Road Warriors: Increasing In-Flight Productivity

In today’s economy, companies can’t afford to conduct business solely from their offices. In fact, the ability to stay connected to the office, business partners and customers while on the road is now more important than ever. The recent proliferation of in-flight Wi-Fi is one trend that exemplifies the growing need for connectivity at 30,000 feet.

 

Six productivity trends will play a major role in how small businesses can stay competitive with larger corporations, reduce costs and better meet customer needs, according to the American Small Business Travelers Alliance. The effective responsiveness of businesses means more than just having a cell phone and making an occasional call from the road. ASBTA’s research identifies the following trends that will have the biggest effect on SBs in particular over the next two years:

 

 

Now offered in-flight, Gogo Wi-Fi allows you to stay connected to your business while flying. Each paid Gogo session includes full internet, VPN and e-mail access. Gogo Wi-Fi costs $12.95 for three hours or longer, and $9.95 for shorter trips. From the sign in page, American Airlines offers complimentary AA.com, The Wall Street Journal Online Headlines and Frommers destination guides.

 

According to a recent Notebooks.com article, due in part to the large push by Virgin, eight airlines now offer in-flight Wi-Fi on at least some of their planes. While there are eight airlines offering Wi-Fi, there are actually three different companies – Live TV, Row 44 and Gogo – that provide the service to airlines, and their speeds and abilities vary greatly. TMC’s Rich Tehrani (News - Alert) recently blogged about his recent experience with Gogo here.

 

Apple users can now securely access their Internet-enabled office and home computers – including all the applications and files on them – and work as if they were sitting in front of them. In fact, a recent survey by LogMeIn (News - Alert) revealed that 57 percent of Ignition for iPhone users now leave their laptops at home at least half the time in favor of carrying their Apple device.

 

 

A GPS unit is absolutely invaluable if you’re trying to navigate an unfamiliar city, according to the American Small Business Travelers Alliance. To maximize GPS productivity, look for a GPS unit with a traffic receiver accessory to give the most recent route updates, the ASBTA said.

 

TeleNav, a provider of wireless location-based services, recently announced they are launching the TeleNav (News - Alert) GPS Navigator on myTouch 3G, making it one of the first turn-by-turn GPS navigation services available to run on the T-Mobile myTouch 3G with Google.

 

 

Security continues to be a significant issue for small businesses. Wireless connectivity increases that concern for everyday activities. Companies must defend against viruses, spy ware and system intrusions. Wi-Fi security company AirMagnet, for example, provides protection from vulnerability in Wi-Fi protected access.

 

According to Chuck Sharp (News - Alert), President of ASBTA, "Internet security often is a vulnerability many small businesses haven't adequately addressed. If businesses are not proactive by implementing anti-virus, firewall, and spyware solutions, the result may be disrupted productivity. Begin immediately and be proactive by continuously updating the virus and spy definitions."

 

 

The adoption of new technologies has been a vital component to the increased productivity of small businesses. According to ASBTA surveys, more SB employees are traveling with a laptop. “Technology continues to evolve, so it is important to set realistic goals and schedules to purchase new technology,” Sharp said.

 

 

Rapid growth, diversity in technology, and the widespread deployment of Wi-Fi hotspots have greatly increased business traveler productivity. Businesses can utilize Wi-Fi connections at ‘hotspots,’ airline clubs, hotels, coffee shops 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 in particular.

 

“Small businesses have readily embraced the concept of the extended office,” said Sharp. “The ability to conduct business wherever you are, whenever you choose, with the same capabilities significantly improves productivity.”

 

 

Productivity advances during travel begin at the airport. Major airlines and the airports themselves are making it possible for business travelers to effectively utilize any wait with greatly improved and easily accessible facilities. For example, American Airlines enables businesses to save valuable time and travel expense by meeting onsite at the airport, utilizing state-of-the-art meeting facilities at Admirals Club Executive Centers.

 

“Recognizing and embracing new productivity trends for everyday activities will keep small businesses relevant, while affording them the opportunity for incredible impact and growth in their industries,” Sharp said.