Retail Applications for Mobility and In-Store Wireless Networks
The Retail Industry has always had an intense focus on technology to accomplish the need to increase revenues and lower costs. Wireless technology has been a great enabler to connect people and devices to resources without any wirers. This has greatly improved and dramatically transformed the business process in supply chain, logistics, and inventory management, point of sale and loss prevention. With over 50% of consumers having a wireless enabled device (tablet, Netbooks, laptop, Smartphone) with them when they visit a store it’s imperative that retailers consider the wireless network as an improvement in the customer experience. This will allow the consumer to use their devices for couponing, promotions, price che3cking and for husbands to pass time while their wife is scouring every aisle for deals. The year 2011 will be known as the year of mobile devices.
Retailers can benefit and dramatically improve their business processes in the following areas:
Mobile Point-of-Sale
The typical POS is a wired device located at the fixed cash register location. However, by using a mobile POS the store can use pop up stores within a store with its own cash desk or provide temporary cash desks during busy times. Large Box stores have a lot more room to locate temporary cash locations.
Inventory Management
Store associates can easily use wireless bar code scanners to do inventory management tasks. Store associates with handheld computer devices can check for stock and inform customers if the product is in the back or if it’s at another store location. Easy access to information can boost sales as customers are informed real-time and can decide accordingly.
Customer Service
Price Verification kiosks are a blessing for harried shoppers especially when one cannot find a salesperson in the store. These devices are always bolted on some wall or pillar and by not having to use any wiring makes them easy to set up and install. Another kiosk is the self-help kiosk that has a touch screen display making it super easy to look up products or to even find out where they are locate. “Press for Help” buttons that are wireless driven can also be used and I get a kick out of the device then transmitting onto the paging system “help needed in the wire cutting aisle”.
Wireless Voice Communication
Walky Talkys are being replaced by wireless telephones and inventory scanners that are voice enabled. Now price check are quick and easy making for faster checkouts and telephone callers can be transferred to sales agents out on the floor to check stock or to ask questions.
RFID and Location Tracking
RFID is gaining ground and is extremely useful in automating inventory management and in some cases manages loss prevention of big ticket items. Typically the tags are read when leaving the warehouse or returning to the warehouse and assist in tracking of goods, but RFID nametags can now track store personnel. If you sneak outside for a cigarette don’t’ forget to leave your tag inside the store.
Wireless Video
Video is becoming a huge tool for loss prevention personnel with the proliferation of cameras feeding back to TV screens and digital recorders. Digital signage can now be placed anywhere and simply connected to the central server. Wireless LAN speeds are fast enough to support video streaming easily.
Consumer Guest Internet Access
Retailers need to start offering internet access to its customers. How else can they connect to do price checks, simple in-store research or to obtain coupons. Location tracking has become more precise that I can be walking down the cereal aisle at the grocery store and a pop up ad for “Cheerios” could pop up on my iPod Touch or on my iPhone. I don’t need to use my data plan bandwidth but can use the wifi network to its advantage. If my wife drags me out to the mall, I could sit with the retirees and enjoy a coffee while keeping busy playing on-line poker and checking out all the silly cat you tube videos. No Wifi,…No Shopping!!!
Naturally, today’s networks are safe, secure and are PCI compliant and truly do lower IT costs while helping increase revenues and the customer user experience.
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communications Consultant
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Street Markings – What do they mean???
Street Markings – What do they mean???
It probably wasn’t until I was in New York a few months ago that I started to take more notice of my urban surroundings. I shot a series of street markings around the rebuild of the World Trade Center for a possible book, including a few Survey plates. They are everywhere if you stop to take a look. What do they mean and why are they everywhere? The primary reason is that our cities are in a state of flux. Repairs, diggings, installations and upgrades means that the utility companies are constantly doing work to the infrastructure underneath or streets and sidewalks.
These water-based fluorescent taggings have a meaning and a color code of importance. Basically each colour represents a different utility and it assists the workers in knowing what work is needed to be done. It also insures that workers don’t accidently damage any infrastructure underneath the ground. How many times have we heard of a fibre cut and a the telecom network is down. Obviously someone while fixing a water pipe probably cut through the fibre duct with his industrial cutting saw by mistake. So as we hustle and bustle around looking straight ahead, it may pay to look down once in a while and see what is going on underneath your feet.
