Introduction:

Topping the list is wireless synchronization. In a properly configured corporate network, Smartphones connect wirelessly with your company’s server to bring the data you need to the palm of your hand. No more forgotten meetings, outdated phone numbers, or missed emails. Changes you make on your desktop computer’s calendar or task list will appear instantly on your Smartphone, and vice versa.  Synchronized Smartphones streamline your day and make the information you need as mobile as you are.

Many of us already use Smartphones in some fashion and may even set up the phone to “dock” with our desktop computers and synchronize mail, calendar, and tasks.  However, we can only synchronize at our desks, not wirelessly.  It becomes a challenge to keep track of e-mail that arrives on both our phone and desktop computers.  We may miss appointments because we are not in the office often enough to dock our phone regularly.  We cannot collaborate on our task lists with other employees.

Who Needs a Smartphone that can connect with your company’s servers?

Any mobile business professional can benefit from the advanced synchronization features.  Salespersons, field technicians, and any staff person who spends a significant amount of their work day away from their desks will benefit wireless synchronization

How Does Wireless Synchronization Work?

Most Smartphones rely on your company’s corporate messaging system to “push” items to the devices.  Whenever a new e-mail is sent to Outlook or your equivalent office e-mailbox, the message also appears on your Smartphone through this mechanism.  Instead of receiving a copy of the message on your phone, you will essentially be viewing the same item that is in Outlook.  If you reply to the e-mail on your Smartphone, the message will show as being read and replied to on your office e-mail system.  This mechanism also works for calendar appointments, contacts, and to-do lists.  The fact you are making changes to a single item instead of multiple copies of the item eliminates any duplication of work and brings consistency in what you see in both your office e-mailbox and Smartphone.

What are the prerequisites to wireless synchronization?

Your company must have a messaging system such as Microsoft Exchange in place.  Your inbox must be setup by the IT staff to allow a Smartphone to connect and receive items “pushed” to it.  Check with your IT staff to see if this system is available and any policies they have about what types of Smartphones work with the system.

Pick the Perfect Smartphone and Provider:

You will need a “data” plan from your cellular provider in addition to a conventional phone plan.  Make sure you consider several variables to determine what phone will work best for you.
Options to consider:

• Operating System – The most common are Blackberry, Palm, and Windows Mobile.  All can offer excellent synchronization capabilities, but you may find one suits your preferences the best.
• Keyboard – Many people find it much slower to type on a touch-screen “virtual” keyboard than a real keyboard.  While devices like the Apple iphone have beautiful screens, typing on their virtual keyboards can be a slow process.  If you expect to be composing emails while on the road, make sure you take the time to test out several Smartphones with keyboards to see what works best for you.
• Price – Some Smartphones may run $200 to $300 with a service plan.  Keep an eye out for specials and upgrade options.  It is not uncommon to find a great Smartphone under $200 with a little bit of research and due diligence.
• Other features – Most people use the same phone for both work and personal purposes.  Some features such as GPS, a camera, a voice recorder, and a music player may come in handy in both your personal and work environments.

Conclusion:

When choosing the right Smartphone, take the time to find the perfect device and integrate it into your business day for the most effective, efficient, and convenient assistance.