FLOWER MOUND, Texas, April 27, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Six technology trends will play a major role in how small businesses (SBs) stay competitive with larger corporations, reduce costs, and better meet customer needs, according to the American Small Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA), a national information alliance dedicated to educating small businesses (SBs) regarding travel and technology.
ASBTA's research identifies the following trends that will have the biggest effect on SBs in the next two years:
Top Six Technology Trends Facing Small Businesses (SB):
-- Mobility and wireless networking -- Rapid growth, diversity in
technology, and the widespread deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots have
greatly increased SB worker productivity. SBs utilize Wi-Fi
connections at Hotspots, airline clubs (AA Admirals Club, Delta Crown
Room, etc), and restaurants as well as utilizing Google or Yahoo to
find Wi-Fi-enabled locations. The need to stay connected has led to
an increased demand for laptops, PDAs and 3G cell phones.
"Small Businesses have readily embraced the concept of the Extended
Office," said Chuck Sharp, President of ASBTA. "The ability to conduct
business wherever you are, whenever you choose, with the same
capabilities you have in your office puts small business on the same
playing field as large corporations."
-- IP Telephony (VoIP) -- VoIP, or the transmission of telephone calls
over the Internet, can save SBs money over time. Though not as
straight forward as connecting a standard phone, the initial
investment of time to implement VoIP technology will significantly
reduce costs on long distance and conference calls often allowing the
complete elimination of traditional land line service.
Use of this technology will continue to increase as companies discover
the significant financial savings and impressive array of additional
services and features previously only available to expensive PBX
systems.
-- Security -- Security continues to be a significant issue for small
businesses. Wireless connectivity increases that concern for everyday
activities. Companies must defend against viruses, spyware, and system
intrusions, while complying with government regulations concerning
privacy of customer data.
According to Sharp, "Internet security often is a vulnerability many
small businesses haven't adequately addressed. Businesses must be
proactive and diligent. Don't wait for a security breach to implement
an anti-virus, firewall, and spyware strategy. Begin immediately and
be proactive by continuously updating the virus and spy definitions."
-- Technology adoption and life cycle -- The adoption of new technologies
has been a vital component to the increased productivity of small
businesses. As the cost of technology drops and implementation becomes
easier, SBs are installing their own networks. According to a recent
ASBTA survey, 60% of SB employees travel with a laptop. "Technology
continues to evolve, so it is important to set realistic goals and
schedules to purchase new technology," Sharp said. "Determining which
services and technology currently in use are the most central to
operations is a good indicator of what upgrades must be scheduled
first."
-- Paper office to digital office -- While it's been true for over two
decades for large businesses, small businesses will save time and
money by continuing to transform all documents from paper to digital.
Filling out forms on paper in the field and later entering them into
the computer is wasted time. The new mobile SBs can directly enter
data into their PDA or laptop and immediately have that data ready for
use anywhere in their network. "With laptops, PDAs and even current
models of cell phones, work can be finished the first time the data is
entered, not when you get back to the office," Sharp said.
-- Collaboration -- Collaboration previously meant employees sitting
around a conference table a considerable amount of time. "This is one
of the most exciting trends in technology for SBs," Sharp said. "This
trend brings all of the other technology changes into play. With
mobility and wireless connectivity, VoIP, security, and the adoption
of these new technologies throughout the business world, workers can
collaborate in real time." SBs can have workers positioned on all
points of their production line and collaborate on changes "live"
through the convergence of their implemented modern technologies.
Conclusion
These are exciting times for small businesses. Sharp suggests, "Recognizing and embracing the right technology trends for everyday activities will not only keep SBs relevant, but afford them incredible impact and growth in their industries." ASBTA is conducting a wireless and mobility survey; if you are a small business and would like to participate, please send your email to survey@asbta.com. We would appreciate your participation.
Resources
http://www.intel.com/business/smallbusiness/index.htm?iid=ibe_home+smbiz&
http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/bc/default.mspx
http://www.businesstraveltechnology.com/
http://www.entrepreneur.com/extendedoffice
Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA) is a national organization serving small business travelers by providing information regarding resources and services, savings on air fares, car rentals, and accommodations, as well as technology (www.businesstraveltechnology.com) designed to improve and enhance your travel experience. If you're a small business owner and want to learn more, visit our site and register free at www.asbta.com. You can contact ASBTA by phone at 469-648-0190 or email us at info@asbta.com.
The ASBTA logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1907