The American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Codes for temporary marking of underground utilities are listed below:
Red electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables
Orange telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit
Yellow natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable material
Green sewers and drain lines
Blue drinking water
Violet reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
Pink temporary survey markings, unknown/unidentified facilities
White proposed excavation limits or route
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communications Consultant
It probably wasn’t until I was in New York a few months ago that I started to take more notice of my urban surroundings. I shot a series of street markings around the rebuild of the World Trade Center for a possible book, including a few Survey plates. They are everywhere if you stop to take a look. What do they mean and why are they everywhere? The primary reason is that our cities are in a state of flux. Repairs, diggings, installations and upgrades means that the utility companies are constantly doing work to the infrastructure underneath or streets and sidewalks.
These water-based fluorescent taggings have a meaning and a color code of importance. Basically each colour represents a different utility and it assists the workers in knowing what work is needed to be done. It also insures that workers don’t accidently damage any infrastructure underneath the ground. How many times have we heard of a fibre cut and a the telecom network is down. Obviously someone while fixing a water pipe probably cut through the fibre duct with his industrial cutting saw by mistake. So as we hustle and bustle around looking straight ahead, it may pay to look down once in a while and see what is going on underneath your feet.
The American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Codes for temporary marking of underground utilities are listed below:
Red electric power lines, cables, conduit, and lighting cables
Orange telecommunication, alarm or signal lines, cables, or conduit
Yellow natural gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable material
Green sewers and drain lines
Blue drinking water
Violet reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
Pink temporary survey markings, unknown/unidentified facilities
White proposed excavation limits or route
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communications Consultant
We need more Free Wireless Access Points
We need more Free Wireless Access Points
Obviously with the proliferation of smart phones, iphones, iPads and android tablets…the users need places to use their new found devices.
Kudos to Starbucks understanding that if they offer free WiFi in their 770 coffee shops then users will flock there for coffee and free access. But where are all the others following suit? Want to drive traffic to the bricks and mortars then offer the wireless nomad a place to connect and they may spend money at your store while surfing away.
>>> Ok listen up retailers. It is so easy to put up guest access for WiFi in your store. If you don’t want to because of PCI or ignorance then I am sure a $59 DSL connection with a $29 D-Link router that’s in its own network and not connected to anything in the store would be perfect and new models offer some ability to do some blocking and websense type profiles.<<< Think like Starbucks..........
Thankfully, Vex Corp. is hoping to light up over 5000 locations and this is a good thing for the consumer as they want it for free and wont pay for it anymore. www.Vex.com
Vex will be the integrator and use Cisco wireless access points and use an advertising model where the web access would have to see some advertising. This isn’t a big deal anymore as every website has some sort of advertising on it but if Vex plays their cards right it won’t be an annoyance but of value. Sitting near a Subway sandwich store checking on emails on the iPad and getting a click ad for a $1 off the next visit would be useful. Now if we can just print the darn thing easily then all will be good.
Let’s hope Vex gets the market share it deserves and other retailers catch on to the free Wi-Fi bandwagon.
In the meantime the smart retailers will do this on their own and ensure their customers spend more time in their stores or actually visit their store to shop and surf.
The day that I will be walking down an aisle in a store and a targeted pop up advert or coupon appears as I pass the product is here right now. Funny, I don’t see it any store I shop in?
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communications Consultant
I have no vested interest in these guys but appear to be the smartest knives in the drawer to give me the free access I deserve
Obviously with the proliferation of smart phones, iphones, iPads and android tablets…the users need places to use their new found devices.
Kudos to Starbucks understanding that if they offer free WiFi in their 770 coffee shops then users will flock there for coffee and free access. But where are all the others following suit? Want to drive traffic to the bricks and mortars then offer the wireless nomad a place to connect and they may spend money at your store while surfing away.
>>> Ok listen up retailers. It is so easy to put up guest access for WiFi in your store. If you don’t want to because of PCI or ignorance then I am sure a $59 DSL connection with a $29 D-Link router that’s in its own network and not connected to anything in the store would be perfect and new models offer some ability to do some blocking and websense type profiles.<<< Think like Starbucks..........
Thankfully, Vex Corp. is hoping to light up over 5000 locations and this is a good thing for the consumer as they want it for free and wont pay for it anymore. www.Vex.com
Vex will be the integrator and use Cisco wireless access points and use an advertising model where the web access would have to see some advertising. This isn’t a big deal anymore as every website has some sort of advertising on it but if Vex plays their cards right it won’t be an annoyance but of value. Sitting near a Subway sandwich store checking on emails on the iPad and getting a click ad for a $1 off the next visit would be useful. Now if we can just print the darn thing easily then all will be good.
Let’s hope Vex gets the market share it deserves and other retailers catch on to the free Wi-Fi bandwagon.
