Today’s mobile-first workforce demands pervasive, fast, wireless access to meet the increasing needs of businesses large and small. Wireless networks are no longer an add-on to a business’ core network, but part of the overall solution to achieve a mobile enterprise strategy. Because the frequency of new business technologies is expanding, businesses should safeguard and position their wireless infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of a mobile economy.
The Mobile-First Movement
Mobile-first businesses are empowering employees to bring their own devices (BYOD) and have tailored their networks to support the expectation of fast, flexible and reliable mobile connectivity. With the availability of increasingly advanced wireless speeds, the 802.11ac standard eliminates the need for wired networks or stringing new cables, and this is expected to continue with the surge of workplace smartphones, tablets, wearables and IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
Today’s employees are on the go, and are no longer tied to a desk phone or office cubes to perform their job responsibilities. They prefer to carry a device they chose, and it’s common to see them carrying and using three or more mobile devices. This growing trend requires businesses to provide more coverage and capacity to their wireless network. For example, a worker will start a voice communication at their desk phone, which could also be using the wireless infrastructure, and continue that conversation on their mobile device, expecting no loss of call quality or connection.
Emerging Technologies
The always-connected workforce expects a mobile-first experience, and technologies like Wi-Fi become a fundamental necessity. Wi-Fi infrastructure is a critical foundation for businesses to deliver a high-quality and seamless connected experience. Capabilities like HD voice and video communication over Wi-Fi should function flawlessly without any latency, as users roam from one access point to another. This provides the best user experience.
Additionally, the increased use of location-based applications — programs that use location data to control certain features on a mobile device — provides customers better access to more of a Wi-Fi network through real-time location tracking. For example, retail stores at a shopping mall can wirelessly push discount coupons onto a consumer’s mobile device when that user connects to the mall’s Wi-Fi network and walks past the interactive storefront.
As new advancements in wireless technologies occur, the Samsung Wireless Enterprise team continues to work with partners to ensure they are providing the best experience for their employees and end customers. Business technology continues to evolve, and continuing to enhance wireless solutions creates business agility by seamlessly connecting employees and customers to the information that matters most to them.
Preparing for the Digital Transformation
Successfully leaping to a mobile-first enterprise strategy is relatively simple, and you can be successful with planning a road map that aligns with your business objectives. Think about investing in the long run and “future proof” your wireless infrastructure. Moving to a mobile-first strategy will create a truly integrated infrastructure that is positioned to support new equipment and new services.
Your IT department will face a growing need to achieve increased performance across a wall-to-wall wireless network. Assist your IT department in starting the conversation to transform your wireless capabilities with this simple checklist:
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Test Different Solutions. Test different solutions against different mobile applications. Your wireless solution should be designed to meet your business needs while having the ability to upgrade with relative ease. Keep your solution uniform across wired and wireless devices. For example, when an employee connects a laptop to an Ethernet port and authenticates a login, the network should remain uniform. You want to avoid locking guests out of your network and having IT spend valuable time managing this small issue.
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Budget Accordingly. Align your budget and costs appropriately. Think about location-based services, HD voice, video calling, mobile hot spots and new Wi-Fi capabilities. Do your employees need new applications or mobile devices to drive business objectives? Budget for cost-effective upgrades to your wireless network by designing solutions that support your business needs.
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Design a Road Map. Consider the areas where wireless upgrades can improve your business while creating a competitive differentiation in the market. Think about a solution that provides excellent coverage and capacity and is designed to handle best-in-class network applications. IT departments should strategically manage the wireless network to anticipate increasingly wireless demands that achieve enhanced wireless performances and increased user satisfaction.
