Posts Tagged ‘wireless’

Speed up your business: Rogers LTE network now live in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver

HTC Jetstream LTE tablet from RogersAs a small business, you know that mobility is a key part of your life every day. We’re excited to share that from east to west, a new wireless experience for your business is here.

Major markets in Canada’s three largest provinces now have access to the world’s fastest wireless network technology. Rogers launched its LTE network today in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, joining Ottawa where Rogers launched Canada’s first LTE network back in July.

Now, more than 5.5 million Canadians have access to LTE with Rogers– more than any other wireless company in Canada.

Rogers has already started to introduce its first line up of great LTE devices. If you’re in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver or Ottawa, you can now purchase the Rogers LTE Rocketstick, which plugs into your laptop and gives you speeds similar to what you currently have through your broadband connection.

On October 18, we kick off what will be the widest selection of devices with a Rogers exclusive HTC Jetstream LTE tablet, the fastest tablet in Canada. This Android 3.1 tablet boasts LTE + Wi-Fi  connectivity, a 10” high resolution touchscreen, 32 GB capacity, and dual-core 1.5GHz processor. Add the HTC Scribe digital pen accessory and you can even sketch, highlight, take notes, or sign documents on your tablet.

Using these devices on Rogers LTE network will make it easier for you to download apps, large PowerPoint files and stream live web conferences to customers and your team with virtually no delay or buffering.

To celebrate the expansion of Canada’s first LTE network, we’ve also introduced a special, limited time offer that provides LTE customers a chance to purchase Rogers largest ever data bucket – 10GB for $52.93 per month.

LTE promises to revolutionize your wireless experience and we’re happy to be the first to bring this new technology to Canadians.

With tablets, smartphones, sticks and hotspots coming in the next few weeks, which LTE device are you most excited about?

Allison Fitton is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz

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Power your business with LTE

Rogers LTEWe’re excited to announce that Rogers will launch our Long Term Evolution (LTE) network this year in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. And it gets better – we also plan to deploy LTE in an additional 21 markets by the end of 2012. What this means is that Rogers business customers will be among the first in the world to experience LTE.

Work better with LTE

LTE is the global gold standard of wireless technology and the future of mobile experience. Rogers LTE will change the way Canadian business customers use their mobile devices by enabling fast speed mobile Internet in any location, on any LTE-enabled device. With LTE, business customers can expect to:

  • Access data-intensive business applications while on the go
  • Download/upload files in mere seconds, even 10 MB PowerPoint presentations
  • Be able to make and receive video calls that are clear and virtually seamless
  • Conduct wireless group video conferences in real-time, with virtually no lag time
  • Support machine to machine data exchange

Learn more at iwantmyLTE.ca

To us, LTE is all about being more connected, that’s why we created IwantmyLTE.ca, a website where you can learn about Rogers LTE network and share your excitement for LTE.  Starting today, you can log on to the site and let us know if your excited to get LTE in your city.

Are you ready for Rogers LTE? If you are, let us know where you would like to experience the future of fast at IwantmyLTE.ca.

Duane MacDonald is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz

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M2M: Machines are talking

M2M: Electronic Payment You’ve probably heard the terms M2M technology or M2M solutions being tossed around with increasing frequency over the last year or two. That’s because these emerging technologies are quickly changing how many Canadian companies are doing business.

What is M2M?

Machine to Machine (M2M) solutions connect devices to back-end IT systems to enable the collection and exchange of data. Simply put, M2M solutions enable machines to pass information back and forth in real time over a wireless network, with little or no human intervention.

How does it work?

M2M-enabled devices use GSM/HSPA networks to send information, keywords or commands to each other.  These devices can then translate the message and perform a task. For example, have you ever used a credit card to pay at a parking meter? That’s an M2M solution.  These parking meters have SIM cards built into them to allow real-time, secure credit card payments over the Rogers wireless network.  M2M solutions also allow people to remotely monitor different types of machines—like wirelessly-enabled transportation fleets and connected appliances—from smartphones and other mobile equipment.

Who’s using this technology?

M2M technology can, and is, being used by different types of businesses and industries. Here are a few examples:

  • Hospitals and healthcare practitioners are using M2M solutions to remotely monitor and track the progress of homecare patients.
  • Transportation companies are saving money and reducing emissions using fleet tracking solutions.
  • Retailers are improving services and increasing sales with mobile point-of-sale devices.
  • Utility companies are using smart meters to monitor actual usage without costly site inspections.
  • Oil and gas companies are collecting well data remotely, from anywhere in the world.

What does it mean for your business?