In the meantime the smart retailers will do this on their own and ensure their customers spend more time in their stores or actually visit their store to shop and surf.
The day that I will be walking down an aisle in a store and a targeted pop up advert or coupon appears as I pass the product is here right now. Funny, I don’t see it any store I shop in?
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communications Consultant
I have no vested interest in these guys but appear to be the smartest knives in the drawer to give me the free access I deserve
Cloud Communications
Cloud Communications
Everyday goes by without another cloud story, although the Microsoft Cloud commercial on TV is my favorite. “Yeeehhhhhh Cloud”
One of the cloud services that maybe hasn’t gathered a lot of attention lately is Cloud Communications.
Cloud Communication is internet based voice, data and video communications that’s hosted by a third party. The Cloud Communication technology sits in the 3rd party’s data center and is accessible via the internet or MPLS based connections.
This solution eliminates any up-front capital costs, is easily scalable, can offer a multitude of features and is location independent.
Customers can pay for what they need on a monthly rate and pick and choose for each user what features they really need. This is an attractive business proposition as one does not need to have any technology on their premise or have to worry about any maintenance. The Hosted VOIP provider provides all those services.
These hosted services typically were just DID extensions and voice mail but now include collaboration tools such as Instant Messaging, CRM and Video.
These services now are called the sexy Cloud Communications model in order to tag along all the hype.
Today, one can take their current system depending on platform technology and put it into their private cloud or you can use as VOIP providers system.
Cloud/Hosted Communications does have some risks:
• Business customers rely on internet connections that have no quality of service. Thus calls can become disconnected or become distorted The Steve Jobs keynote last week announcing iPad 2 basically slowed down the internet for the day. Your business wouldn’t be having the greatest success if calls drop all day.
• Advanced needs such as paging, music on hold, desktop or telephone based applications specific to a certain vendor may not work
• CTI applications maybe difficult if you have a small call center
• Long Term contracts could you lock you into a poor provider
• You don’t control the telephony environment – they do
• 911 may be an issue depending on the configuration
Cloud Communications can be a very cost effective solution and a definite consideration when shopping around for a new telephone system.
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communication Consultant
Everyday goes by without another cloud story, although the Microsoft Cloud commercial on TV is my favorite. “Yeeehhhhhh Cloud”
One of the cloud services that maybe hasn’t gathered a lot of attention lately is Cloud Communications.
Cloud Communication is internet based voice, data and video communications that’s hosted by a third party. The Cloud Communication technology sits in the 3rd party’s data center and is accessible via the internet or MPLS based connections.
This solution eliminates any up-front capital costs, is easily scalable, can offer a multitude of features and is location independent.
Customers can pay for what they need on a monthly rate and pick and choose for each user what features they really need. This is an attractive business proposition as one does not need to have any technology on their premise or have to worry about any maintenance. The Hosted VOIP provider provides all those services.
These hosted services typically were just DID extensions and voice mail but now include collaboration tools such as Instant Messaging, CRM and Video.
These services now are called the sexy Cloud Communications model in order to tag along all the hype.
Today, one can take their current system depending on platform technology and put it into their private cloud or you can use as VOIP providers system.
Cloud/Hosted Communications does have some risks:
• Business customers rely on internet connections that have no quality of service. Thus calls can become disconnected or become distorted The Steve Jobs keynote last week announcing iPad 2 basically slowed down the internet for the day. Your business wouldn’t be having the greatest success if calls drop all day.
• Advanced needs such as paging, music on hold, desktop or telephone based applications specific to a certain vendor may not work
• CTI applications maybe difficult if you have a small call center
• Long Term contracts could you lock you into a poor provider
• You don’t control the telephony environment – they do
• 911 may be an issue depending on the configuration
Cloud Communications can be a very cost effective solution and a definite consideration when shopping around for a new telephone system.
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communication Consultant
Help us we got iPads but we can only use them at the Coffee Shop!
Help us we got iPads but we can only use them at the Coffee Shop!
Ring Ring….Ring Ring…..
“Hello John speaking”
“Yes its Frank calling from Vaughan Holdings, Richard at Urbano Construction asked me to call you regarding some issues we are having”
“Sure, what issues?”
“We just got a handful of iPads for my guys and we can’t connect reliably to anything in the office and Robert brought in this SMC wireless router and that doesn’t work so people are now hanging out at the Starbucks across the street”
“OK be there in about 20 minutes”
“Thanks I’ll be in the Starbucks, I will be the guy with the orange iPad cover, yeah (chuckle) I already have pimped it out”
Kudos to Frank for running getting his staff some Tablets to help increase their productivity and get things done faster but he forgot to include their IT guy in the conversation.
