q 4 wy WAC 99 6p 10 a (64 gy (MA wg WA a B aw I ew MTOM UE SK t i se } RUEewe A Df Sines ta Notes!!! wnat Sh St ee The Most Out Of Wireless by Ron Sperano a wireless computer network. Four Factors for Selecting Wireless: Simplicity Scalability Security makes using computers easier Battery Power (NAPSA)—A number of small businesses are finding that there are big benefits to implementing Being able to access e-mail, the Internet and the corporate intranet without plugging into a hard-wired network connection and more convenient. Although rarely a substitute for a wired network, a wireless LAN can complement your wired infrastructure by allowing employees to take their notebook from their desk, to the conference room, to their house and then back again, without hooking up to any wires. With hotspots increasingly available at manycafs, airports, parks and hotels, employees aren’t bound to their traditional office space. Andall of these benefits will eventually show in a company’s bottom line. A recent joint survey by Cisco and IBM found that small businesses that have implemented an average of 300 wireless users reap an annual savings of up to $4.9 million. Additionally, 87 percent of respondents believe wireless LAN technology improves their quality of life. Respondents noted that the flexibility and convenience of wireless networks made their workloadseasier to manage. As if that weren’t enough, the initial cost of going wireless is minimal. Many notebooks already have integrated Wi-Fi (the standard wireless LAN connectivity, 802.11b), and further wireless networks eliminate the direct cost of installing a wire, which reduces the indirect cost of user downtime when moving or adding employees. When helping SMBs install wireless networks, I encourage them to keep four key factors in mind: Simplicity. Will the network be easy to install and operate? Consider the type and size of the office space you have, and the @ number of people who will access the wirelessnet. Scalability. Will the wireless infrastructure give you the freedom to add employees, change conference rooms, or alter other features of your IT structure as the business changes? Also, consider who in your office needs wireless. If you have fewer than 10 wireless users you can use a home gateway, which combines a wireless hub with router capabilities for shared access. For more users, you'll need to get a wireless access point. The square footage of your office will determine how manyaccess points you'll need. Security. Although IBM notebooks have embedded security and the IEEE is constantly upgrading the security features within wireless LAN networks, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access internal documents. VPNs can be complex to use, so look for vendors that offer strong customerservice. Battery Power. It seems obvious, but when choosing your PC vendor, don’t forget that long battery life will keep your employees happy on their wireless networks when they are moving from desk to conference room. It’s time to start thinking about wireless networks for your company. The return on investment from dollar bills to happy employees will speak foritself. Ron Sperano is program director for Mobile Market Development at IBM, a leader in wireless tech- nology and e-business solutions.
