zBoost Increases Productivity at Remote Office Locations: Employees No Longer Make a Run for It to Answer Calls or Truck It For Data

April 25, 2012

Wi-Ex (http://www.wi-ex.com), a leading provider of consumer and commercial cell phone signal boosters, today announced a new case study, “zBoost: Ending the Run to Answer Calls or Truck it for Data” showcasing Pro Comm Solutions’ install at a large natural gas producer client. Pro Comm Solutions, a communications company specializing in wired and wireless solutions for its clients, recently used zBoost to help its client enhance its business productivity.

The large natural gas producer client has numerous remote locations that require cell phone and Internet service. One particular location has extremely weak cell phone coverage and due to the remote location relies on cell phones for both voice and data services. The building is an ATCO office trailer with metal siding which also creates a hindrance to using their cell phones. To receive cell phone calls the client was leaving their cell phones in their trucks hooked to a booster and using a Bluetooth headset to make and receive calls. This resulted in several missed calls a day. In addition, to send and receive emails, they would take their laptops to their trucks. This was causing a problem with receiving information in a timely manner.

“For clients like Pro Comm Solutions’ natural gas producer a reliable cell phone signal is a necessity and makes a real difference in the productivity of their employees” said Michael Cummiskey of Wi-Ex. “From small offices to large commercial properties, the zBoost solutions help installers provide their clients with a strong cell phone signal to help their clients end missed calls and slow data.”

Solution
Pro Comm Solutions installed a zBoost YX545. zBoost YX545 cell phone signal boosters extend a Cell Zone™ for multiple users and all devices operating on 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands except those using Nextel/iDEN, 4G or 2100MHz. zBoost SOHO boosts signal up to 3000 square feet.

They installed the antenna on the edge of the roof and the booster near the middle of the building.. The signal strength improved significantly, as did the data download speeds. They are now able to log into the company’s network and information is received and sent in a timely manner. Phone calls are no longer being missed or dropped.

“The zBoost solution is extremely easy to install and provided our client with excellent results that enabled their employees to more efficiently do their jobs. The client was extremely impressed and is interested in installing additional units in some of their other locations,” said James Sackman with Pro Comm Solutions.

To read the full case study visit: http://www.Wi-Ex.com/Testimonials.aspx


Small Business Tips: How to Stop Cyber Attacks

April 17, 2012

I am someone who is on the internet most of the day. At my desk or on my phone I am working on something that has me connected to the world-wide web. I recently have been getting an increase of spam mail and even spam text messages, which makes me nervous. So I did a little research on how to protect myself from the dreaded cyber attack, hackers and spammers.

“Since an increasing number of small business owners are using internet for advertising, promoting or for doing some basic activities, they are becoming an easy prey for hackers who are still living at large. Though steps have been taken both at region and country level to contain such cases, there is no apparent signs of immediate relief. Small business organizations just like their big corporate counterparts are very much susceptible to external and internet security threats and if these treats are overlooked, this might have a serious consequences later on. Here we are going to share 5 tips that a small business company can adopt.” Just take a look:

Posted by  at www.Noobpreneur.com This article is one of the excellent contributions from our team of experienced guest authors.

Have a backup ready
You never know when things may go away of your hands and you lose all the data that holds key to success to your business.

Pinpoint the Weakness
Since you are a small business owner, you have to make sure that you have perfect knowledge of most the vulnerable areas of your business.

Get Your Workers Educated About Security
To uplift a culture of security, you need to take some steps proactively.

A Contingency Plan
Though you will certainly despise the idea of being targeted by hacker, this might befall at any point of time.

Security Agreement
It is good to get your employees signed into a security agreement, as they will have a legal obligation to inform you whenever they see something unusual.

Click here for the complete list of  the 5 tips.


Losing Your Business Smartphone

April 11, 2012

Is your smartphone also your business phone?  If you lost your smartphone would your business come to a halt?  How many of your business contacts are only on your smartphone?  These are good questions to ask and if you find yourself answering yes, you could benefit from this article by Jeanette Pavini that was recently posted on wsj.com.  One extra tip: be sure to back up all of your information on your computer or in the cloud.  If you haven’t done this and aren’t sure how, go to your local carrier’s store and they will be able to assist you.

Lose a Smartphone, And You Lose a Lot

By JEANETTE  PAVINI

Say you just lost your wallet with $40 cash in it. You’d feel bad, right?  There’s the inconvenience of canceling cards, getting a new driver’s license,  etc. But what if you lost your wallet with $900 in cash in it, plus your address  book and your bank passwords? That’s what it’s like when you lose your  smartphone.

Now that really hurts.