Tablets in the office basically need Wi-Fi connectivity if they lack an Ethernet connection on the device. The small form factor means that it will be done through the internal wireless network and if activated can be done through the cellular 3G network. (With its appropriate monthly data plan).
Years ago, they installed a wireless access point for connectivity for laptops in the boardroom but some used it and some didn’t. The rollout was considered a secret so many didn’t have the password or even know that it existed. It was also configured incorrectly and only allowed 2 users on at any given time.
Since they have a small office with 30 employees, they tend to be their own IT department but typically Karpal is the prime support person leaving Frank who holds the purse strings to make all the decisions. It turns out Frank bought the iPads because he didn’t want to spend $10k for new laptops and then have to hire someone to maintain them but also because it would differentiate his sales guys from his old school competitor. In the construction business, hand shakes, image and having two Blackberries seems to be the way things get done.
After several discovery sessions and some whiteboarding with Frank, Connie in sales support, Robert the sales guy and Karpal it became obvious that they really didn’t have anything set up in place that would help them do business in a better way.
First, I had to have Frank commit to proper resources and training to keep things working after the fact. Karpal agreed that he would enjoy being the IT prime in addition to his CAD role but needed more training.
Frank was busy working on trying to win a large 30 Million dollar project and felt that he could invest some money into a solution that would set the foundation for increased sales in the future.
The proposed solution was pretty straightforward:
1) Avaya Wireless LAN with 4 Access points and it included Guest Access and security features. Now his users would have secure access and also allow guests to use their devices in his office.
2) Migrate current Nortel Norstar system to Avaya IP Office 7.0 and reuse their existing telephone sets for investment protection and add 2 IP Softphones for Frank and Connie to start. Now Frank and Connie could work from Home or remotely. His Norstar is 12 years old so now is a good time to change it. The new Avaya IP Office supports the Nortel sets so new telephones aren’t needed.
3) APC UPS system for the computer room in case of power failure
4) Upgrade their Reseller Internet connection to an Allstream business grade service for the utmost reliability and security
5) Mobile UC offering for Blackberry Integration
6) Financial Instrument for investment protection and monthly payments
After that Frank needs to really develop a Data Center mentality with proper back ups and some server consolidation. That’s another story..
This scenario is typical of smaller family owned businesses where the economy has prevented them from using the latest technology. First of Frank always thinks everything is so expensive including an oil change on his BMW and is now realizing that he needs to use the latest technology so he can compete against others. Frank understands the construction business better than anybody but doesn’t understand technology in a business manner. It is important to sit down with your customers and teach them and help them understand how the technology can help propel their business forward. It is important to understand how the employees would use the technology and it is important to advise your customers how thy can protect their investments in the future.
Two weeks later, Robert was excited when he slid his iPad across the boardroom table to show the customer the architectural renderings of their building proposal and the customer left with a strong impression that he was dealing with the right construction company.
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communications Consultant
Ring Ring….Ring Ring…..
“Hello John speaking”
“Yes its Frank calling from Vaughan Holdings, Richard at Urbano Construction asked me to call you regarding some issues we are having”
“Sure, what issues?”
“We just got a handful of iPads for my guys and we can’t connect reliably to anything in the office and Robert brought in this SMC wireless router and that doesn’t work so people are now hanging out at the Starbucks across the street”
“OK be there in about 20 minutes”
“Thanks I’ll be in the Starbucks, I will be the guy with the orange iPad cover, yeah (chuckle) I already have pimped it out”
Kudos to Frank for running getting his staff some Tablets to help increase their productivity and get things done faster but he forgot to include their IT guy in the conversation.
Tablets in the office basically need Wi-Fi connectivity if they lack an Ethernet connection on the device. The small form factor means that it will be done through the internal wireless network and if activated can be done through the cellular 3G network. (With its appropriate monthly data plan).
Years ago, they installed a wireless access point for connectivity for laptops in the boardroom but some used it and some didn’t. The rollout was considered a secret so many didn’t have the password or even know that it existed. It was also configured incorrectly and only allowed 2 users on at any given time.
Since they have a small office with 30 employees, they tend to be their own IT department but typically Karpal is the prime support person leaving Frank who holds the purse strings to make all the decisions. It turns out Frank bought the iPads because he didn’t want to spend $10k for new laptops and then have to hire someone to maintain them but also because it would differentiate his sales guys from his old school competitor. In the construction business, hand shakes, image and having two Blackberries seems to be the way things get done.