It means that the possibilities are endless. M2M technologies are helping businesses of all sizes do more with less by improving business practices. Real-time information monitoring is helping companies deploy new security systems that keep employees safe. It’s also helping them launch new services, increase profitability and strengthen customer relationships.
 
To learn more about Rogers M2M solutions visit www.rogers.com/m2m.

Haley Morrison is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz

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What’s your organization’s mobility IQ?

Most Canadian businesses would agree that wireless technology enhances their productivity, operational efficiency and workforce mobility.

But the extent to which businesses use and integrate wireless technology can be very different. For some, wireless doesn’t go beyond a few mobile cell phones. At other companies, they’re heavily invested in a variety of mobile solutions over the long term.

So, what’s your organization’s mobility IQ?

We’ve developed an online tool with IDC Canada to answer that question. Find out your score by answering questions like: Are you adopting mobile technology on the fly? Or do you have an integrated, managed approach but are looking for ways to better plan for growth?

Click here to complete our quiz and gauge your company’s mobility IQ.

You can also check out our on-demand IDC mobility webinar for ideas on how to integrate wireless mobility into business strategies.

So tell us – what’s your approach to integrating wireless mobility into your planning process?

Tina Finelli is a regular contributor to Redboard Biz.

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On the road again: Top wireless apps for transportation

TeleNav TrackIf you operate a transportation company (or transport goods or people as part of your business operations), you may already be using mobile technology to improve driver safety, boost customer satisfaction and reduce operating expenses. The explosion of mobile apps for smartphones and tablets represents a new wave of opportunity.

As part of our regular series on must-have industry apps, here are five that can help you make optimal use of every hour, every vehicle and every driver:

1.       Soluteo FFA. Automate work orders, data entry and task management to improve tracking, scheduling and communication.  Soluteo.com.

2.       TeleNav Track. Help control costs and manage risks by locating your drivers, accessing detailed automated reports, customizing wireless forms, and getting voice and on-screen, turn-by-turn GPS directions with full-colour maps.  Telenavtrack.com.

3.       Mobile Cam Viewer. Prevent theft of or  tampering with valuable materials and equipment by watching and controlling live security cameras on your smartphone in real time, from anywhere.  BlackBerry App World or iTunes App Store.

4.       WIC Alerter. Quickly alert people by email, SMS and PIN with one click of your smartphone.  Include your device contact information as well as your location.   BlackBerry App World or iTunes App Store.

5.       HipVoice Push-to-Talk. With a simple push of a button, you can push-to-talk to any person on any wireless device.  Hipvoice.com.

Do you work in the transportation industry? What are your must-have apps?

May Sau is a regular contributor to Redboard Biz.

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New RedBoard Biz series: ‘5 Questions with…’

Susan Gucci RedBoard BizWe’re excited to present the first installment of a new series entitled “5 Questions with…” These posts will ask business owners and leaders about the role of technology in their businesses and persuade them to reveal some of the secrets to their success.

First up, Susan Gucci, a Toronto-based real estate agent with Royal LePage:

1.      What’s your elevator pitch?

I help people maximize their return on their most lovable asset: their home. And help alleviate the stress in doing so.  I credit this not only to my background and extensive experience, but also to a genuine desire to help my clients. I simply love what I do. My name is Susan Gucci and I’m a realtor.

2.      What business challenges keep you up at night?

My passion and enthusiasm is what keeps me up at night. I am excited about what I do and this fuels my energy. Brainstorming new ideas to market a property or searching for that perfect property for a buyer.

3.      What role does technology play in your operations?

Technology is very key in my industry.  For example, more than 80% of buyers start their search online.  They come to me with heightened product knowledge and understanding. Having a laptop, a smartphone and my mobile internet Rocket Stick has enabled me to be on top of the latest information and more responsive to my clients’ needs.

4.      How do you stay up to date on technology and industry trends?

I immerse myself in new technology and take an active role in continuing education in this area. It’s important to remain current and to speak the language of your clients

5.      What one quote inspires or defines your business approach and why?

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.” – Louis Pasteur (1822 – 1895)

I am extremely tenacious and this has contributed immensely to my success. There is a way around almost every obstacle.  Sometimes it just takes a bit of time to figure out the harder ones. The obstacles in life either destroy us or make us stronger.  I choose stronger.

Are you a small or medium business owner interested in being in the hot seat? Email us at redboardbiz.feedback@rci.rogers.com and tell us why you should be featured in our next “5 questions with” post.

Haley Morrison is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.

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Rogers Catalyst Beta: APIs now open for business

Do your mobile teams use wireless apps aimed at making them more productive in the field? Would you like to do that without relying on costly proprietary software?

Or, if you’re an entrepreneur, how about bringing custom-mobile applications or services to market more quickly than before?

