Not Just a Passing Fad: Improved Productivity Looks Good on Your Business

If your employees simply need to access e-mail on the go, smartphones may be the only solution you need, but consider all of the platforms and choose the best tool for each person. A recent, more detailed Network World article takes a look at the latest mobile devices, addressing their perks and downfalls based on specific needs and uses. 

The amount of data contained in e-mail

As the amount of data contained in e-mail and electronic documents continues to grow exponentially, businesses must continue to look for more cost-effective ways to simplify data storage with fast solutions. Currently, many businesses are looking toward network-attached storage (NAS), which is a hard-disk, file-based data storage solution accessed via a network. As a plug-and-play solution, NAS provides access to varied clients at high speed, improving data sharing.

Why should you hang up the landlines and switch to VoIP? Simply, VoIP is more than a product or set of products -- it is a set of capabilities that dramatically lowers costs compared to plain old telephone service (POTS). Businesses can save nearly 40% on local calls and as much as 90% on international calling.

Additionally, VoIP can save about 40% in cabling costs in new buildings. Even the smallest businesses can combine voice and data infrastructure into one system that is easy to manage and provides all the core tools a business needs -- translating into a more productive workforce.

The Internet

VoIP funnels voice traffic over the Internet, delivering easier accounting and management as well as voice mail, call forwarding and video conferencing. For small professional services firms, such as law or engineering firms, VoIP-based phone systems can even track calls and provide records for billing purposes. Additionally, SMBs can reduce travel expenses through audio, video and multimedia conferencing and collaboration tools.

Like the mobility products and storage solutions discussed above, VoIP will expand and evolve. Undoubtedly, businesses will continue to seek out affordable products that offer substantial solutions and, in turn, shape market trends. It is not surprising that the latest trends we are seeing in the small business market revolve around mobility, storage and communication, because the cost savings and productivity benefits are compelling.