Convergence is the technology buzzword at the moment. It refers to the coming together of technology. No longer do we need to be at the office for connectivity. Today many of us have better Internet access at home than we had at the office two years ago. We have more technology, and certainly we have more choice.
Businesses, particularly smaller ones and start-ups, are faced with technology questions and decisions that didn't exist a few years ago. Broadband is booming throughout SA, and so too is technology converging. Where a few years ago it seemed like a good idea to have Internet connectivity, with the general need for browsing and e-mail, smaller organisations are realising they can take advantage of Internet access, and even more advantage if they embrace technology.
When getting connected, there are a number of offerings. Before we had dialup or Diginet, and of course ISDN, we now have all new forms of broadband, from three general opportunities:
* Fixed-line connectivity - ADSL
* Cellular technology - 3G, HSDPA
* Wireless broadband
The connection offerings best suited to SMEs vary vastly, depending on factors such as how many staff there are, location, what the coverage is like in the area, how much the connection will be used, and how mobile the workforce is.
Most SMEs seem to be guessing at what seems on the surface to be the best service, and taking advice from friends. In the new era of broadband, it is particularly difficult to keep up to date with the latest and best-suited technology. Consider the company's requirements, as there is more than one option available, and what suits one does not suit all.
The complex array of requirements seems to change and grow. Technology has not enabled voice over IP (VOIP), and organisations and SMEs alike are looking for services where voice and data can be combined. The simplest form of this, of course, is ADSL, where the same physical line can be used for voice and data. But again, technology is changing, and VOIP services offered around the country are maturing, and now offer real cost benefits, through embracing technology, and economies of scale.
In the new era of broadband, it is particularly difficult to keep up to date with the latest and best-suited technology.
Anthony Southgate is marketing executive for Internet Solutions.
As the mobile worker concept becomes more respected, and cellular technologies have been adopted, the requirements for staff to have either connectivity at home, or connectivity on the move is a critical requirement for organisations and their staff. It is generally accepted that many employees have home connectivity. Issues such as company policy, security and services to allow users to connect to their corporate e-mail and backend systems, are obviously increasingly critical.
Where users are constantly mobile, cellular technologies provide a great answer to these users. Here though backend systems need to be catered for to allow for that connectivity and security.
Exciting technologies and changes for organisations and SMEs that are capitalising on convergence include:
* WiMax - new connectivity technology, to connect without fixed lines, at higher speeds. Though this is one potential option, there are many connectivity options to choose from.
* VOIP - make calls using data lines, be this through traditional means, or new, the concept of having one line for all is enticing.
* Software as a service - the new buzz in application rental where organisations are able to get corporate-grade services at a small fee, through to bulk buying power.
* Advancements in the cellphone world, with mobile phones mostly being able to offer e-mail service, as well as high-speed connectivity, the likes of HSDPA being build into cellphones, full browsing capabilities, SIP phones ability and more. It's quite a while since I said: "Well, it's just a cellphone." That type of comment is less common, as cellphones become increasingly important, and increasingly functional.
* Security advancements - as security services start converging, the threat of remote workers becomes more manageable, so while attackers are increasingly more astute, security services fight to keep us all secure with less effort than before. Spam, for instance, is on the rise still, but software combating spam is mature enough to be built in to many services, and is working well for users.
* Integrating technologies - by this I mean using convergence creatively to enhance the business, whether this is using an ADSL line at night from the office to log in to electronic IP-based security cameras to "watch the shop floor", or throwing out the ISDN used for fax alone, and getting a fax to e-mail service. Creatively embracing technology and not backing from it is going to help build SMEs.
Convergence is here, and it represents an opportunity to converge business with technology. No need to be a technology vendor, just allow the business to benefit from the now.
* Anthony Southgate is marketing executive for Internet Solutions.
Share