5 Greatest Dangers (Part 2 - Security)

5 Greatest Dangers Companies Encounter with their Wireless Communications

In my post March 19, 2013, I wrote about the first danger companies encounter with their wireless communications - Unmanageable or Uncontrollable costs in the complex world of wireless communications. (See the archives of the past Blogs at the side margin)

This post will expand on the second most common danger - Lack of Security of your Wireless Data.

There are 3 key points regarding security of your company's data.

1. Phone number ownership when the employees leaves your company
2. Your data on the employee's smart phone
3. Employees losing their devices

I dealt with point number one briefly at the end of the last blog. If your employee's phone is  billed to them personally, they "own" the wireless number and if they leave your employ, they can take the number with them. It does not matter who is paying the bill, all that matters is who is responsible for the bill. If you wanted to call your wireless carrier and get bill copies, they would not give them to you because your company is not responsible for the bill. 

What does this all mean? If the employee that left you is in a sales or service position or are a key person in the organization with many customer relationships, your customers will continue to call them on the same number they called them when the employee worked on your team. This makes it nice and easy for you ex-employee to take customers with them.

Your employees phone is full of valuable customer information including emails, contacts and work files. If the employee owns the phone and you have no way of wiping all that information off the phone remotely, all your data goes with the employee when they leave the organization. Essentially you are giving your employee all their contacts and communications to start them up with their next company.

Your company data on your employees smart phone is exposed and not secure without a password on the smart phone. If they lose or misplace their phone all your company data and their personal data is open and available to the person who finds the phone. There are many smart phones in the market but not many that can force a password using IT permissions. In simple English, you can force your employee to put a password on the smart phone and you can force the phone to lock after X number of minutes or when the phone is powered on or off. Now your data is safe in the event of a lost or stolen phone.  

If you would like to speak to one of our Consultants regarding your wireless security, click the link below to contact us. We will have one of our consultants call you within 24 hrs.

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5 Greatest Dangers Companies Encounter

5 Greatest Dangers Companies Encounter with their Wireless Communications

Over the past 10 years we have encountered thousands of business customers who encounter the same dangers when it comes to their wireless communications.

In the competitive world of wireless and the fast changing world of technology it’s hard to stay abreast of all the changes as well as focus on running your own business. Many times the person in a small or medium business responsible for wireless communications is the owner or the person that shows an interest in technology. That person balances managing the company’s wireless communications with their other daily responsibilities and as a result the business begins to encounter the 5 greatest dangers all other companies are encountering with their wireless technology.

Over and over again our research has shown the 5 greatest dangers are:

1. Unmanageable or uncontrollable Costs in the complex world of wireless communications.
2. Lack of Security of your wireless data.
3. Falling behind on Technology.
4. Lack of a wireless Strategy.
5. Lack of education or Training.

I could expand on all the Dangers but in the limited amount of space I will only focus on two points relating to Unmanageable or uncontrollable Costs in the complex world of wireless communications and deal with the others in future blogs.

Our research shows that only 2 in 10 businesses ever look at their rates again after renewing or starting a contract. That means that up to 80% of businesses could be on old or outdated price plans and are probably paying too much for their voice and data services. One misconception in the market is that you are locked into your rate plan for the term of the contract. That may be true with other wireless carriers but with Rogers, you can change to a rate plan that better suits your needs throughout the term.

As many businesses grew and added wireless phones they did so one phone at a time. When the need for a phone was identified usually the employees selected the phone and rate plan or if the employee already had a phone they expensed their charges back to the business. As a result, the business ended up with a variety of rate plans that suited the user’s needs but not necessarily the business’s needs. Consolidating the phones with one wireless carrier and one rate plan can simplify administration and save you money. It can also help increase the security of your company information and assets. For example, if your sales persons’ mobiles are in their name and they are responsible for the bill, when they leave your company, they take their mobile numbers with them. The result is all your customers that used to call the mobile number to do business with your company are still calling on the mobile number. As a result, you ex-sales person has an opportunity to move the business away from your company.

These two points are just a small insight into the 5 dangers companies encounter with their wireless communications. Cellworks prides itself in being able to help identify the dangers in your business and educate you to eliminate or avoid them. Chances are we can probably save you some money in the process. We would be happy to sit down with you and present the remainder of our 5 Dangers research to you. Please give us a call at 1-800-609-8590 or 905-670-1980 to arrange a time or fill out our web form at http://www.cellworks.ca/business-solutions/. We have locations in the Greater Vancouver and Toronto Areas. www.cellworks.ca

Nokia Lumia 710 – Window Operating System Phone

I have been in the wireless industry for a very long time and I have never come across a phone that is so easy to set up and use as the Nokia Lumia 710 with the Windows Operating system.

To set up the phone, all you need is a micro-SIM card and a Windows Live ID. From start to finish the process took me a grand total of about 45 seconds. This included setting up my corporate exchange e-mail as well.

How did I do it?

