More than ever, enterprise mobility has become an integral component in increasing the productivity and profitability of a business. But many questions remain on how to properly integrate mobile technologies without compromising security, and without breaking your budget.

With this in mind, the fourth-annual Mobile Business Expo offers attendees a comprehensive view of the technologies, platforms and applications enabling the mobile enterprise. At the Javits Center in New York (September 16 - 19), and running concurrently with Interop, MBX offers the opportunity to check out the latest enterprise hardware and software, as well as network with the brightest minds in the industry. Attendees will also have the chance to see visionary keynotes from heavyweights in the mobile industry, including Research In Motion's David Yach, Fairpoint Group's Craig Mathias, and OctoScope's Fanny Mlinarsky.

"Mobile devices are no longer an executive accessory. They are primary business communication devices for a mobile workforce that demands a solid productivity and communications platform," said Steve Wylie, general manager of Mobile Business Expo. "At Mobile Business Expo our audience will learn first-hand how to transform business through the technology of enterprise mobility."

Smartphones

The adoption of smartphones in the enterprise has exploded, and it has become cheaper and easier to arm your mobile workforce with powerful handsets from the likes of Research In Motion, Nokia, and Palm. These devices were once primarily a means to get e-mail on-the-go, but they have evolved into mobile computers that are capable of running complex mobile applications that can tremendously increase an enterprise's productivity.

Attendees will be able to learn more about the latest in smartphone deployment, applications, fleet management, how to handle "rogue" devices, security and more.

Of course, it's impossible to mention smartphones without talking about Apple's iPhone 3G. The touch-screen handset has been a hit with consumers, and now that Apple has upgraded the firmware to be enterprise-friendly, it's only a matter of time before the handset migrates to the mobile workforce. Apple's App Store has also increased the phone's enterprise capabilities by opening the door for productivity-boosting mobile applications.

But with new devices come new challenges. Representatives from AT&T and Salseforce.com will specifically address the enterprise-specific features of the iPhone, as well as discuss what's involved in integrating the smartphone into existing IT infrastructure. Mobile Broadband

The proliferation of mobile broadband has made it easier for workforces to be effective without being tied down to a desk. But, even as businesses learn how to effectively use 3G networks, the next-generation of mobile broadband is looming on the horizon.

Sprint, Clearwire, Google, and many others have backed WiMax and Mobile WiMax, and it's set to launch commercially in September. Yet most of the major mobile carriers around the globe are backing Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology for their 4G networks, and it potentially offers incredible download speeds.

Officials and experts will be on hand to discuss the best way to implement mobile broadband into an enterprise, as well as how an enterprise can be prepared for future technologies.

An Office With No Wires?

With the 802.11n standard set to be finalized next year, the thought of a truly unwired enterprise is not outlandish. The standard offers high enough bandwidth and throughput to make the truly unwired enterprise a reality. But many questions remain: Is the security and reliability there? Will a business' legacy devices be rendered useless?

Additionally, an unwired office brings up questions of how to handle voice inside the enterprise. Some argue that a convergence of wired and unwired lines could and should be the solution, while other say using cell phones with indoor femtocells is a simpler and more effective approach. The brightest minds in the industry will be on hand to offer their opinions at MBX.

These issues and more will be extensively addressed during this year's MBX, and organizers have taken a cue from the Web 2.0 crowds and are encouraging audience-driven participation in conferences. While there will be standard programmed content, a large portion of the time will be devoted to audience-led discussions on various mobile topics affecting businesses today.

Because mobility now plays a vital role in for enterprises, MBX will be co-hosted with Interop New York. For more information about the event, please visit the registration Web site.