Business Viewpoint: Wireless carriers help businesses stay connected
BY TOMMY ARENS Business Viewspoint
Thursday, March 14, 2013
3/14/13 at 3:57 AM
Business owners rely heavily on wireless devices to stay connected, organized and efficient in and away from the office. They need reliable devices to communicate with customers, employees, vendors and partners and be productive throughout the day.
Small businesses are always looking to do more with less, and investments in technology should be implemented strategically. A good wireless carrier can advise businesses on cost-effective ways to meet technology needs and also be scalable for future growth.
All too often, small and medium-sized businesses invest in technology they can "grow into." This can require significant financial investment, often at the sacrifice of other infrastructure investments that could grow the bottom line.
Consider this when choosing technology for your business:
Take advantage of the cloud. Cloud technology makes it easier than ever to work from a remote location. The benefits for mobile users include accessing files and documents from anywhere, saving files to the cloud for a secure backup, easy collaboration between remote and in-office staff, and remote printing with a mobile printer.
Devices aren't one-size-fits-all. Tablets and smartphones like the 4G LTE Samsung Galaxy Note II and Samsung Galaxy S II are popular with many business people, no matter what industry they're in. But if your employees are managing an oil rig or working on a construction site, they may need more "ruggedized" devices with water, shock and dust resistance like the Kyocera DuraPro.
Don't forget about hot spots. There are several Wi-Fi hot spot options that are small and compact and offer a secure, fast connection for tablets and laptops. If you operate in rural areas, this is critical because Internet access can be limited. Devices like the ZTE Unite Mobile Hotspot support simultaneous connections for up to 10 devices when connected to the 4G LTE network, which can ultimately save money compared to purchasing multiple data plans for tablets.
Using a hot spot to provide Internet to your customers is also an opportunity for businesses to enhance their customer experience.
Look at the big picture. Devices are only part of the total wireless experience. A reliable, fast network and unmatched customer service are equally as important as the devices you choose. Find a wireless partner that treats you with the same respect, fairness and honesty you give your customers. U.S. Cellular offers a unique rewards program that helps businesses get more out of their wireless service, such as using points to upgrade to the latest devices.
Smartphones and tablets are a mainstay in businesses of all sizes, because they help employees communicate quickly and be productive no matter where they are. Good wireless carriers help businesses get the most from their wireless devices. A small business owner has to spend time and financial resources strategically and wisely in technology. This investment is the difference between bleeding edge and cutting edge.
Original Print Headline: Wireless carriers help businesses stay connected
Tommy Arens is director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Oklahoma.
The views expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily the Tulsa World. To inquire about writing a Business Viewpoint column, email a short outline of the article to Business Editor John Stancavage at john.stancavage@tulsaworld.com. The column should focus on a business trend; the outlook for the city, state or an industry; or a topic of interest in an area of the writer's expertise. Articles should not promote a business or be overly political in nature.
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