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Here’s a tech-era world problem that happens all too often today: losing a mobile device. With the majority of mobile phone users sporting smartphones, many of them used for work-related communications, it can be a serious loss, whether it’s just for contacts, photos, or, worse, sensitive work data.

Such was the case with an 8x8 (News - Alert) customer who, according to a recent 8x8 blog, was traveling and left his iPhone (News - Alert) behind at an airport.

Many of us know the feeling all too well; the moment you realize that your smartphone, a device that contains both sensitive and personal information, has been compromised. You envision your photos turning up on social networking, or your data falling into the wrong hands.

For Tod Petty, president of Thrive Senior Living, there wasn’t time for panic. Using the 8x8 hosted VoIP phone system, which has an iOS app, Petty locked his phone and sent a message to the screen: “Whoever finds this device, call the 8x8 virtual office number.”

Airport security found the device and called the number. Petty answered from his iPad, and thus was once again united with his iPhone. All of this occurred within minutes.

"My whole life is on my iPhone—contacts, schedule, you name it," said Petty. "Thanks to 8x8 turning my iPad into a second business phone, I was able to find my iPhone in a few minutes. I’m sure I looked funny walking around the airport talking into my iPad, but 8x8’s mobile app really saved the day."

This is a perfect example of how hosted technology can do a lot more than make communications more cost effective and easier for people who employ the tools.

8x8’s Virtual Office isn’t just for physical office spaces. As evidenced by the aforementioned scenario, the solution is perfect for a workforce on the go. Typically, providers charge extra for the added features, however 8x8 includes them with their service. Features like auto attendant, voicemail to email, web based account management online billing and extension dialing are part of the package.

"8x8 is a great example of leading-edge technology," said Petty. "I can pick up my office phone in Georgia, dial four digits, and be connected to one of our offices in Texas. If I need to move one of our office phones, I just unplug it and then plug it back in at the new location and it works!"