If you lose your smartphone, what will it cost to replace  it and what steps should you take once you realize your phone is gone?  MarketWatch’s Jeanette Pavini has some answers on Lunch Break. Photo:  AP

How much does it cost to lose a smartphone? One of our readers found out the  hard way. Her iPhone was stolen while she was on public transit. She didn’t have  phone insurance, her renter’s insurance didn’t cover the loss, and she was told  if she canceled her phone contract, she would be liable for a hefty early  termination fee. In the end, she paid a small fortune and learned a big  lesson.

Some 60 million smartphones and cellphones are lost, stolen or damaged each  year, according to Asurion, a provider of cellphone insurance.

Your total cost will depend on your carrier, what kind of device you have,  and whether you’re willing to settle for a reconditioned, used device or want a  new smartphone.

If you lose your top-of-the-line iPhone, say, and want to replace it with the  same device—and you aren’t eligible for an upgrade anytime soon—you could pay as  much as $849 for the device alone.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if your smartphone goes missing:

1. Find my phone.

Many new smartphones, including the iPhone, come with a “find my phone” app  that allows you to locate the device, regardless of your carrier or insurance.  See whether your device has this option and activate it.

2. No new replacement.

Your smartphone insurance likely does not cover a brand-new replacement  device. You’ll get a reconditioned phone and it may not be identical to the one  you lost.

3. Check your calendar.

Keep track of when you are due for an upgrade on your carrier contract. You  might be able to use an old phone until you qualify for the new replacement  smartphone at a discounted rate.

4. Keep your old phone.

Whenever you buy a new smartphone, hold on to your old device. If the new one  is lost or stolen, that old iPhone or Blackberry could come in handy.

5. Assume the worst.

No matter which carrier you use, treat your phone as stolen, even if you  think it’s only misplaced. It’s not just a phone; it likely also contains  important personal information, and phone and email contacts.

6. You may not have to pay.

If someone makes unauthorized long-distance calls, you may not be liable for  these charges—even if your carrier says you are until the phone is reported lost  or stolen. Some states have laws on the books protecting consumers from  unauthorized charges from any telecommunications device.

7. Watch out for shady deals.

Beware of buying smartphones from third-party sellers or from private parties  via classifieds like Craigslist. These phones might be stolen or damaged and  you’ll have no recourse against the seller.

To see specifics by carrier and to view a related video click here. http://online.wsj.com/video/what-to-do-if-you-lose-your-smartphone/3BCF6141-7D00-4A7C-82D3-E9DF273BB995.html?


21 Counter-Intuitive Break Ideas to Boost your Productivity at Work!

April 3, 2012

I don’t know about you but, I have Spring fever! I find myself wishing I could be outside because the weather is so nice, so on my breaks at work I like to step outside and enjoy the nice breeze and sunshine. Everyone is guilty of working a long day and not stopping for break but, fact is that everyone needs a break and here are some ideas to give your body and mind a little rest and to boost your productivity at work. I especially like number 3 “Step outside for a fresh perspective”.

“Every self-help program talks about the importance of taking a 10-15 minute break to boost your productivity. Breaks give us much needed time to rest our eyes, move around, stretch our stiff muscles, get more blood and oxygen flowing to our brain, to unwind and obtain a fresh outlook on complex work problems.”

By Arina Nikitina Stepcase Lifehack

1. Listen to a guided meditation. There are plenty of 10-15 minute meditations that allow you to trigger your creativity, let go of muscles tension and take your mind of the work at hand.

All you have to do is put on a headset, close your eyes and enjoy peace and relaxation even in the midst of work chaos.

2. Share your break with a co-worker. Alone, you might not always have the strength to pull yourself away from the computer, but if you have a friend taking breaks with you, it is much easier to stick with your break routine. In addition, it offers a great opportunity to bond with your colleagues and get to know them better.

3. Step outside for a fresh perspective. Leaving a stuffy office and letting yourself enjoy the warmth of the sunlight, the coolness of a breeze and the freshness of the spring air can do miracles to your mind and body. You will come back feeling rejuvenated and ready to approach your work with new energy and a fresh perspective.

4. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths. Stand up and walk away from your desk. Find a quiet place, where you can sit down, close your eyes, smile to yourself and take a few deep breaths. Imagine tension, stress and anxiety leaving your body as you breathe out, and peacefulness, positivity and relaxation filling your mind with every breath that you take.

5. Say NO to tension headaches. Slowly roll your neck to the right noticing a slight tension in your neck muscles. Hold this position for a count of 120 (2 minutes), then turn your head to the opposite side and repeat. Enjoy the feeling of warmth and flexibility return to your neck and shoulders.

Read all 21 ideas here.


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.