As small businesses start to think about 2012 plans, we thought it would be interesting to look ahead at what’s in store next year in mobile and wireless technology. We had the chance to sit down with Malcolm Clarke who is a Director of New Product Development here at Rogers where he is responsible for the development and launch of new technologies and services for Rogers business customers.

Malcolm shares his predictions below – in brief, technology and applications are just going to get better next year making it easier to work efficiently on the go.

Q: If a small business were to invest in one piece of mobile/wireless technology next year, what would you recommend?

It depends on their business needs. I think tablets are somewhat under used in small businesses, partly because the limited availability of simple and useful tools and applications. However, this will likely change over the next year.

As a small business, I would invest in technology that allows me not only to access all my data in a secured way on any device but also to edit, share and collaborate with customers and colleagues.

Q: What do you see to be the top wireless and mobile trends for small business in 2012?

1.     Faster and Bigger Networks and Mobile Security

Small businesses will have faster access to their digital assets and information while outside the office. The benefits of faster networks like LTE mean that you will be able to upload and download more data and information at the same time – and quickly.

 Faster networks also mean that hardware like tablets will be used more frequently as small businesses need to have constant and secure access to their information and data, using the same tools as if they were in the office.

2.     Cloud Based Applications

Cloud-based applications such as Microsoft 365, Google Apps and Sales Force have been widely adopted in small businesses across Europe and now we’re seeing this growth starting to pick up in North America. Small businesses will look to cloud applications to lower the cost of IT, drive productivity in their business, enable collaboration with employees in multiple locations and help market their online and offline presence.

3.     Mobile Payments

Mobile payment technology has been promised for a number of years, but 2012 will be the tipping-point year that will take the technology mainstream, changing the way small businesses take payments and transactions. We have already seen the arrival of Near Field Communications devices in Canada and next year we will likely see secure smart phone payment applications and accesses that will drive small businesses to take different forms of payment beyond traditional credit or debit cards.

Q: 2011 was the year of the tablet – do you see new uses of the tablet, especially for small business?

With online tools becoming more available for small business, behaviour is going to shift from a “consume” on my tablet mindset to a “create and collaborate” on my tablet. This is going to provide a more compelling need to leave the laptop at home and take the tablet with me while I’m out.

I think 2011 was the year of the “idea” of the tablet – the growth in tablets in 2012 is not going to slow, but probably accelerate amongst small businesses. Reasons for this include the increase in network speeds from LTE and the increased availability of cloud applications for consumers and small business.

Q: If you were a small business, what would your wireless and mobile new year’s resolutions be?

First, focus more on the security of my data. I would consider moving or copying data and information that is on my PC and laptop to a secure place in an online storage application.

Second, if I have a wireless device like a smart phone or tablet, I would consider the opportunity I have to use applications that will enable me to save time and work efficiently like time sheets, tracking or customer relationship management tools.

Lastly, I would evaluate where the majority of my work happens and if my current communications tools are supporting my work style. For example, if I’m a business that spends 80 per cent of my time on the road, am I leveraging the tools and solutions available to me to interact with my customers and collaborate with my team in real time?

Thanks Malcolm. We wish you a happy new year and look forward to seeing some of these trends come to life in 2012.

What are your tech predictions for small businesses in 2012?

Allison Fitton is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.