One development Mr Manget notes with particular interest is the rise of machine-to-machine, or "M2M", communications. In Japan, for example, NTT DoCoMo has got together with vending-machine manufacturers and soft-drink companies to equip vending machines with wireless capability. The new machines not only accept payments from wireless devices but also use wireless technology to transmit information on inventory levels and maintenance problems. Drinks companies use the data captured to improve distribution and product selection, and to reduce the number of out-of-stock items, which has increased profits per machine by as much as 70%.
Let Machine Talk to Machine
Similarly, Toshiba is using wireless technology for remote monitoring of photocopiers, so that technicians can be dispatched as soon as there are signs of a problem. This reduces servicing costs and, since machines are out of action less often, increases usage and revenues. Caterpillar, a construction-machinery maker, is also using wireless technology to ensure that its machines are kept running smoothly; this has reduced downtime by 66%, and has resulted in a 60% reduction in maintenance costs, since worn parts can be replaced before they fail and cause damage to other components. In the long term, this approach may well be extended to all kinds of machines, including cars and household appliances; on the mobile Internet, machines might eventually outnumber people.
Such futuristic visions aside, the mobile Internet clearly has much to offer companies here and now. Corporate enthusiasm for the technology may even kick-start interest in new services in the consumer market, says Mr Nguyen; after all, employees are consumers too. Give an employee a PC, and he is connected to the Internet when he is at his desk; but give him a mobile device, and he is connected anywhere, any time. One of the mobile Internet's knock-on effects could be that the distinction between work and leisure will become increasingly blurred.
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