Geolocation refers to the process of determining an object's position on a real-world map, based on its latitude and longitude. The rise of smartphones has been instrumental in putting geolocation services on the map, so to speak; most now including a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip to facilitate location services.
The GPS chip enables a device to run apps that use a person's physical location to provide specific information or services. For example, Google Maps provides driving directions from where you are to where you want to go, and Uber knows where your driver should pick you up.
Geolocation services are not reliant on GPS alone, however. They can also use Wi-Fi network proximity, cell-tower triangulation and even IP addresses although GPS remains the most accurate method. When a GPS signal is weak or unavailable, the geolocation service can turn to one or more of the other methods, often in conjunction with GPS itself.
Geolocation capabilities have become standard fare in MDM products. A lost or stolen device can represent a serious security concern, but as long as it's turned on and the tracking mechanism is enabled, an IT administrator can usually pinpoint its location. IT can also use geolocation to track corporate-owned mobile assets and push documents or apps to devices. Administrators might, for example, stagger releases based on location.
Geolocation services can also track workers suspected of questionable behavior, such as entering a restricted area or visiting a competitor's headquarters, or it can be used for multifactor user authentication. If a worker is supposed to be in Kansas, but the connection attempt is coming from Asia, something is likely wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment