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The History of Information Systems and Mobile Wireless Technology:

How Mobile Wireless Technology Has Changed the Way Systems Are Designed
By: Andre Swift
CCIS-280

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I am writing my research paper on the history of information systems, the changes in technology
over the years and how wireless and mobility technologies have changed the way information systems are
designed today. Knowing the history and evolution of information systems will help to tie in how wireless
and mobility technologies will affect the way information systems are designed today.
The history of information systems or (IS) hasnt been around long, information systems have
only been around for about five decades. Since its inception, information systems have done more to
expand business and industry into global markets than any other convention in history. (Rana, 2000)
Today the driving force or the backbone of information systems is known as the World Wide Web,
Internet, or with a business a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), along with lists of
acronym buzz words to describe new ways in which information systems can be employed and deployed
to help a business to expand, grow, be more productive, cost effective and profitable. (Rana, 2000)
So what is an information system?

An Information System is a system that handles the flow and maintenance of

information that supports a business or some other operation. It contains information about
significant people, places and things within the organization or in the environment surrounding
it. Information is derived from meaningful interpretation of data. Data consists of the raw facts
representing events occurring in the organization before they are organized into an
understandable and useful form for humans (Rana, 2000). Now, another definition of an
Information system (by Buckingham et al (1987b) is :
A system which assembles, stores, processes, and delivers information relevant to an
organization (or to a society), in such a way that the information is accessible and useful to those
who wish to use it, including managers, staff, clients and citizens. (Rana, 2000)

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There are three activities provided by the information that organizations need to conduct business, they
are Input, Processing and Output. 'Input' consists of acquisition of the 'raw data', which is transformed
into more meaningful packets of 'Information' by means of 'Processing'. The processed information now
flows to the users or activities also called as 'Output'. The shortcomings are analyzed and the information
is sent back to the appropriate members of the organization to help them evaluate and refine the input.
This is termed as 'feedback'.

Below is a diagram of an information system: (Laudon, Traver, & Laudon, 1996)

An information system is considered a human activity or a social system; it can involve a

computer but doesnt have to. Other than supporting decision-making, information systems help
workers and managers to analyze complex problems, to develop new products and to integrate
the various modules and departments. Moreover the 'transmission losses 'in inter-departmental
communication are reduced considerably leading to better coordination and improved
transparency (information sharing) within the organization as a whole. (Rana, 2000)

Below is a diagram of the different types of ISs. (Laudon, Traver, & Laudon, 1996)

So when and how was the first information systems used and standardized?

By the mid-sixties IS was already forging its way into business mainstream. While
computers remained out of reach for most businesses, telecommunications made its mark with
the TELEX machine. This step gave businesses the ability to communicate within its own
organization anywhere in the world at any time and effectively pass instructions and
information. (Rana, 2000)
Also during the sixties, the use of computer in business and industry began to grow and
it usually started off in the accounting departments. They believed that the accounting personnel
would be more experienced within their expertise in using numerical machines and they believe
they would grasp the understanding in how important databases could be other areas of the
business. It was also during this time in the sixties that a number of business schools began

developing Management Information System (MIS) programs to meet the growing need of IS
managers. (Rana, 2000)
In the 1970s, the importance of information systems and the flexibility it brings to business was
starting to get upper management to take notice. During this time, the TELEX became the standard of
information transfer and the mainframe computer became the standard for database creation (Rana,
2000). Mainframes are large high-speed computers, specifically designed as a central unit that supports
numerous workstations or other peripherals devices. As the need for organized and easy access to data
became a necessity, information based businesses began moving the mainframes from under the
accounting management to its own department. At the onset, the mainframe was only tied to a few

business functions, payroll, inventory, and billing. Main focus of centralizing was to automate
existing processes and have a constant flow of data that can be shared between departments.
Mainframes Vs PCs- The Evolution Begins
By the 1980s, a new rush in what is now referred to as e-mail, was brought about by the
invention of the mini and micro computer, which could put an entire system on an executives desk for a
very low price compared to mainframes and the ability to have an autonomous system without paying
huge amounts of money to process information (Rana, 2000). Now, there was chaos due to software

and hardware vendors wanting businesses to change the way they do business to keep up with
technology, so as a result, more businesses were having PCs, (personal computers) and LANs
(Local Area Networks) installed and each department within the business would set up their own
computer system with end-users computing with word processors and spreadsheets. This move
allowed each department to be less dependent upon their IT department, this move led to a more
automated process and in a new position in companies and businesses: Chief Information Officer
(CIO), a position that in many businesses at this time rivaled the CEO. The need for this position was to

