoming more interconnected through wireless gadgets such as cell phones and personal computers. The evolution of wireless technology has intensely changed societal processes. Robust strategies have been developed to meet fluctuating demands.
Today, organizations are equipped with the most reliable technologies that support efficient production processes (Cousins & Robey, 2015). Emerging developments in wireless networks are significantly changing business and social spheres even further. One of the greatest impacts of this technology on organizations is the concept of a mobile workforce. It has brought about improved flexibility in firms (Cousins & Robey, 2015). Workers can access relevant documents on their smart devices or computers provided they are within the appropriate signal range. This technology encourages teamwork and the sharing of information among employees.
Furthermore, the integration of wireless technologies into business underpins responsiveness. Customers can get apprehensive when a company’s representative fails to give them proper information about their inquiries (Cousins & Robey, 2015). This situation creates a negative image regarding a particular firm. However, a wireless network ensures that information is readily available and accessible to employees. Swift access to product data allows them to provide quick responses to consumers. Businesses have realized increased productivity due to the ability of workers to share information on a real-time basis. Wireless networks have hastened the marketing process by making business operations faster and convenient.
Conclusion
Wireless technology has rapidly advanced in the last twenty years. Individuals and organizations around the world have accepted this novelty, which has changed their norms and values. With high-speed communication through intricate wireless infrastructure, companies have improved their production processes. Unwired devices have interconnected suppliers and consumers through the Internet. Customers get real-time information about their desired products. This inclination to wireless networks has increased productivity and customer satisfaction. The world can only expect complex technologies due to the current pace of innovation. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a paradigm that is used these days to imply increased connectivity through wireless capabilities. It is regarded as an area of focus in the development of information and communication technology. In this era, devices can communicate with each other and exchange important responses depending on the settings in which they are applied. It has led to the redesigning of organizational workflows, enhanced distribution costs, and the improved monitoring of goods and services.
References
Agrawal, D. P., & Zeng, Q. A. (2014). Introduction to wireless and mobile systems (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Atalah, A., & Seymour, A. (2013). The current state of wireless information technology in the construction industry in Ohio. The Journal of Technology Studies, 39(1/2), 14-27.
Byrne, D., & Corrado, C. (2017). ICT services and their prices: What do they tell us about productivity and technology? International Productivity Monitor, (33), 150-186.
Cousins, K., & Robey, D. (2015). Managing work-life boundaries with mobile technologies: An interpretive study of mobile work practices. Information Technology & People, 28(1), 34-71.
Frenzel, L. (2018). Wireless technology: The existential necessity of life. Electronic Design, 66(1), 35-38.
Lee, I., & Lee, K. (2015). The internet of things (IoT): Applications, investments, and challenges for enterprises. Business Horizons, 58(4), 431-440.
Lobaccaro, G., Carlucci, S., & Löfström, E. (2016). A review of systems and technologies for smart homes and smart grids. Energies, 9(5), 348.
McDonald, N. (2018). Digital in 2018: World’s internet users pass the 4 billion mark [Blog post]. Web.