It is an accepted truth that a company without efficient communication system in place is dead on arrival. SMEs have to find a solution that is not only effective, but also feasible. No cause for worry though, as such solutions will soon be available in the market.

Mobile phones and Personal Digital Assistants are the lifeline of executives on the move. Connectivity is ubiquitous and phones are inexpensive. Consequently, wireless communication is an integral element of the IT strategy for an SME.

Mobile phones are getting more powerful and have more features. This device is more than just a phone. You can tango with the big boys and give them a run for their money. In a global economy, SMEs have a treacherous path to take when competing with big players. The rules for survival include doing more with less, instantaneous access to real-time information and being responsive to customers. SMEs need to leverage the power of a mobile phone for competitive advantage.

The Landscape

Large organizations and MNCs leverage expensive software and technical experts to compete effectively. However, SMEs face several constraints while selecting appropriate IT solutions. For them,

1. Technology solutions must be inexpensive

2. Must be support-free or easy to support

3. Cannot hire specialist or cannot own specialized solutions as resulting overheads are unsustainable

4. Solution must be able to change, inexpensively and quickly, in response to changing market conditions

Over the past few years, technology infrastructure and solutions have helped level the playing field between large organizations and SMEs. These offerings have become affordable and broad-based so that SMEs can deploy them, especially over the past 12-18 months. The available technology infrastructure includes:

1. Mobile phone, which is really a powerful computer, available at less than Rs 10,000

2. Broadband connectivity at your finger tips

3. Hosted solutions (ASPs) are fast becoming a reality. These solutions are tailored for SMEs and for Indian conditions

Wireless Communication Solutions

Wireless communication solutions are revolutionizing the way SMEs do business the world over as well as in India. The offerings revolve around a basic premise: ‘Access to information and tools while on the road.’ Deployment of these solutions provides tangible benefits to the organization. Some examples of wireless solutions are:

1. Wireless access to email

2. Manage and access contacts

3. Manage appointments

4. Mobile Instant messaging

5. Collaborating with team while on the road

6. Access systems / information from the field without human intervention

7. Check inventory level and order status

8. Check billing information

9. Update status of open service orders after the work is complete

Many vendors presently offer such solutions in at least two categories: product companies who specialize in enterprise data mobility solutions, and mobile operators, such as, Airtel, Hutch, Reliance Infocomm, BSNL, etc. You can also contact your IT solution vendor or System Integrator who can help you get started.

A smart manager leverages technology economically. Deployment or usage of wireless communications is made affordable by:

1. Getting a Closed User Group for your organization from the mobile operator

2. This will reduce voice communication costs, when colleagues talk to each other

3. Data costs are also reduced. You might also be able to negotiate flat fee (does not increase with usage). This encourages usage of wireless solutions so that you can notice tangible benefits.

Based on market feedback, most SMEs consider affordable wireless communication solutions as those where the device/phone cost is less than Rs 8,000 and monthly usage cost is about Rs 1,000– 2,000 per device. The solutions being discussed are in this range.

As you have guessed, these solutions are relatively new in the marketplace. The following tips might help you make right decisions while selecting solutions:

1. Go for the off-the-shelf product. It reduces risk and cost. Such a product must be configurable to suit specific requirements.

2. Be careful when selecting a vendor. Be sure that the vendor has a successful track record in the wireless data field.

3. If data security is important to you, select a ‘secure’ product to ensure that the mobile solution does not compromise your organization.

In conclusion, wireless communication is a great boon for SMEs. Using this technology in a measured and knowledgeable manner will help you understand the benefits and how to deploy it effectively.

The author is a telecom expert who heads wireless digital communications firm, WDC Solutions. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Issue BG43 Oct04

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