Switch from paper systems to IT but keep to the business process script: Mobile technologies have become cheaper to buy and have greater performance, functionality and capacity than ever before. This can encourage over-complicated products to be used for mobile applications. These will have higher direct costs in maintenance, support or training, and higher indirect costs from the unnecessary complexity of the user experience. This is especially noticeable in the automation of simple, traditionally paper-based, processes. Done well, the use of appropriate mobile technology can pay dividends, but beware the pitfalls. ...
06/04/2009 | Light_touch_firm_impression_-_final.pdf | VIEW
The internet offers any business the opportunity to present a commercial image independent of the organisation's size and location. Small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) across the UK have exploited the internet as it has evolved from an interesting medium for the technology-aware to an essential commercial platform. With this increasing importance, and the internet's ability to extend the reach of a business, it is valuable to realise precisely what different internet service providers (ISPs) offer before buying. This includes evaluating service level and support capabilities and understanding how these vary throughout the UK. ...
26/11/2008 | Soaring across the regions - full size2.pdf | VIEW
A recent event co-hosted by the Mobile Data Association and the Location and Timing Knowledge Transfer Network, looked at new and emerging location based technologies and applications that have the potential to change the way people and professionals plan their journeys and travel. ...
28/07/2009 | QUO the informed traveller.pdf | VIEW
"Mobile application stores - should they be controlled by handset manufacturers?" This question was circulated among members of the Mobile Data Association (MDA) group on linkedin last month, and it was clear from the responses and other recent announcements from across the industry, that this is a key battleground for the many different players in the mobile ecosystem. As well as the handset vendors such as Palm, BlackBerry or Nokia and software platform vendors like Microsoft, these also include mobile operators who have devices tailored or tuned to their specifications and networks, and a number of independent portals who offer applications across all networks and devices. ...
02/07/2009 | QUO mobile app stores.pdf | VIEW
The internet has grown rapidly from a random collection of mainly academic networks and military control and routing protocols into a global, integrated and sophisticated commercial utility. No longer simply an ‘Information Superhighway', it has extended to embrace voice telephony, video and mobile communications as part of a converged network. Connection options and services have expanded, with opportunities for internet service providers (ISPs) to add value beyond simply forwarding bit and bytes. This report explores the challenges and opportunities these companies face and takes a look at how their industry might evolve. ...
25/09/2008 | ZyXEL ISP report standard.pdf | VIEW
Businesses of all sizes adopt technology to make them more productive, cost effective or flexible and help them compete. Over the years the adoption of tools such as mobile phones, wireless laptops, the internet and email have all been driven by such expectations. Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are often at the forefront as these technologies can give them a lead on their larger competitors. What starts as a useful extra tool or ‘competitive edge' soon becomes the accepted norm and a search for improved quality and utility then ensues. ...
26/06/2008 | Loud and Clear1_opt.pdf | VIEW
Over the past decade the internet has evolved from a technical environment into a commercial marketplace. The impact on consumers and large enterprises has been significant, but what about the small and medium sized business? With few of the skills and resources of their larger counterparts, these organisations need to get the best value from the internet and the network based services it enables, without risking day-to-day operations. Although employees will be increasingly aware of the options for connecting to the internet as consumers, this does not readily translate into the right knowledge for how to select the most appropriate alternatives from internet service providers for the business they work for. ...
29/05/2008 | Soaring not Surfing_optimised.pdf | VIEW
When faced with what appear to be insurmountable challenges, what are the options? Think about Keith Waterhouse's challenged hero Billy Liar, agonising about the future with his (favourite) girlfriend. He said he turned over a new leaf every day, but the blots still showed through. She said he was like a child on the edge of a paddling pool, wanting to step in but afraid to take the plunge. So he thought he should turn over a new paddling pool. ...
16/02/2009 | Thinking outside of the paddling pool.pdf | VIEW
Effective communications make use of many of our senses but what we see presents a huge amount of information - a picture is worth a thousand words - and can convey all sorts of meaning with a glance. Face to face, we can rely on visual cues, but the amount of information transmitted in more distant communication is limited by cost and complexity. As this cost falls, while the costs of transportation, both environmental and commercial, rise, broader use of remote visual communications becomes increasingly viable. But, after the relative anonymity and privacy of more discrete forms of communication - letters, email, the telephone - is the experience useful and comfortable for the individual and does video now add sufficient value to the organisation to justify the cost? ...
11/03/2007 | Video_Report.pdf | VIEW
There has been a great deal of speculation in the communications industry about the future direction for mobile operators. Will their utility roots hamper them in exploiting their investment in expensive data networks to gain an acceptable return? The more important question, however, is whether operators can step up to the mark and deliver the kind of advice, service and support that their corporate customers need and are beginning to ask for . ...
01/03/2005 | Beyond_the_bit_pipe.pdf | VIEW
