Wireless communication has once again become a 'hot' point of discussion, with the local ICT industry focusing on the benefits that organisations can derive from mobile data communication. Until recently, the technology industry was abuzz with the potential of mobile and wireless technologies and what they would mean for business and personal applications. However, the South African telecommunications market was stunted and underdeveloped, limiting the impact that these technologies could make on individual user experience.
Today, the wireless revolution has demanded a need for technologies that allow for the increased business efficiencies that mobility brings. Traditionally, this has been in the field of enabling mobile workers the freedom to telecommute and access business systems from any location. However, as part of this drive for mobility, and working hand in hand with these technologies, is a need for solutions that allow staff to maximise the benefits that can be derived from mobility, while driving down costs and improving the return on telecommunications and mobile technology investments.
With increasing volumes of business communication being of a cellular nature, mobility enhances the efficiencies already provided by 'communication on the move' technologies. In addition, we have seen these applications enhanced and built upon by the inclusion of standards such as Bluetooth in existing mobile technologies. Further, with the deregulation of the telecommunications sector through the legalisation of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), there is likely to be a concurrent increase in the need for technologies that allow traditional voice and data devices to connect and communicate. This has already become apparent in the cellular and personal digital assistant (PDA) market, where inroads have been made in the convergence of these technologies.
Unfortunately, mobile technology standards need to gain traction in South Africa. While businesses need to investigate the deployment of solutions that will increase productivity, the industry needs to work collaboratively to ensure that mobility becomes a reality for all. It is in this area that standardised technologies such as Bluetooth display their potential.
Bluetooth is an industry standard that allows electronic equipment to connect and network - from cellular devices and laptops, to keyboards and headphones. The true value of Bluetooth is that, while it is an advanced technology, it is also inexpensive and easy to use. Since Bluetooth devices automatically find one another and establish a connection, very little user involvement is required. This means that the cost of deployment is minimal, leading to a higher return on investment. In addition, Bluetooth offers more obvious benefits to end-users who, as technology has developed, have found themselves carrying an increasing array of cables, chargers and components. Bluetooth effectively eliminates the problem of the 'super-sized' laptop bag.
In addition, these technologies are perfectly suited to industries such as the call centre environment - an increasingly important industry in South Africa, with the deregulation of the telecommunications environment and current trend amongst large multinational enterprises to outsource this function.
As more Bluetooth enabled cellular devices, PDAs, laptops, personal computers and accessories are released to market, one can expect to see an increase in the number of organisations making use of this performance enhancing technology. With hand- and wire-free technologies, all components of the business environment become more efficient.
For more information contact Kathea Communications, +27 (0)11 844 9900, [email protected]
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