Mobility Moves Forward

Mobile technology has been gaining ground in the past few years, and the allure of wireless networks and on-demand connectivity has created a market for products that allow professionals to conduct business anywhere. Mobility is particularly beneficial to small businesses. Often it is not financially feasible for owners to purchase the most advanced technology, but it remains imperative that they operate as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. Small businesses can maximize their functionality with less physical resources using mobile technology because they do not need to be in the office to stay connected to their contacts, work and colleagues. So, what is the best way to utilize mobile technology?

Mobile broadband technology: wireless on the go
Mobile broadband technology is becoming a frontrunner in the mobile trend as it evolves and becomes readily available to business professionals. While Sprint and IDC project that 2008 will be the fastest growing year for the mobile broadband industry, familiarity with the service is still low. Ethernet cables and dial-up services are practically obsolete due to restrictions regarding portability, speed and signal strength. Alternatively, mobile broadband networks give users freedom to wirelessly access information with a speedy and reliable connection.

With mobile broadband, data is accessible anywhere there is network coverage from your carrier. Laptops embedded with mobile broadband cards, smart phones and personal communicators are capable of connecting to the Internet quickly and easily. As long as the necessary internet browser is installed on the wireless device, this capability will allow users to surf the web, send email, join a web meeting, listen to a podcast and much more. Additionally, users do not have to pay overpriced connection fees at hotels or airports, which can cost up to $10 per day. Business professionals can spend $60 or more per trip to access the Internet, which equals the average monthly fee for a mobile broadband card subscription – making the card a more practical decision than constantly paying for expensive and limited access in the long-term.

Even more pertinently, many business users are reluctant to use free Internet access in coffee shops or airports due to concerns about security. Mobile broadband networks significantly reduce these concerns, as they work on a provider’s secure network instead of a public Wi-Fi hotspot, giving small business professionals increased security from hacking and data theft. To further provide comprehensive security for end-users, many carriers offer features to keep information and devices secure. Sprint partners with Alcatel-Lucent to offer SprintSecure Laptop Guardian, which enables 24/7 security through remote monitoring, location and locking if a laptop with a compatible Sprint mobile broadband device is lost or stolen. These features are especially important to small businesses because of the need for increased corporate data security to keep their information confidential.

Technological advancements now permit syncing between devices using a USB cable or Bluetooth-enabled device and proper software. Business users are able to transfer reminder messages, contacts and other important data they need direct access to between multiple devices, allowing them to keep track of office files without the hassle of using a flash drive or additional accessories. Not only can business professionals access files anywhere, they can choose how much storage is needed. The two devices being synched can be any combination, so professionals can choose whatever possibility will be the most beneficial in each situation. Easy transitions between devices make the ability to complete work in a timely fashion and staying updated less of a hassle.

Push-to-talk networks: instant connectivity
If mobile broadband networks seem like too much of an investment, there are other ways to stay mobile. Push-to-talk networks are increasingly popular with business professionals due to the ability to instantaneously connect with colleagues and clients. In fact, it is not necessary to be in the same office to conduct a group business meeting using a service like Group Connect on Nextel Direct Connect, because it allows up to 20 connections at once. Business managers can take advantage of this capability with Sprint’s unlimited all-inclusive rate plan, Simply Everything, which costs $99.99/month and features unlimited Nextel Direct and Group Connect – making it more cost-effective than many conference call services and an easy way to save money for small businesses. Direct Connect also can be utilized by managers for instant updates from their employees when they are out of the office and do not have time for a phone conversation.

In addition to Direct and Group Connect, Sprint is expanding its push-to-talk features, updating messaging and technology to increase functionality with services like NextMail, Direct Send and combining Direct Connect with Sprint Mobile Broadband data capabilities. These advanced services help small businesses communicate by enabling them to send voice messages to email addresses or share contacts and pictures with the push of a button. Ultimate mobility not only depends on the ability to access information anywhere, but also in the most efficient manner.

GPS technology: updates when you need them
Beyond Internet and instant communication, multiple global positioning system (GPS) applications have entered into the arena and the use of GPS navigation has grown to account for a large percentage of the mobile market. Previously, printed maps or directions were the basic method for navigating on business trips. Now, GPS navigation applications give turn-by-turn directions in real-time for several locations in the US and will re-route them as needed. Wireless providers offer various devices equipped with GPS capabilities, from media phones to PDAs. Sprint Navigation software can be downloaded to any GPS-equipped Sprint device from its browser. With voice-guided directions and real-time traffic alerts, asking for directions and calling 411 are unnecessary hindrances. The time and preparation saved that result from using GPS can allow small business professionals to focus more on their tasks, adding substantial value within the organization. Mobile GPS will also save small businesses money instead of purchasing personal navigation devices; many GPS applications for mobile phones cost less then $10 per month and are free to download while personal navigation devices can cost up to $1500 and require constant manual updates.

While many wireless carriers only spotlight GPS navigation applications to compete with in-dash and portable car models, Sprint has placed further emphasis on GPS applications that are exclusively advantageous to small business professionals, helping them to be more productive, reduce costs and manage transactions proficiently. A versatile application, Xora GPS TimeTrack is a key resource for supervisors, utilizing GPS functionality to keep track of employees and drivers, enabling them to instantly view locations, direction, transit speed and stop durations to ensure meetings or deliveries are on schedule. AirClic MP, another tracking application, can increase customer satisfaction by facilitating rapid response to requests, inventory orders and project changes. As we shift to a digital world, GPS capabilities will be crucial for small businesses to maintain internal and external relationships.

Business mobile applications: maximize device capabilities
A number of Java-based mobile applications have surfaced to assist with project management and client service, adapting everyday applications that business professionals use to work with mobile devices, including desktop calendars, email servers and financial software. Many of these applications are free or can be obtained from a service provider at a low cost and are tailored for numerous business industries. Java-based applications can be run directly from a mobile phone, so updating the device is not even necessary to utilize these kinds of tools.

The mobility trend is not going to be short lived. Instead of fizzling quickly, it is going to develop into an essential aspect of business function. In order to maintain a seamlessly running organization, owners need to realize that mobile solutions can help them get the most amount of work done without sacrificing flexibility or client service. Most business executives will utilize mobile technology in the office, at home and on the road with perfect ease as a result of the extraordinary enhancements that have been made to devices and their supported programs and applications.

Sprint has an extensive nationwide mobile broadband network, servicing over 234 million people, 13,453 cities and 1321 airports, including data roaming.

About Tim Donahue
As VP of Business Marketing for Sprint Business Solutions, Tim Donahue is responsible for driving market execution for Sprint’s four primary segments: Enterprise, General Business, Public Sector and SI/Alliances. Donahue’s team drives acquisition efforts including offer development, business media priorities and channel execution.