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TECHNOLOGY
- August 2002 by Claude Hammond Empowered Communications LET’s say you’re a corporate executive and you’re stuck in an all-day meeting in Podunk, Iowa. Meanwhile, back at your home office, a major client is trying to decide whether to stay with your company or go with your competitor. Your sales manager desperately needs your input.
The silent paging function of a next-generation phone could be used to notify you during the meeting, without interrupting the proceedings. Then, using the phone’s small screen, text messaging or an e-mail could convey vital information, giving you the ability to respond without talking or having to leave the room. It’s possible now. One of the few communications companies specializing in business needs is Nextel. The company’s area manager, Kevin Parker, maintains that one of the major new demands being placed on wireless communications is Internet access. Parker cites a J.D. Power survey that indicates skyrocketing wireless Internet use. “In 2001, a full 23 percent of cellular customers regularly accessed the Internet with their phones,” he said. “That’s almost double the figure from the prior year. “Demand for data services is a driving force behind what the wireless industry calls convergence,” Parker said. “It’s the blurring of lines between mobile devices that now combine everything from traditional voice to wireless e-mail and contact storage.” Separating the wireless industry into three wireless categories (cellular phones, wireless e-mail and personal digital assistants), Parker says emerging technologies are playing a dramatic role in each area. “If your customers expect you to answer your phone no matter when or where it rings, cell phones are still your best bet,” Parker said. “There are now more than 120 million cell phone subscribers in the U.S. If you haven’t been shopping for wireless in awhile, you’ll likely notice a dramatic difference. Wireless Internet access is now incorporated into many phones, as well as standard services such as voicemail, caller ID and national roaming. “Technology from companies like Nextel Partners lets users access corporate and industry-specific applications right from a phone handset, as well as record voice memos, and manage e-mail, calendar and contact lists. While analog phones are still available, digital is often preferred because of added security and the ability to use data services such as two-way messaging. Special gee-whiz features, like Motorola’s new i95cl phone, include a color screen that make digital services even more effective. Users can expect basic monthly services to range from about $30 to $70 a month, with many add-on features that a user can tailor to his or her specific needs.” The increased use of text messaging and e-mail with wireless communications has caused the gap between computer and telephone to be reduced to a fine line.
Just as the gap has narrowed between computers and cell phones, so has the gap between cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Cell phones can store names, addresses, phone numbers and calendars – or they can access them using a browser or other Internet-based feature. “Subscribing to a wireless data network service lets you use the device to go online with a wireless modem or digital mobile phone,” Parker said. “Some models have add-on devices such as MP3 players and digital cameras. PDAs have become indispensable to many mobile workers, replacing the traditional day planner with electronic access to vital contact and calendar information that syncs easily with a desktop computer. It’s a convenient data center that fits easily into a shirt pocket or briefcase. Because of its limited functionality at this time, it’s often an addition – versus a replacement – to a wireless phone.” For companies using wireless communications, advancing technology will only make the new gadgets more handy and diverse. Nextel, for example, has a “walkie talkie” type feature – it’s trademarked name is Direct Connect – that reaches as far as its voice network. This feature has proven itself to be invaluable in industries as diverse as construction, trucking and real estate sales. “We’ll continue to see devices combining more features into one, blurring the lines even further,” Parker said. “Nextel already incorporates access to e-mail and wirelessly enabled Web sites. It’s also lending its technology to increase the capabilities of other wireless services. For example, Nextel recently announced an agreement with BlackBerry, a wireless e-mail solution that provides access to e-mail, contacts, calendar and task lists on the go through a pager-sized device. “The companies
are developing a new Nextel/BlackBerry handheld that will combine voice
and data capabilities operating on Nextel’s national network. Available
late next year, the end product will be the first to combine BlackBerry’s
wireless solution with digital cellular, Nextel Direct Connect digital
long-range walkie talkie, text and numeric messaging and wireless Internet
access – all in one device.” Claude Hammond
is editorial director of The Lane Report
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Copyright 1996-2002, by Kentucky Business Online. All rights reserved. Editorial content
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A
cell phone playing one of those inane little tunes would disrupt your
meeting, which also is very important. What do you do?
“Professionals
can also choose the latest in wireless technology,” Parker said.
“For example, our company’s iM1100 wireless modem can provide
wireless access to the Web, e-mail, corporate intranets, customer-supported
virtual private networks and corporate applications. While more expensive
than mobile phone service – such devices can cost about $500 with
basic monthly service at $40 – they can be a smart solution for
e-mail dependent executives.”