Technological convergence - initially confined to the integration of voice, video and data communications onto a single (IP) network - has entered a new era with the coming of age of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC).
And this, says Andre Joubert, GM of MWEB Business, is having a profound impact on business operations and expectations.
“In today's fast-moving, increasingly competitive business environment, customers and colleagues expect businesspeople to be available, reachable and responsive at all times. If you are not, deals can be lost and critical deadlines missed. You simply cannot afford to be 'out of reach' or unavailable for any length of time,” he says.
FMC is the fusion of fixed IP networks with wireless WiFi and 3G cellular networks, giving you hassle-free, streamlined connectivity and communications no matter where you are.
“FMC allows you to effectively 'be in your office' at all times, regardless of your physical location. With FMC, you can receive and make calls, receive and send e-mails, access confidential information, work on documents, collaborate with colleagues - in fact do anything you would be able to do as easily as if you were sitting at your desk in your office,” he explains.
According to Joubert, FMC has been a worldwide trend for some time, but it only really started gaining traction in South Africa as broadband connectivity - both fixed and mobile - became more affordable and available.
“MWEB Business is experiencing growing demand for FMC services as businesses seek to take advantage of the benefits it offers, including cost savings, convenience, mobility, improved business productivity and - just as importantly - only having to deal with a single provider,” he adds.
Joubert predicts that the next phase in the convergence saga will be in the area of access devices. At present, businesspeople tend to use a multitude of devices in order to take full advantage of FMC technology: a notebook, a tablet and at least one, but sometimes two, smartphones.
“At this point, the jury is out with regards to exactly what the ultimate FMC device will be, but there is no doubt that in the not too distant future, we will be using just one device to handle all our communications and connectivity needs,” he concludes.
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