Enhance business performance with technology19 May 2006
The two technologies set to have the greatest impact on business over the course of this year have been identified as convergence and security, according to new research.
A poll conducted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) found that of 2,200 respondents, 34 per cent felt that implementing converged voice and data technologies such as VoIP, FMC and RIFD was the main technological priority within their organisation.
This was followed by security concerns, with 33 per cent selecting the deployment of security measures and solutions as their business IT priority.
Judging from these findings, small businesses in the UK are likely to look to these two issues in their information and communication policies during 2006, so we have run through the main technologies and the benefits they can bring.
VoIP
Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) allows users to make voice calls over a broadband connection. Rapidly increasing in popularity, this technology offers converged voice and data services, allowing for enhanced quality and convenience of calls. It is also significantly cheaper than traditional fixed line telephony. Small businesses could stand to save an average of 64 per cent in line rental costs alone simply by opting to utilise products such as BT Business Broadband Voice. Improved call management features such as hold functions and voicemail can also benefit businesses as customer interaction becomes more efficient.
FMC
Broadband calls have office communications sorted and now fixed-to-mobile convergence (FMC) is unifying fixed telephony services with those that allow users to roam, providing a useful combination for businesses. Technology such as BT Fusion transfers mobile calls to a fixed line when the handset comes within range of the BT hub. As a result, call costs are reduced while flexibility and convenience for business users is increased. A survey from Strategy Analytics found that 22 per cent of all mobile calls are made within the office ¿ FMC technology will allow callers to avoid mobile tariffs when doing so.
RFID
From communication now to supply chain with a technology originally developed as an alternative to barcoding, radio frequency identification (RFID), is succeeding the old tagging method owing to its signal range and chip capacity. Currently found in Smart cards, credit and debit cards and library recall services, the chances are all small businesses have used RFID, even if they weren't aware of it. Given the enhanced supply chain efficiency such transponders offer, ensuring that stock is trackable and identifiable, it is easy to see why three-quarters of financial firms predict that RFID will have the most impact on business performance, according to PMP Research.
Security
It will also come as no surprise that security issues remain high on the agenda for businesses over the next year. Unfortunately for all honest web-users, as broadband technology evolves and improves, so do the tactics of malicious hackers. Problems such as viruses, worms, Trojans, malware and spyware remain and small businesses should always ensure they have updated firewalls and virus scanners. It is also advisable that small businesses arrange an IT support package, such as BT's Internet Security Pack, which includes protective software but also offers updates to ensure there are no holes in company defences, as well as help-desk support to resolve any problems.
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