After several discovery sessions and some whiteboarding with Frank, Connie in sales support, Robert the sales guy and Karpal it became obvious that they really didn’t have anything set up in place that would help them do business in a better way.
First, I had to have Frank commit to proper resources and training to keep things working after the fact. Karpal agreed that he would enjoy being the IT prime in addition to his CAD role but needed more training.
Frank was busy working on trying to win a large 30 Million dollar project and felt that he could invest some money into a solution that would set the foundation for increased sales in the future.
The proposed solution was pretty straightforward:
1) Avaya Wireless LAN with 4 Access points and it included Guest Access and security features. Now his users would have secure access and also allow guests to use their devices in his office.
2) Migrate current Nortel Norstar system to Avaya IP Office 7.0 and reuse their existing telephone sets for investment protection and add 2 IP Softphones for Frank and Connie to start. Now Frank and Connie could work from Home or remotely. His Norstar is 12 years old so now is a good time to change it. The new Avaya IP Office supports the Nortel sets so new telephones aren’t needed.
3) APC UPS system for the computer room in case of power failure
4) Upgrade their Reseller Internet connection to an Allstream business grade service for the utmost reliability and security
5) Mobile UC offering for Blackberry Integration
6) Financial Instrument for investment protection and monthly payments
After that Frank needs to really develop a Data Center mentality with proper back ups and some server consolidation. That’s another story..
This scenario is typical of smaller family owned businesses where the economy has prevented them from using the latest technology. First of Frank always thinks everything is so expensive including an oil change on his BMW and is now realizing that he needs to use the latest technology so he can compete against others. Frank understands the construction business better than anybody but doesn’t understand technology in a business manner. It is important to sit down with your customers and teach them and help them understand how the technology can help propel their business forward. It is important to understand how the employees would use the technology and it is important to advise your customers how thy can protect their investments in the future.
Two weeks later, Robert was excited when he slid his iPad across the boardroom table to show the customer the architectural renderings of their building proposal and the customer left with a strong impression that he was dealing with the right construction company.
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communications Consultant
Why the iPad is perfect for Seniors to use and love!
Why the iPad is perfect for Seniors to use and love!
My father-in-law requires a lot of help with his HP Desktop. There is always a virus, dll error, missing files, etc to contend with. It gets pretty tiring after a while. I recommended to him that he just get an iPad and be done with it. I can take his desktop, load Linux on it and use it as a personal cloud-in-a-box. Yeehhhhhhh Cloud powered by HP and Unbuntu.
I think the iPad V2 will be the game changing post-pc device of 2011. I cannot believe how many creative things they have pulled off in such a short engineering timeframe. The iPad came out in April of 2010. Not to knock the copycats as Steve Jobs calls them, the other tablets are great as well but for a senior person the app store will be simple to use because of iTunes. I just want simplicity here.
So basically it will be simple to use, easy to maintain, apps are low cost and the tech support should be minimal and the 10 hour battery life cannot be beat. The other advantage is the mobility is awesome and he won’t be running upstairs when Skypes calling him. My father-in-law can call his brother in Italy from the comfort of his Lazy Boy chair.
Here are some ideas that will reinforce the iPad for the grey haired population:
Brain Games: There are lost of fun games and puzzles that can keep an elder’s mind active. It has been proven that brain games help anyone older than 55 keep their memory and brain circuits alive.
E-Mail Communication: An email account will be useful for them to stay in touch with family and friends. They too can enjoy the spam and Nigerian emails.
Video Communication: The built in cameras will make it easy for using Yahoo, Google or Skype apps with family and friends. No drivers for the webcam and they will always know it faces them when using it.
E-Reader: Use the apple reader app or choose Kobo and not only do they save money they also can load a ton of books to read. The retired investor will love the financial newspaper apps to keep track of stocks and look up financial information.
Voice Communication: The big guys all have voice apps now but I still think Skype is the leader and a brand everyone is aware of. Lots of expats from Europe, chat back home to family members using Skype.
Secure Banking: Banking apps are here and are easy to use and very secure.
Web TV: With Apple TV being the set top box of choice it will be too easy to view movies, photos and web screens on their TV. Now is a good time for them to dump the 26” Electrohome TV and go Plasma on the Wall. The bigger the better.
Calendar; The iPad is perfect as a calendar tool to keep track of birthdays, medical appointments and golf tee off times.
So the case can be made for an elder-iPad in your parents home, just don’t forget the wireless router. Cisco and D-Link have a great model that allows offers a guest access account. This is perfect for the grandchildren and their own children to surf the house when they show up with their smart phones, tablets and WiFi enabled devices. The only catch may be headphones for those that may have a assisted hearing device.
