Telecommunications Trends

• To Offer Wi-Fi or Not to Offer Wi-Fi?

  Visitors to your company expect the wireless Internet. How do you provide it without security risks?
  Minda Zetlin

• Money for Nothing: Audit Your Telco Bills

  Many businesses are overpaying for telecommunications services -- such as cell phone accounts from former employees that were never closed. Third-party audit firms can help you save big bucks.
  Renee Oricchio

• Wireless War: All-You-Can-Talk Pricing

  Power cell phone users are winning big as wireless carriers offer $99 a month unlimited domestic calling plans. How can you use this price war to plan for future business needs?
  Michelle V. Rafter

• Tech Talk: Wireless Office Better Serves Clients

  A marketing company in Florida discovers that a wireless network not only lets clients have Internet access, but allows employees to work outside if they want.
  Elizabeth Wasserman

• Message Pending: Unified Communications

  Unified communications can help funnel voice, e-mail, fax, and other communications from customers into one channel. It can help give small businesses an edge by helping customers get the answers they need.
  Minda Zetlin

• U.S. Spectrum Auction's Impact on Business

  No one knows exactly how Verizon will offer its new “beachfront” spectrum, which it won in an auction from the U.S. government in the 700 MHz UHF band recently. But open platform rules may offer un-dreamed of opportunities.
  Minda Zetlin

• When it Comes to VoIP, It’s Still Buyer Beware

  If you use an Internet-based phone service, do you know what your customer rights are if the carrier goes under? Government regulations are still catching up with VoIP, and until they do, companies should know where they stand.
  Michelle V. Rafter

• The Cable Guys Offer IT Services

  Cable broadband provider Comcast recently joined forces with Microsoft to provide free e-mail, calendaring, and document sharing services to small business customers. What’s in it for your business?
  Todd Wasserman

• Will Open Cell Phone Networks Mean Business Benefits?

  Cellular phone networks have traditionally been 'closed' or proprietary networks, locking your business into carriers for years using the phones they certify. A bunch of technology giants, led by Google, want to change that.
  Mary O. Foley

• Wi-MAX: A Viable Alternative to DSL or Cable?

  Wi-MAX is the sister technology to Wi-Fi, but it has wider area coverage. It's already up and running in such major cities as San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. Is it an option for small and midsize businesses?
  Renee Oricchio

• Tech to Track Workers: Pros and Cons

  A growing number of wireless technologies -- such as GPS and RFID – let businesses to track workers, deliveries of time-sensitive information, and even company vehicles. But does this help or hurt business?
  Mary O. Foley

• Does it Pay to Buy Managed Services from Telcos?

  Telecommunications companies that traditionally provided your voice telephone service are now peddling a variety of other managed services for business, such as VoIP, security, e-mail, and networking. Should you buy?
  Caroline Waxler