I inserted my micro-SIM card and powered on the phone. The phone took me through a set-up wizard for the following:

1.       Accept the software terms

2.       Phone Setting – I selected the recommended settings

3.       Select my Time Zone

4.       Enter my Windows Live ID

Then the phone returned a message of “All Done, Have Fun”

When the home screen came up, I hit the arrow at the top, right to go to settings and add an account. I entered my corporate email address, password and hit enter. Like magic, I was done. My email, contacts and calendar synced with the phone and I was off to the races.

As an added benefit, through my windows live ID, the avatar and profile from my X-Box 360 was synchronized as well for gaming.

I had never used a Windows phone prior to this phone. I have always used BlackBerry, Android or Apple. It took me about 5 minutes to become familiar with the operating system and be able to navigate the phone. After about an hour, it was like I always used this phone.

Applications that are native on the phone at set up are:

·         Nokia Drive – GPS Navigator. You can down load maps to the device. Works great with spoken turn-by-turn instructions

·         X-Box Live for gaming

·         Market Place – lots of good apps

·         MS Office - the real deal.

·         Sky Drive – for storing files that can be accessed via your Window’s live ID from anywhere.

·         Maps

This phone is priced well. It is $29.99 on a voice only 36 month agreement. However, I would suggest that you at data to the phone for a full experience. You can add the $10 lite plan that includes 100MB

I think these phones ahve a great future and the partnership of Nokia and Microsogt will be a winner.

Visit us at www.cellworks.ca to find one of our 10 locations in BC and Ontario or call us in BC at 1-877-677-2355 and or Ontario at 1-800-609-8590

Get extreme....with your text messaging!

Take texting to a new level with Extreme Text Messaging - exclusively from Rogers as a standard part of Rogers Wireless Service.

But what does Extreme Text Messaging do for you?

• Auto-Reply - Send an auto-reply to those who text you
• Forward - Just like call forwarding, except for text messaging
• Blocker - Block incoming texts from unwanted sources
• Distribution Lists - Send the same text to a group of contacts
• Copy - Copy incoming texts to another number or email
• Personal Signature - Sign outgoing texts with your name, title or a favourite quote

Already a Rogers customer? Use the FREE My Account app on your wireless device to manage your Extreme Text Messaging features.

For more information, visit www.rogers.com/extremetext, or visit your BC and Ontario Cellworks locations to speak with a store representative today.

Wi-Fi Calling For Business

With smartphones becoming the primary communications tool for vast numbers of mobile workers, no matter where they are - including the workplace, in fact, as communications converge around the smartphone, many small businesses are actually disconnecting their land-line voice service. Even businesses that wouldn't consider doing away with their land-lines are recognizing that their employees will use either company or personal smartphones at work. It's a reality of doing business today.

As a small business owner, or someone responsible for telecommunications services within a business, you're aware that this new reality has associated costs. If you and your employees are spending more time on mobile devices, you need that time to be as cost-effective as possible. At the same time, you need to make sure that your wireless communications are reliable, so that you don't let your customers or suppliers down with dropped calls or other interruptions.

A recent innovation that can help to delivery cost-effective and reliable connectivity involves carrying voice calls over Wi-Fi networks.


What is Wi-Fi calling and how does it work?
Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) is a technology that enables you to make voice calls on a smartphone over a Wi-Fi network. Known more commonly as Wi-Fi calling, this technology can provide enhanced voice coverage in your workplace, especially if you have a weak wireless signal. With Wi-Fi calling, you can use your smartphone instead of an office land-line, so that you can be reached at one number regardless of whether you're in the office or on the move. With the right Wi-Fi calling plan, you can also lower your wireless costs.

The key requirements for Wi-Fi Calling are:

• UMA-enabled dual mode handsets
• A broadband Wi-Fi access point or network capable of handling voice service
• A Wi-Fi calling plan

To understand the technology behind Wi-Fi calling, think of it as creating an IP extension of your wireless service provider's network - the Internet becomes a transport medium for voice calls.


What are the business benefits?

• Cost predictability - if you subscribe to a Wi-Fi calling plan that provides unlimited local or national calling, the calls you make on Wi-Fi don't count towards your total monthly minutes. Using fewer minutes can mean fewer overage fees
• Enhanced coverage - if the wireless signal at your workplace is weak or inconsistent, Wi-Fi calling can reduce dropped calls and keep you connected to your customers and the other people who matter to your business
• Seamless connectivity - Wi-Fi calling keeps you connected as you go about your business. Use your smartphone as your office phone, and you won't have to worry about using multiple phones, forwarding your calls or providing your customers with multiple numbers
• Ease of use and deployment - if your business has a Wi-Fi network and UMA-enabled smartphones, deploying Wi-Fi calling can be fast and easy for many handsets (most devices now come enabled). Beyond the initial set up, Wi-Fi calling requires minimal learning and little to no changes in behaviour for an employee already using a smartphone.

To learn more about Wi-Fi calling and the plans that Rogers has to offer, you can visit www.rogers.com/wifibusiness at any time. 

