It’s a fact – everyone wants wireless access. Recent research indicates that by 2015, more US internet users will be accessing the internet over their mobile devices than on traditional computers. With that many people online and on their mobile devices not having stable, secure wireless access is surely an impediment for companies as well as every day users. Companies leverage mobile devices to enable a more efficient workforce. Mobile devices are used to leverage “always-on” applications, increasing access for employees and as a better means of time management. Both of which increase employee productivity. Companies also often rely on their wireless network for regulating employee safety. Such is the case for the iron manufacturing company, North American Hoganas Inc.
With 11 production facilities across four continents in eight countries including the United States, where it staffs 250 employees, North American Hoganas Inc. needed to deploy an end-to-end wireless network in order to keep up with market demands and target new operational efficiencies. Up to the minute communication is vital not only for business operations, but also for the safety of their plant employees. Updating employees on risk assessments, proper product handling techniques, and work schedules are just some examples of mission-critical, daily communication from management to employees. There was one problem that stood between North American Hoganas Inc and a successfully deploying a pervasive wireless network: North American Hoganas Inc. itself.
Planning to go to the World Series this year? If you are lucky enough to attend, think about using your mobile device to enhance the experience.
Last month, my colleague used an iPad during our team outing at a San Francisco Giants game to watch his favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals, live via streaming media on Major League Baseball’s MLB.TV app. Thanks to the Cisco network infrastructure and Wi-Fi technology deployed in AT&T Park, he was able to catch both games simultaneously.
Down in Southern California, while unfortunately the San Diego Padres didn’t make the playoffs – one thing is for certain – this season Petco Park Stadium saw a trend with the increase in mobile device usage at games by their fans.
Recently I took a weekend trip to Sea Ranch, California, a coastal town 2.5 hours drive north of San Francisco. What was interesting (besides the great view and interesting architecture) was for three days there I had no cellular coverage on my mobile phone, but I was able to get access to the internet using Wi Fi in various locations. Being the classic connected and mobile consumer, my trip would have been much less enjoyable without some form of wireless connectivity
Cisco IBSG Retail Director Edward Westenberg recently published a paper on the impact of consumer mobility and what retailers should do to respond to the trend.
Peggy Casey, Cisco retail industry manager sat down with Edward to discuss his latest research and four areas of mobility that retailers should address:
The original vision of a ‘borderless’ continues to play out this week at Interop and we have a TechWiseTV episode covering all the details. ’Simplified and Secure’ is how Inbar Lasser-Raab put it. The power of ONE: Network, Managment and Policy
Sachin Gupta is our first guest expert here to explain how Cisco’s Unified Access Network offers simplified IT operations, reduced operational costs, and better scaling to accommodate the proliferation of devices and applications now and in the future.
The original vision of a ‘borderless’ continues to play out this week at Interop and we have a TechWiseTV episode covering all the details. ’Simplified and Secure’ is how Inbar Lasser-Raab put it. The power of ONE: Network, Managment and Policy
