Software above the Level of a Single Device

Web2.0 is now no longer restricted to the PC platform. It can be use in other mobile devices to promote extra benefits to people hence it is above the level of a single device. Having a mobile web server increases the functionality of mobile devices with applications such as GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and HSDPA. Presently, one of the major platform file system used in the arena of portable devices is, Symbian S60, which is considered one of the most secure and armored systems issued by Symbian Ltd. (Savoldi & Gubian, 2009). S60 consists of a suite of libraries and standard applications, such as telephony, PIM tools, and Helix-based multimedia players (Wikipedia, 2010).

Currently, iPhone is the biggest competitor of Symbian S60 and debates comparing these two products have been widely acknowledged. S60 is the mobile software platform to offer Web Browser integrated with Flash Video which allows people to view on the go Flash-enabled Web sites which is the lack in iPhone (GadgetsMonkey, 2007). The S60 interface is also licensed to multiple companies (Samsung, Panasonic and Siemens) and so gives the user a wider choice of handsets (GadgetsMonkey, 2007).

Symbian vs iPhone

Apart from the capabilities, we need to ponder about the abuse of these systems. The natures of portable or mobile devices are error prone because of the direct interaction which can cause easy alteration with the content. In addition, S60 uses a specific program (connection agent) which is installed on the target device to establish a connection and exchanging data with an externally connected host computer (Savoldi & Gubian, 2009). With this approach, it requires a piece of software to be loaded on the device thus modifying the target device. This issue is common threat to data security in any web based technology.

iPhone capabilities and popularity have given huge impact to Symbian S60. Developers expressed that they are more comfortable with iPhone as a platform on which, it is easier, faster with nice interface. However, Symbian S60 has made a crucial move towards security as Nokia engineers have introduced comprehensive support with new functionality in Digital Right Management in their devices (Savoldi & Gubian, 2009). This effort is crucial towards having a technology that not only change how people work but also provides a safe platform for social and business.

Sources:

GadgetsMonkey. (2007, October 26). S60 vs iPhone, 5 reasons for each. Retrieved April 2010, from GadgetsMonkey: http://www.gadgetsmonkey.com/s60-vs-iphone-5-reasons-for-each/

Savoldi, A., & Gubian, P. (2009). Issues in Symbian S60 platform forensics. Journal of Communication and Computer , 16-22.

Wikipedia. (2010). S60 (software platform). Retrieved April 2010, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S60_%28software_platform%29

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