Happy calling!

Smartphones....in 3D?

Aside from all the new phones out there these days, there are new technologies showcasing all the time, and 3D technology is one of them. There are currently two devices available in the Rogers line up that feature this technology - the HTC Evo 3D and the LG Optimus 3D. The best part about it? You don't have to wear those goofy glasses to enjoy amazing 3D pictures and video!


But just how does the technology work? We all remember the 3D pictures we had as kids that were red and green fuzzy images until we put on the included cardboard specs, so how come we don't have to wear them now?


For all those tech enthusiasts out there, here is your answer. There are two technologies used to enable a glasses-free 3D experience - lenticular display and parallax barrier. Lenticular works best at distance and on larger displays (this was used on those old rules and stickers that, when tilted and moved, displayed motion). Conversely, parallax barrier is ideal up close, on smaller screens such as smartphones. Both technologies display different areas of an image to your left and your right eye. Your brain fills in the blanks and effectively tricks you into seeing three dimensions.


Another cool thing about these phones? Whether you take a picture or video in 3D or not, it never compromises the quality of the image when you send it to another user. If they have a 3D device, they will see it as you see it; if they have a regular smartphone, it will simply show as a high-quality image. This means that you aren't limited to enjoying the multi-media options if your friends and family don't have a device from the same family.

LG Optimus 3D

HTC Evo 3D

Why Choose a 3D Smartphone?


The HTC Evo and the LG Optimus feature the latest in Android platforms - Gingerbread 2.3 - which means that you can capture your best pictures and video, while surfing the net, and downloading the latest editing application. All at the same time.


You have the choice of switching between the 2D and 3D camera to suit your shooting needs, and you can also customize the interface with multiple 3D applications now available. This is all powered by a dual core processor, making sure you don't miss a moment of your 3D movies and games.


You also have "mixed mode" which allows you to complete standard tasks, such as emailing, browsing and calling, in 2D; and you can enjoy videos, games and pics in the 3D mode app.


Final moment of awesome-ness - if you own one of the new 3D TV's, you can connect via an HDMI cable and have your 3D images come jumping out of the big screen.


Both of these devices create a niche market - they not only address the needs of those customers who want the latest device with the smartest technology, but they provide an element that makes the phone entirely unique. A great excuse to get your phone out, play around with the 3D camera and show of your skills to your friends and family.


So if you are looking for the perfect gift this coming season, be sure to check out these two Android devices. We think you'll enjoy them!

What's new for Q4?

It's that time of year again where the race is on to get the hottest devices into the hands of our valued customers, and with the recent launch of the LTE network for Rogers, there is a whole host of great new phones for you to choose from.


All of these smartphone devices are the latest in Android technology and software, all featuring the 2.3 Gingerbread operating system (the Jetstream has Android 3.1 for tablets loaded), a dual core processor for lightning-speed browsing and applications, 8MP cameras with 1080p video capture, and access to Android Market for apps and HD movie rentals.

HTC Raider $149.99*

HTC Raider

Target Market
Tech enthusiasts who want the latest in smartphone technology and features

Features & Benefits4.5" qHD touchscreen
HTC Sense user interface for almost limitless customization
DLNA compatible so you can wirelessly stream your photos, videos and music from your smartphone to a compatible HDTV

Samsung Galaxy SII $199.99*

Samsung Galaxy SII

Target Market

Tech enthusiasts looking for the latest in smartphone technology and features; Samsung Galaxy Captivate customers looking to update their device to the latest model

Features & Benefits

4.5" Super AMOLED Plus touchscreen with 50% more subpixels than the original technology

DLNA compatible so you can wirelessly stream your photos, videos and music from your smartphone to a compatible HDTV
Up to 21Mbps 4G HSPA+ downloads

Motorola RAZR $149.99*

Motorola RAZR

Target Market

Media Moguls who need a powerful smartphone to do everything mobile and are motivated by smartphone design

Features & Benefits
Remotely access the pictures, music, videos, and documents on your PC and instantly stream them to your RAZR while on the go with MotoCast

4.3" Super AMOLED Advanced screen for hyper vibrant colours and incredibly vivid images

Up to 14.4Mbps 4G HSPA+ download speeds

Webtop App to view your phone's content on the big screen

Surf the internet with a full-featured Firefox browser, and multitask like a champ with multiple windows, all while your phone charges

HTC Jetstream $499.99*

HTC Jetstream

Target Market

Tech and creative enthusiasts seeking a premium Android tablet offering the fastest connectivity, top hardware specs, and support for innovative, intuitive digital pen technology

Features & Benefits

Download speeds up to 100Mbps; upload speeds up to 50Mbps

Up to 32GB of expandable micro-SD memory

Rich web browsing with Flash on a vivid 10" touchscreen

*Pricing based on a three year contract (minimum $45 monthly service fee for smartphones and minimum $30 monthly service fee for tablet). Pricing subject to change.