Technology factors in corporate adoption of mobile cell phones: a case study analysis

This paper studies the technology factors that companies consider important in deciding to adopt and deploy wireless devices designed for mobile telephony and information services, the extent of current use of wireless cell phones, the extent of existing utilization and/or planning for Web-enabled cell phone use, the constraining factors in their deployment decisions, and how such decisions are made, and the practical technology implications for decision-making. Wireless cell phone technology has complex characteristics that often make the process of corporate adoption decisions difficult. This study seeks to shed light on this process to help decision makers. The conceptual model combines the TAM and innovation adoption/diffusion models, adding the factors of security, cost, reliability, digital standards, technology product suitability, and future Web connectivity. Case study methodology is utilized for five manufacturing and technology firms. A key finding is that the most important technology decision factors are security, reliability, and Web connectivity. Customer service was the most important non-technology factor. Although the current uses are dominated by voice, Web-enabled capability dominates future decision-making.