How Mobile Computing Changes the World

What is Mobile Computing?

Mobile computing is a new form of technology that is driving major changes in how we do things.

When we talk about ‘computing’ most of us think of a desktop computer. But mobile computing is both laptop and smartphone and both now have computing power that was equivalent to desktop computers only a few years ago. In this post we share five ways mobile computing (mobile phones) are changing the world.

More people on the planet have mobile phones than adequate sanitation. Whilst sanitation is important, the mobile computer potentially can deliver greater good. Here’s how this could work…

1 Mobile Networks

No other core infrastructure has ever been so rapidly deployable: one cell tower versus networks of roads, railways, health care, schools, electricity and water. Mobile Networks are 1000 times less expensive. Plus, mobile computing devices are significantly cheaper than personal computers and require less power to run and charge.

2 Market Efficiency

Co-ordinated markets provide price consistency and transparency. Farmers and fishermen are able to obtain the best possible price for their goods. Mobiles help them earn more money and consumers also obtain consistent prices.

3 Credit Lubrication

Credit fuels the entire economy. It provides survival of income gaps and room to grow. Mobile systems allow direct payments, which cuts transaction costs and edges out the middleman. More money is made and stays in the community. Microloans can then be sourced more easily.

4 Overcome Corruption

The African Union estimates that corruption costs 25% of annual GDP. Automating government processes cuts corruption in general. Direct payments further bankrupt corrupt middlemen and reduce transfer times and handling costs. Further, transparency clears the way for action. It builds knowledge of what is supposed to happen to give this a better chance of being enforced rather than dodgy officials making up their own rules.

5 Latecomers Advantage

Developing countries are able to skip the need to invent and develop new technology to develop infrastructure. Instead, as latecomers, they can simply acquire it. This enables third world shortcuts to the latest technology. They can skip roads and go straight to the internet and mobile. By itself, it won’t transform a nation and it will accelerate development.

More on Mobile Computing

This is an extract from the Book Rapper issue Mobilize Me: Why Mobile Computing is the Key to Your Future. It’s derived from Michael Saylor’s book The Mobile Wave: How Mobile Intelligence Will Change Everything. Here is the slideshow from this Book Rapper issue.