30 mln WiFi users by the end of 2004

Gartner reports that the number of hot-spot users worldwide will total 30 mil in 2004, up from 9.3 mil users in 2003. With such a large increase users, Gartner analysts said, enterprises must take action in implementing a strategy that gives their employees secure access and control over the cost of access to hot spots. By year's end more than 50% of professional notebooks will have wireless LAN capability, and Gartner warns that if organizations do not undertake a contract with a service provider to allow access to hot spots and to control costs, employees are likely to use hot spots and list the cost under other expenses.