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standardize all of the electronic data interfaces (EDI) between all departments so information could be
more efficiently (Rana, 2000).
The eighties also were the time most manufacturing businesses began to shift to information
systems to forecast sales, take orders, and manage distribution of products. Time Berners-Lee developed
the World Wide Web in 1989. The protocol Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) used over the existing
Internets that had been constructed, opened up a new era of EDI the world had never seen. This was huge
in business because it allowed businesses to be directly connected with vendors and suppliers as well as
customers and would eventually allow a business to go global. (Butler, 1998)
By the mid-1990's it became apparent that there is no way for a corporation to efficiently do
business without a solid functioning IS setup inside its own walls as well as connected with its supplychain vendors and distributors. EDI once known as Electronic Data Processing (EDP) have now brought
profit margins so low that any business that does not prepare itself will be out of business in the next five
years. Wide Area Networks (WANs) become corporate standards. Senior management looks for system
integration and data integration which is the backbone for being connected globally. No more stand-alone
systems, the main focus are central control and corporate learning as business begins to soar. (Rana, 2000)
In the 2000s, WANS expanded due to the increased functionality of the Internet which allowed
businesses to establish global enterprises and business partners and expand its supply chain and
distribution. WANs allowed upper management the ability to expand data sharing across systems across
great distances. WANs also helped businesses to focus on efficiencies and speed in inventory,
manufacturing and distribution. (Rana, 2000)
Over the years, information systems have changed the way businesses conduct business and it
will continue to change as long as technology changes. The evolution of IS is an ongoing process.

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Technology is constantly changing and businesses have to change with them to stay competitive.
(Laudon, Traver, & Laudon, 1996)
Information system is a technology driven system. Without it, business would not be what it is
today. It has evolved over the past forty years to being the back bone of business, yet the simple
application rules created in the 1960s and 1970s are still very relevant in any application where data or
information is transferred in whatever business model it is applied to no matter the complexity.
Wireless and Mobile Technology
Now that weve talked about information systems and business, we will shift to wireless
technology and business and how it has changed the way information systems are visualized and
designed. We will cover the timeline of wireless technology as well as look at how wireless and mobility
is changing the way companies are doing business.
Now, just to clear the air and get rid of the confusion, wireless signals and radio signals are the
same. Wireless means communication without the use of wires other than the antenna, the ether, and
ground taking the place of wires. Radio means exactly the same thing: it is the same process (Farahman,
2014) Communications by wireless waves may consist of messages transmitted from a ship at sea or a
plane in the air or the communication may be simply an email, a tweet or an instant message from a
friend. It does not become something different in either spelling or meaning. Now the evolution and
timeline for wireless technology spans decades, all are not listed, but what I feel was important is. It
encompasses radio and wireless signals as well as telecommunication:
Timeline (Maxfield, 2014)

1927
First commercial radiotelephone service operated between Britain and the US

1946 and 1947

Engineers at Bell Labs develop the concept of cellular technology.
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The first commercial mobile radiotelephone service is introduced in St. Louis.
1950
TD-2, the first terrestrial microwave telecommunication system, is installed to support 2400
telephone circuits.
1960s
INTELSAT launches the Early Bird geostationary satellite.
AT&Ts Improved Mobile Telephone Service (IMTS) eliminates the need for push-to-talk
operation and offers automatic dialing
The International Telecommunications Satellite Consortium (INTELSAT) is established.
The first communication satellite, Telstar, is launched into orbit.
1970s
FCC authorizes developmental cellular systems launch in Chicago and the
Washington, D.C./Baltimore region.
The FCC revises it cellular allocation from 75 MHz to 40 MHz, restricts eligibility to wireline
carriers, and adopts a one system per market policy because of its belief that technical
complexity and expense would make competing systems in a market unviable. The FCC also
decides to license developmental systems. The FCC modifies its 1970 decision to allow nonwireline carriers (non-telephone companies) as well as wireline (telephone) carriers to access the
75 MHz allocated for common carrier radio cellular systems.
The FCC allocates 75 MHz for common carrier cellular systems out of the UHF spectrum
1980s
The Motorola MicroTAC is introduced, the smallest and lightest phone available at the time,
weighing 12.3 ounces.
One millionth cellular subscriber is added in October.
The FCC releases the ISM band for unlicensed use, paving the way for wireless local area
networking.

On October 13, the first commercial cellular system begins operating in Chicago. In December
1983, the second system is activated in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. corridor.
Motorola introduces the DynaTAC mobile telephone unit, the first truly mobile radiotelephone.
The phone, dubbed the brick, had one hour of talk time and eight hours of standby.
In January, TCP/IP is selected as the official protocol for the ARPANET.
FCC issues Cellular Communications Systems Order, determining the cellular industry should
have two carriers per market and creates cellular A and B licenses for each area of the
country.
1990s
Wi-Fi brand adopted for technology based upon IEEE 802.11 specifications for wireless local
area networking.
Wi-Fi Alliance founded by six companies: 3Com, Aironet, Intersil, Lucent Technologies, Nokia
and Symbol Technologies.
The first bucket of minutes plan is offered.
Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Toshiba announce they will join to develop Bluetooth for
wireless data exchange between handheld computers or cellular phones and stationary computers
Original version of the standard IEEE 802.11 for wireless local area networking is released.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 becomes law, in part designed to open other
communications markets to competition.
Sprint Spectrum launches the first PCS system in the United States in Washington, D.C.
Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) established for reliable transmission over the Internet in
conjunction with the Transport Control Protocol (TCP)
The first smart phone (IBMs Simon) is released to the public and offers consumers a calendar,
address book, calculator, email, faxing services and games.
One-millionth host connected to the Internet, with the size now approximately doubling every
year.
Worlds first commercial text message is sent by employees of Logica CMG.
The number of cellular users passes the 10 million milestones.
2000s

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One billionth Wi-Fi chipset is sold.

Palm Software Store (January), BlackBerry App World (April), Nokia Ovi Store (May), Palm
App Catalog (June) and Windows Mobile Marketplace (July) app stores open.
There are more than 285.6 million U.S. wireless subscriber connections which is approximately
91% of the total U.S. population.
October 13 marks the 25th anniversary of commercial wireless communications and the launch
of the Wireless History Foundation.
ITunes Application Store (July) and Android Market (October) open.
IPhone launches, spurring dramatic handset innovation.
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association merges with the Wireless Data
Forum to become the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association.
Digital wireless users outnumber analog subscribers.
2010s

In June, President Barack Obama signs a memorandum committing to freeing up 500 MHz of
spectrum for the wireless industry.
FCC proposes National Broadband Plan, recommending 500MHz of spectrum be allocated for
commercial use by 2020.
First 4G handset is introduced at International CTIA WIRELESS show.
As you can see, wireless and mobile technology has evolved over the years as technology
evolves. Which leads back to how the advancements in wireless and mobile technology affect the
way information systems are developed. I felt that the information that I provided on the history
of information systems and the evolution of wireless and mobile technology is important because
to see where we came from to what we have today, to me is really good knowledge to have.
Mobile Technology and Business

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Today, Wireless Networks have improved drastically, by providing higher data rates,
larger coverage areas and higher quality of service (QoS). System design today has also changed
with the times, as demands increases for access to business information and applications through
mobile devices, the need to design systems to accommodate those demands. During the
requirements phase, more and more systems will require mobile access through mobile
technologies such as the Apple iPhone and iPad, Android devices and Windows 7 & 8 devices. (Levy,
2014)
The massive growth of adoption of these technologies around the world has many business
managers wondering how to effectively position their firms to benefit from the trend Why is this
statement important? In todays business world, the drive for mobility is part of the business technology
agenda for most companies today, as the need to access information away from the office increases.
Mobile technology allows people to use company data and resources without being tied to a single
location. Whether your staff is traveling to meetings, out on sales calls, working from a client's site or
from home anywhere on the globe, mobile devices can help them keep in touch, be productive, and make
use of company resources (Daichendt, 2014).
These are just a few examples on how mobile wireless technology and increase productivity
which increases profits. Businesses that evolved with the technology and embrace mobility for their
business purposes are more likely be more efficient. It will definitely change the work environment as
people will want to come to work. This can be an advantage for businesses when recruiting new
employees and keep them competitive in their field. Technology is changing, and we need to keep up.

References:

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Bellis, M. (2014). Who Invented WiFi? Retrieved from About.com-Inventors:
http://inventors.about.com/od/wstartinventions/a/WiFi.htm?utm_term=wireless%20technology
%20history&utm_content=p1-main-7-title&utm_medium=semsub&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=adid-62c5bde8-4c25-4ef3-b817-cccdd1f82762-0ab_gsb_ocode-12599&ad=semD&an=goog
Butler, J. G. (1998, July 13). A History of Information Technology and Systems. Retrieved from
University of Arizona: http://www.tcf.ua.edu/AZ/ITHistoryOutline.htm
Daichendt, L. (2014). Mobile Technology for Increased Productivity & Profitability. Retrieved from
Strategic Growth Concepts: http://www.strategicgrowthconcepts.com/growth/increaseproductivity--profitability.html
Farahman, F. (2014). A History of Wireless Technologies. Retrieved from Sonoma University.edu:
http://www.sonoma.edu/users/f/farahman/sonoma/courses/cet543/resources/hostoryof
%20wireless.pdf
Laudon, K. C., Traver, C. G., & Laudon, J. P. (1996). Information Technology and Systems. Cambridge:
Course Technology.
Levy, A. (2014, April 2). The History and Evolution of Wireless Technologies. Retrieved from
Mobilenomix : http://www.mobilenomix.com/blog/wireless-technologies-history
Maxfield, L. (2014). Wireless History Timeline. Retrieved from Wireless History Foundation:
http://www.wirelesshistoryfoundation.org/wireless-history-project/wireless-history-timeline
Rana, M. (2000, February 24). History of Information Systems. Retrieved from University of
Houston.edu: http://www.uh.edu/~mrana/try.htm#HIS