11/15/2004 -- Enterprise usage of wireless data services is thus far sporadic, but that could change. According to market research firm In-Stat/MDR, more and more business users are exploiting wireless data services—including cellular and hotspot services—to access corporate computers and networks.

Not surprisingly, In-Stat found, laptops and notebooks are steadily displacing cellular phones as preferred devices for access data wirelessly.

Access is still sporadic, however, In-Stat researchers found, and frequency of access tends to vary significantly based on what kind of equipment being used. Respondents estimate that they typically access the Internet wirelessly anywhere between eight and 24 times per month.

What are they using wireless data services for? No surprise here: The two most common applications accessed are e-mail and the World Wide Web.

Similarly, In-Stat found that security often takes a backseat to convenience, at least where wireless access is concerned. Only half of respondents use VPN software to connect to their corporate networks. And if that’s not enough to upset the stomachs of network administrators everywhere, there’s this: Of those who do use VPN software, not all of them do so all of the time. Ouch.

Elsewhere, In-Stat found that the amount of data users upload and download is increasing from year to year. Not surprisingly, laptops users with wireless PC cards were the biggest offenders in this category. Finally, when asked to select from among a list of potential VoIP applications, most respondents expressed an interest in making voice calls from their notebook computers. -Stephen Swoyer