If you go anywhere from the grocery store to church, it seems like everyone is checking e-mail on a mobile device. In the interest of full disclosure, I do not have such a device. I do my e-mails on a full size key board, in a chair, in front of a screen. For me, this is the right choice. I want to be fully engaged when I respond to e-mail, but I do not want to be bothered while in church or on the little league field. People need to make the decision that is right for them.
As a business issue, I see the mobile device debate differently. These devices are expensive to purchase and operate. Every month, companies pay the cellular companies significant sums so their employees can have round the clock access to e-mail. Is this really that necessary? How many e-mails do you receive that are not business related… jokes, cartoons, etc.?
Now think in terms of electronic discovery for an internal investigation or a law suit. At this very instant, there are rooms full of lawyers working on behalf of their clients sorting through terabytes of electronic trash charging hundreds of dollars per hour. Fewer company sponsored mobile devices, less electronic trash. Less electronic trash, lower monthly cell charges and lower investigation and litigation related expenses. Seems pretty simple doesn’t it?