We’ve all benefitted from the development of Wi-Fi technology in recent years, with speedier connections at home and work to make the use of smart phones and portable devices.
In fact, we’ve reached the stage now where 60% of the population reckon they couldn’t live without their Wi-Fi for more than a day, an addiction stronger than our obsession with coffee to get us through a working day.
But Wi-Fi isn’t just about giving us a platform to connect to the Internet.
The capabilities for convenience open up innovative ways for businesses to use it to their advantage. Here’s some of the ways Wi-Fi can be utilised to good effect by businesses…
[easy-tweet tweet=”Wi-Fi isn’t just about giving us a platform to connect to the Internet.” user=”comparethecloud” hashtags=”wifi”]
Roam around
Meeting rooms all booked up? Or maybe you need a more inspirational setting for a brainstorm than sitting round a table in front of four blank walls? Wi-Fi means you can offer access to your system and network from anywhere within range of your signal. That means meetings can be outside or in the cafeteria and that employees don’t need to feel chained to their desk with their creativity stifled.
Remote
Of course, this can go beyond that too. Wi-Fi in pubs, restaurants, cafes and at home means that employees can break out from the office and carry out their business in more favourable surrounds while still remaining connected and using their time effectively.
Retain People Traffic
The Wi-Fi offered in pubs and cafes is actually a decent business tool for them. With customers attracted by fast reliable Internet connections, they’re much more likely to set up camp and stay for a while, spending money in the meantime. An American study showed that premises with free Wi-Fi enjoyed better foot traffic, with customers spending longer – and crucially more money – as a result.
Marketing
There’s also a marketing opportunity from offering free Wi-Fi. Customers are allowed access to a network providing their details are registered and they are signed in. This gives the business a method of contacting the customer with offers and promotions in the future to entice them back.
Rural Woes
Businesses in rural areas often suffer from poor mobile phone signal, making for frustration for their employees. Switching to web-based communication apps that tap into Wi-Fi can bypass this and ensure business runs more smoothly in the countryside.
Vehicle Safety
Ultrasonic sensors and cameras can be fitted on to a vehicle to provide a system that feeds into a monitor and alerts the driver to any obstacles or hazards in the vicinity and sheds light on the potentially dangerous blind spot. Brigade systems show how this can work to boost the safety of vehicles and how Wi-Fi technology can ensure that this system is connected without the need for a complex system of cables.
BYOD
With tech-savvy employees owning and using the latest smart consumer devices why would you want to hold them back? By allowing access to the company Wi-Fi companies can have a simple and effective way to incorporate a healthy Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) into their working practices.
With Wi-Fi now seemingly controlling 60% of the population’s lives, we should really be thankful for the Starbucks on every corner – the web fix we crave is now just as strong as the lust for a double shot latte.
[easy-tweet tweet=”Wi-Fi cravings control 60% of the population’s day to day lives” user=”comparethecloud” hashtags=”wifi”]
Sophie is a freelance writer. Sophie is passionate about providing engaging content and has featured in a number of online publications.