Gulfshore Business Magazine | August 2003
By: Len Osborne

Q:  What technology tools do I need to create a more efficient and productive mobile office?

A:  A small, lightweight laptop with extended battery life and fast processing capability is a necessity in today’s competitive business world.  Intel’s new Centrino Mobile Technology was developed specifically to accommodate the needs of busy, on the go professionals. Offering extended battery life of up to 6hrs, built in wireless and weighing in at only 5 pounds, being productive in or out of the office has never been easier.

Q.  I travel frequently on business.  What do I need to take with me?

A:   Most importantly, make sure you have all of your notebook cables, adapters and accessories. Here is a pre-trip check list:

• CAT 5 (Ethernet) cable at least 10' long to connect to high speed jack found in most hotels now.

• PCMCIA dial up modems often have special adapter cables (dongles) which are not easy to find. Without this cable your modem will be useless.

• An extra phone line (12’-25’) You never know how close you will be to a phone jack.

• A/C adapter.

• External drives (floppy, CD, zip etc) if needed.

• Palm devices and cell phone chargers.

Q:  I have a high speed connection in my office/home. How will I connect to get my email when I am traveling?

A:. Broadband connections do not go with you on the road, so a dial up account may come in very handy as a backup in case the hotel does not have broadband. Establish a nationwide service such as ATT (local. “free-net” type accounts will not work well on the road) to avoid dialing long distance access numbers. They usually have the widest range of numbers including an 800# and the service is very stable.

Q:  How can I stay connected to all of my business resources when I am out of the office?

A:  With high speed internet available everywhere now, you  can stay connected while traveling. Access all of your business information via the internet, from anywhere in the world. Synchronize your global office calendar, address book, phone messages, projects etc with everyone in a single office or among several offices.

Q: How can I keep a virtual eye on my business while I am away?

A:   As a result of recent technological advances in both the computing and security industries, RVS. (remote video surveillance) makes it possible to monitor your business via live streaming video, from any computer in the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Real time, digital video is also recorded to a computer hard drive, allowing for playback and review at any time.

Mobile Devices:

Wireless mobile phones with E-mail and internet capabilities are becoming increasingly popular in mobile office settings, as well. With certain wireless headsets (like Motorola’s Bluetooth Wireless Headset) you can cut the cord and make calls even while your mobile is tucked away in your briefcase.  You can obtain a good overview of what’s currently available by visiting websites such as www.t-mobile.com and www.blackberry.net.

Prepare for the future:

To get an idea of where mobile technology is headed, visit www.microsoft.com/mobile. You can find out more about futuristic Pocket PC’s, PDA’s, Smartphones, and Handheld PC’s.