Wireless communication technologies and data protection solutions can enhance business processes and seamlessly ramp up productivity.
Wireless communication technologies and data protection solutions can enhance business processes and seamlessly ramp up productivity.
The increasing availability of high-speed optical Internet access provides a new opportunity for growing businesses to gain a competitive advantage. Verizon's FiOS Internet service, for example, provides wide-area connectivity at speeds ranging from 5 to 50 Mbps, with plans starting around $40 per month.
To take advantage of this increased wide-area bandwidth, and to speed the movement of data around your LAN, several manufacturers now offer low-cost Gigabit Ethernet and 102.11N high-speed wireless connectivity solutions.
The Linksys WRVS4400N wireless gigabit security router ($210) and WPC4400N Wireless-N Notebook Adapter ($115) provide a simple, cost-effective way to take advantage of this extra bandwidth. In a pleasant departure from some previous experiences with high-speed wireless products, we were able to easily install this system in less than 30 minutes. Key features for home and branch-office use include a powerful SPI Firewall, and QuickVPN IPSec for secure remote access.
Kick Out the Jams
An industrial strength smartphone is an important tool for personnel who spend a lot of time on the road. The new Motorola MC35 offers standard cellular, push-to-talk, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and EDGE/GSM high-speed data connectivity. The sleek, rugged unit includes a barcode-reading 2MP camera and GPS capabilities. But perhaps more importantly, the MC35 enables secure, simple, centralized management of applications from SalesForce.com, Pangean Technologies, and more than three dozen other leading vendors.
Logitech's EasyCall Desktop provides a convenient way to make Internet phone calls right at your desk or conference table. This $130, all-in-one solution includes a comfortable cordless keyboard, a precise laser cordless mouse, a slick full-duplex speakerphone with echo cancellation, and a stereo headset with microphone.
Convert, Store and Protect
Rapid conversion, manipulation, and backup of graphics and other key data are important steps in developing a more productive workflow.
The new ScanSoft PDF Converter Professional 4 provides a flexible set of tools for processing all kinds of PDF documents. Not only does this $100 application let you edit, convert, and extract text and graphics from Acrobat files, it also makes it possible to create editable forms from almost any scanned document.
NTI Shadow V3 is another useful tool for managing and protecting the flood of files created and received by your business. It can continuously backup graphics, video, and other selected file types that have been modified between scheduled system-wide backups. Shadow V3 ($30) supports Windows and Mac OS, and works with most types of attached storage devices, including USB Flash or hard drives and Network Attached Storage (NAS).
Several versions of Symantec's award-winning Backup Exec for Windows Servers 11d are now available to provide scalable, comprehensive backup and recovery of all important data on a variety of Windows Server-based systems.
Even though Mac OS computers are less prone to software induced problems than their Windows counterparts, an occasional tune-up with Spring Cleaning 9 from Smith Micro ($50) can help keep your Mac humming along at top speed.
Selecting systems and software that reliably increase the speed of your office workflow is a surefire way to free up valuable energy for increased productivity.
LINKSYS
Security, Speed, Reach in One Wireless Solution Keep your business moving and growing with the wireless solution designed for small business. The Linksys Business Series WRVS4400N Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router is faster than both 802.11g and 10/100 Ethernet. This VPN router enables remote workers to send and receive confidential files safely and securely. It features an integrated SPI Firewall and Intrusion Prevention System that detects and stops malicious applications from harming your network. Four Gigabit ports keep wireless data moving at breakneck speeds. With the WRVS4400N and WPC4400N Wireless-N Notebook Adapters, your workers can move large files, video streams, and voice around your network without delays and disruptions. For more information, visit www.linksys.com or call 1-800-linksys.
