DALLAS, Aug. 30, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Work off-site? Travel with a briefcase full of paper? Wish your business trips were full of working instead of waiting? Need access to e-mail and documents while in meetings? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, it's time to consider technology that moves with you. Not only will you increase individual productivity, but you can also maximize your company's effectiveness and minimize travel costs by efficient use of technology and smart mobility management.
In 2004, nearly one in five U.S. adults, or 38.3 million people, traveled for business, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. And a recent study by Continental Research indicated that 25% of all business travelers miss having access to their internal company systems. Going wireless allows travelers to stay productive, read e-mail, research via the Web and stay connected while on the move. It also prevents the dreaded backlog of e-mails upon return to the office.
"Being out of the office doesn't mean being out of touch. With today's technology, there are many easy and affordable wireless options for smaller businesses," said Russell Morgan, president of the Information Technology Solution Providers Alliance (ITSPA). "A local solution provider can help decrease the stress of business mobility by working to figure out what kind of access you need, setting it up and developing a wireless protocol to make sure you will always have access to essential information."
Tips for Business Travelers - A quick guide from ITSPA:
1. Cut the cord. If you have hesitated to bring your business
into the Wireless Age, now is the perfect time to invest in
an office mobility program or a business travel program.
Going mobile will help make sure you have maximum
flexibility -- whether you need to walk across the street or
travel across the nation -- to meet the needs of your
business and be more responsive to your clients without
being tethered to your desk by inefficient technology.
2. Sync your technology. Get your PC, laptop and hand-held
wireless device on the same page. This will ensure you have
the correct contact information and updated documents while
away from the office. Integrating all of your devices will
ensure seamless travel.
3. Be secure. While most wireless networks have some level of
security, the more protection you have on your device, the
better. Even a basic password will protect your information
if your device is lost or stolen. For more advanced
solutions, consider multi-layered security. Anti-virus and
anti-spyware software combined with firewalls will decrease
the likelihood that a hacker or identity thief will be able
to access your information. You should also update your Web
browsers and other software frequently.
4. Make your mobile device work for you. When setting up your
mobile office, take only the hardware, software and programs
you need. It's easy to be overwhelmed with all of the
options, so cater your travel program to your own personal
needs and work patterns.
5. Back-up your data. In case your laptop battery dies or
smart phone gets lost, put essential files on a memory stick
or CD before you leave. Printing out your list of important
contacts is also a great way to make sure you never miss
deadlines or appointments.
6. Prepare before you leave. Work with a solution provider to
develop the most efficient, cost effective and secure travel
plan if you have complex applications, concerns about
protecting highly confidential data or want to utilize a
Virtual Private Network (VPN) for your mobile activity. A
VPN provides additional data protection on common Internet-
based transactions through virtually any terminal or
network. ITSPA can help you find a local service provider
who understands all of the various mobility options, knows
your business and can help get you on the road while still
connecting to the office. Contact ITSPA at
findapartner@itspa.net to locate a qualified solution
provider in your area and learn more about efficient, cost
effective business travel planning.
"Wireless connectivity allows businesses to thrive by increasing productivity and responsiveness, reducing paperwork, enhancing communication and providing more job satisfaction," said Jake Smith, Intel mobility marketing manager for the Americas. "Since nearly all notebooks produced today have built-in wireless capabilities like Centrino mobile technology, small and medium-sized businesses now have access to affordable connectivity options."
Types of mobile connections:
1) Wi-Fi: This network is built around hotspots often creating
strict coverage areas and limiting movement. This
connection, generally accessible for a small fee, is the
most common in heavily populated locations like coffee
shops, airports, hotels, libraries and convention centers
with hotspots usually covering a 150-foot radius.
Widespread availability is an attractive option in today's
environment, but Wi-Fi networks will likely never join
together as one seamless coverage option.
2) 3G Networks: These networks provide fast data transmission
from wireless service providers in large cities with a
larger range of coverage than Wi-Fi. Availability is
limited by subscription fees and roll-out plans in
metropolitan areas. Make sure to check your coverage areas
before committing to a service contract.
3) WiMax: This emerging network partners municipal governments
with private companies to provide wireless access for entire
cities. Usually offered to users free of charge, WiMax is
considered to be the next revolution in wireless just
hitting the market today. In 2007, when WiMax becomes
widely available, making a city wireless will take almost no
effort.
About ITSPA:
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the Information Technology Solution Providers Alliance (ITSPA) is a national, non-profit alliance serving as a reliable and credible resource for businesses hoping to take advantage of the benefits of new technology. ITSPA is dedicated to helping small and medium-size businesses adopt technology and grow by using local solution providers to solve business challenges.
The Information Technology Solution Providers Alliance logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1742