You could also trick them into selling them your dusty Netbooks and getting the iPad for yourself, but do you really want to spend all that time being the Tier 1,2, 3 and 4 Help Desk?
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communication Consultant
My father-in-law requires a lot of help with his HP Desktop. There is always a virus, dll error, missing files, etc to contend with. It gets pretty tiring after a while. I recommended to him that he just get an iPad and be done with it. I can take his desktop, load Linux on it and use it as a personal cloud-in-a-box. Yeehhhhhhh Cloud powered by HP and Unbuntu.
I think the iPad V2 will be the game changing post-pc device of 2011. I cannot believe how many creative things they have pulled off in such a short engineering timeframe. The iPad came out in April of 2010. Not to knock the copycats as Steve Jobs calls them, the other tablets are great as well but for a senior person the app store will be simple to use because of iTunes. I just want simplicity here.
So basically it will be simple to use, easy to maintain, apps are low cost and the tech support should be minimal and the 10 hour battery life cannot be beat. The other advantage is the mobility is awesome and he won’t be running upstairs when Skypes calling him. My father-in-law can call his brother in Italy from the comfort of his Lazy Boy chair.
Here are some ideas that will reinforce the iPad for the grey haired population:
Brain Games: There are lost of fun games and puzzles that can keep an elder’s mind active. It has been proven that brain games help anyone older than 55 keep their memory and brain circuits alive.
E-Mail Communication: An email account will be useful for them to stay in touch with family and friends. They too can enjoy the spam and Nigerian emails.
Video Communication: The built in cameras will make it easy for using Yahoo, Google or Skype apps with family and friends. No drivers for the webcam and they will always know it faces them when using it.
E-Reader: Use the apple reader app or choose Kobo and not only do they save money they also can load a ton of books to read. The retired investor will love the financial newspaper apps to keep track of stocks and look up financial information.
Voice Communication: The big guys all have voice apps now but I still think Skype is the leader and a brand everyone is aware of. Lots of expats from Europe, chat back home to family members using Skype.
Secure Banking: Banking apps are here and are easy to use and very secure.
Web TV: With Apple TV being the set top box of choice it will be too easy to view movies, photos and web screens on their TV. Now is a good time for them to dump the 26” Electrohome TV and go Plasma on the Wall. The bigger the better.
Calendar; The iPad is perfect as a calendar tool to keep track of birthdays, medical appointments and golf tee off times.
So the case can be made for an elder-iPad in your parents home, just don’t forget the wireless router. Cisco and D-Link have a great model that allows offers a guest access account. This is perfect for the grandchildren and their own children to surf the house when they show up with their smart phones, tablets and WiFi enabled devices. The only catch may be headphones for those that may have a assisted hearing device.
You could also trick them into selling them your dusty Netbooks and getting the iPad for yourself, but do you really want to spend all that time being the Tier 1,2, 3 and 4 Help Desk?
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communication Consultant
Friday, February 25, 2011
Long Live the Business Tablet – Bye Bye Laptop?
Long Live the Business Tablet – Bye Bye Laptop?
I have been waiting for the research firms to publish some numbers regarding the adaptation of Tablets in the business environment. After many firms using Netbooks which is no different than the laptop, (except those that chose to pilot Linux models and its OS variants) the Tablet is becoming a prominent business tool.
Naturally, the first to lead and fast followers have already started their tablet agendas last year with the Apple iPad. Now that everyone is announcing and releasing new tablets has the IT departments and CTO/CIOs started to develop roll out plans.
Robert Half Technology’s recent survey of over 270 Canadian CIOs indicates over 40% are planning some kind of roll out in the next two years.
Forrester surveyed over 3000 decision makers in the Fortune 500 arena and found the number to be 30% have already implemented Tablets for employees and 75% will be doing so within the next 12 months.
Business has become serious about Tablets with the primary benefit is to increase employee productivity and mobility and to lower costs. The Tablet may become the business tool with the fastest growth.
Many organizations already have Wi-Fi networks in their offices for employees and the smart ones have guest access for visitors. Many organizations have networks in place to connect all their offices and servers together. Many already have data center environments to keep the clouds together. Those that don’t can easily add all the network elements needed in a cost-effective manner. Naturally , Cisco, Avaya (Nortel) and HP have all made enhancements in their technology to support newer and faster 802.11 networks, improved access Wi-Fi security, and fit for purpose LAN wan infrastructure to support centralized cloud computing. As laptop technology refreshes occur, decisions will be made to determine where the employee fits in the user profile. The basics of hard wired desktop, laptop, desktop and laptop, tablet, all three, green screen terminal or none will continue.
The Tablet players right now included Apple iPad, Cisco Cius, Avaya Flare, Google Chrome, Google Android, Dell Streak, Samsun Galaxy Tab, RIM Playbook, and the Hewlett Packard PalmPad. The Asus, Lenovo and Asus laptoppers have already made announcements.
Immediate Business Benefits are as follows:
Mobility – The small and lightweight form factor allows the device to easily be taken on business trips and business meetings. 3G or Wi-Fi will allow access to the corporate cloud. Battery life exceeds the laptops 2 hours dramatically.
Lower TCO – The lower cost, lack of expensive OS and productivity suites, and automated updates make these devices cheaper than laptops. I am sure there will be savings in having less LAN switches to support the tablets as they are wireless. The Kensington security cable can be reused.
Large Displays – The 10 inch display makes it possible to replace paper and the 7 inch screen is also workable. The tablet has the real estate advantage over the Smartphone. A Pharma sales person can slide a tablet across to a busy doctor and demonstrate the benefits of a new drug to a busy doctor very easily. A Sales Engineer can show a network diagram just as easily.
Security – Security is a chief concern with corporations and obviously RIM has an early advantage but the security companies will catch up very fast with apps for that. With syncing through the cloud, data storage is more centralized and not as pervasive on laptop hard rives.
New Applications – The tablet will drive innovation for new applications for how the device will be used. The tablet has replaced the menu at forward thinking restaurants. The tablet will change the way data is collected by field agents for the insurance companies, sales organizations and retailers. A huge area of improvement will be in medical applications with its forms, charts, and scan images and on going assessments. The drive for creating applications that will replace or improve current workflows will change dramatically. An investment advisor can visit you at your home, review your investment portfolio, make recommendations and changes and have you accept the changes. The changes or stock trades can take place first thing in the morning as the data is crunched overnight.
Simplicity – The new apps are simpler to use with less training. Letters can be prepared with light weight tools and do not need a 1000 feature document creator to use. LCD projectors can be used in a plug and play approach as opposed to the 20 minute key stroking the sales person goes though to connect his laptop to a projector. The workspace forces designers to work within the confines of the screen size in a more thoughtful approach. I have given up filling out surveys that take ten minutes and force you to go thorough 20 web screens. A tablet screen could force you to answer 5 questions on one screen and one swipe to send.
Green – Are tablets the new green? Lower power, less weight, less materials, faster to manufacture. I am sure there are green benefits but I can see a lot of PDF training information, brochures etc to be push from the cloud to the device. That saves paper.
Wireless is Mobility – These are wireless devices that can use the traditional Wi-Fi network or the cellular 3G networks. The data plans tend to be more forgiving without any data caps and roaming charges so they can access the cloud or intranet anywhere. The wi-fi networks are at many coffee shops, hotels, business environments and homes so those that don’t have cellular data plans need not worry.
Gaming – The business users will love the new gaming applications that will be created just for them. I know of two teenagers already creating the three hottest titles that will be a hug success. Angry Sales Birds : Sales reps throw flaming snowballs at customers that don’t buy from them after all their hard work. Angry Sales Mgrs: These characters hunt down sales reps in an enchanted forest environment and capture them and earn medals and points after torturing them with different administrative tasks. Angry Customers: This charmer features customers that retaliate by throwing flaming boulders at the incompetent salespeople that fall into the 4 universal classifications of incompetence. If they capture the brochure king, highest price of them all guy, Miss buy my software even if it’s not what you want, and the always golfing bobby you win a free tablet of your choice. At 99 cents an app fun, has finally arrived to corporate Global.
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communication Consultant
VOIPGURU
The writer may have owned an Apple Netwon or Palm Pilot at one time and may be biased.
I have been waiting for the research firms to publish some numbers regarding the adaptation of Tablets in the business environment. After many firms using Netbooks which is no different than the laptop, (except those that chose to pilot Linux models and its OS variants) the Tablet is becoming a prominent business tool.
Naturally, the first to lead and fast followers have already started their tablet agendas last year with the Apple iPad. Now that everyone is announcing and releasing new tablets has the IT departments and CTO/CIOs started to develop roll out plans.
Robert Half Technology’s recent survey of over 270 Canadian CIOs indicates over 40% are planning some kind of roll out in the next two years.
Forrester surveyed over 3000 decision makers in the Fortune 500 arena and found the number to be 30% have already implemented Tablets for employees and 75% will be doing so within the next 12 months.
Business has become serious about Tablets with the primary benefit is to increase employee productivity and mobility and to lower costs. The Tablet may become the business tool with the fastest growth.
Many organizations already have Wi-Fi networks in their offices for employees and the smart ones have guest access for visitors. Many organizations have networks in place to connect all their offices and servers together. Many already have data center environments to keep the clouds together. Those that don’t can easily add all the network elements needed in a cost-effective manner. Naturally , Cisco, Avaya (Nortel) and HP have all made enhancements in their technology to support newer and faster 802.11 networks, improved access Wi-Fi security, and fit for purpose LAN wan infrastructure to support centralized cloud computing. As laptop technology refreshes occur, decisions will be made to determine where the employee fits in the user profile. The basics of hard wired desktop, laptop, desktop and laptop, tablet, all three, green screen terminal or none will continue.
The Tablet players right now included Apple iPad, Cisco Cius, Avaya Flare, Google Chrome, Google Android, Dell Streak, Samsun Galaxy Tab, RIM Playbook, and the Hewlett Packard PalmPad. The Asus, Lenovo and Asus laptoppers have already made announcements.
Immediate Business Benefits are as follows:
Mobility – The small and lightweight form factor allows the device to easily be taken on business trips and business meetings. 3G or Wi-Fi will allow access to the corporate cloud. Battery life exceeds the laptops 2 hours dramatically.
Lower TCO – The lower cost, lack of expensive OS and productivity suites, and automated updates make these devices cheaper than laptops. I am sure there will be savings in having less LAN switches to support the tablets as they are wireless. The Kensington security cable can be reused.
Large Displays – The 10 inch display makes it possible to replace paper and the 7 inch screen is also workable. The tablet has the real estate advantage over the Smartphone. A Pharma sales person can slide a tablet across to a busy doctor and demonstrate the benefits of a new drug to a busy doctor very easily. A Sales Engineer can show a network diagram just as easily.
Security – Security is a chief concern with corporations and obviously RIM has an early advantage but the security companies will catch up very fast with apps for that. With syncing through the cloud, data storage is more centralized and not as pervasive on laptop hard rives.
New Applications – The tablet will drive innovation for new applications for how the device will be used. The tablet has replaced the menu at forward thinking restaurants. The tablet will change the way data is collected by field agents for the insurance companies, sales organizations and retailers. A huge area of improvement will be in medical applications with its forms, charts, and scan images and on going assessments. The drive for creating applications that will replace or improve current workflows will change dramatically. An investment advisor can visit you at your home, review your investment portfolio, make recommendations and changes and have you accept the changes. The changes or stock trades can take place first thing in the morning as the data is crunched overnight.
Simplicity – The new apps are simpler to use with less training. Letters can be prepared with light weight tools and do not need a 1000 feature document creator to use. LCD projectors can be used in a plug and play approach as opposed to the 20 minute key stroking the sales person goes though to connect his laptop to a projector. The workspace forces designers to work within the confines of the screen size in a more thoughtful approach. I have given up filling out surveys that take ten minutes and force you to go thorough 20 web screens. A tablet screen could force you to answer 5 questions on one screen and one swipe to send.
Green – Are tablets the new green? Lower power, less weight, less materials, faster to manufacture. I am sure there are green benefits but I can see a lot of PDF training information, brochures etc to be push from the cloud to the device. That saves paper.
Wireless is Mobility – These are wireless devices that can use the traditional Wi-Fi network or the cellular 3G networks. The data plans tend to be more forgiving without any data caps and roaming charges so they can access the cloud or intranet anywhere. The wi-fi networks are at many coffee shops, hotels, business environments and homes so those that don’t have cellular data plans need not worry.
Gaming – The business users will love the new gaming applications that will be created just for them. I know of two teenagers already creating the three hottest titles that will be a hug success. Angry Sales Birds : Sales reps throw flaming snowballs at customers that don’t buy from them after all their hard work. Angry Sales Mgrs: These characters hunt down sales reps in an enchanted forest environment and capture them and earn medals and points after torturing them with different administrative tasks. Angry Customers: This charmer features customers that retaliate by throwing flaming boulders at the incompetent salespeople that fall into the 4 universal classifications of incompetence. If they capture the brochure king, highest price of them all guy, Miss buy my software even if it’s not what you want, and the always golfing bobby you win a free tablet of your choice. At 99 cents an app fun, has finally arrived to corporate Global.
John Leonardelli
Senior Unified Communication Consultant
VOIPGURU
The writer may have owned an Apple Netwon or Palm Pilot at one time and may be biased.
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