Rogers Catalyst Beta program opens up several of our application programming interfaces (APIs) to developers – exciting news whether you develop the latest bleeding-edge applications or if your business can benefit from some productivity-enhancing apps. It’s now live at www.rogerscatalyst.com

Rogers Catalyst Beta includes simplified registration, click-through agreements, access to code samples, documentation, tips & tricks, a development sandbox, a larger developer community and the ability to interact with our in-house program managers.

Network-based APIs for location, messaging and billing services will be available at launch, while others such as MMS will come soon. These APIs will allow developers to build compelling new cloud-based services that leverage our network capabilities.

Revenues from mobile content and applications are projected to reach $10-billion (U.S.) by 2015, according to the North American Mobile Market Report. With millions of Rogers customers, there’s a real opportunity to grow your business with us.

Rogers has always been at the forefront of new technologies, whether it’s our GSM/HSPA+ network, the latest smartphones, or mobile account management applications. Today, we’re welcoming smart, entrepreneurial developers to be a part of our extended team. And it’s now easier than ever for you to do business with us.

Are you a developer interested in working with our APIs? What are your thoughts on Rogers Catalyst Beta?

Rob Manne is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz. This post was also posted to RedBoard.

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Tablet, meet smartphone: Dell Streak available from Rogers

Here’s a scenario: You’re a mobile worker, always on the go.

You start the day with a conference call from the road while your GPS gives you turn-by-turn directions to your client’s office. When you get there, you demo the latest round of marketing materials, make edits and immediately send the revised document to your colleagues back at the office. As the day progresses, you reply to emails, send your kids some text messages, chat with your boss on IM, then unwind back at the hotel by watching a movie.

Now, imagine doing that all on one portable device.

If you’ve ever found yourself looking for a device that is a combination of tablet and smartphone, the Dell Streak may be for you.

Available exclusively from Rogers starting today, the Dell Streak is both a tablet and smartphone – allowing you to launch apps, surf the Web and view media with ease through its large touchscreen, edit documents as well as make calls.

Here are some of the device’s specs:

  • A 5-inch multi-touch WVGA display
  • Weighs 7.7 ounces
  • Android operating system version 1.6
  • Integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views
  • High-resolution 5 MP camera and VGA front facing camera
  • Built-in Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth connectivity
  • 512MB RAM, 2GB of internal storage and Micro SD expandable memory available up to 32 GB.

Check out a video of the Dell Streak in action below.

What do you think of the Dell Streak? Do you use a tablet at work?

Richard Bloom is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.

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All aboard: Rogers Technology Showcase makes its way across Canada

In a world with more than five billion connected devices, the next big wave of growth will largely be driven by wirelessly connected business devices, or machine-to-machine connectivity.

Rogers partners with many innovative technology companies to deliver wireless and mobile solutions for business. We’re currently making our way across Canada with some key Rogers partners to showcase solutions powered by the Rogers network and to help businesses of all sizes learn how to integrate wireless technologies in their operations.

The Rogers Technology Showcase offers a broad selection of advanced wireless and machine-to-machine business solutions, such as point-of-sale devices and fleet management solutions. It features large corporations like HP, Cisco and Research in Motion as well as small Canadian start-ups like DataTrail, Kryos, and Novotech.

Kicking off in London, Ont. a few weeks ago, the showcase is now on its way to Vancouver (Nov. 2), Winnipeg (Nov. 3), Montreal (Nov. 10), Calgary (Nov. 17) and Edmonton (Nov. 18).

You can learn more and register to attend at www.rogerstechshow.com.

Meanwhile, check out a video report on the event from Canadian Transportation & Logistics magazine by clicking here or the image below.

Rogers Technology Showcase

Are you planning on attending the Showcase? Do you currently use machine-to-machine technology in your business? Share your experiences by submitting a comment below.

Richard Bloom is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.

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Travel smarter on the road

laptop airportIf your business requires you to travel, you’re probably familiar with the challenges of staying connected and productive on the go. Fortunately, mobile technologies such as broadband networks, smartphones and wireless apps are transforming business travel—for the better.

Here are some tips to guide you toward smarter travel when you’re on the road.

  • Choose a Roaming Plan. A roaming plan lets you pay one fixed monthly rate for voice or data anywhere in Canada or the U.S.A. and can help contain your costs – providing  worry-free calling, emailing and surfing. If you’re an occasional traveller outside Canada, a one-time voice, text or data package lets you talk, text and surf in many countries for one month.
  • Get Rocket Powered. Eliminate the hassle of looking for Wi-Fi hotspots or trying to find ethernet plugs and stay connected wherever you are with a Rocket mobile internet stick. Or, you can also choose from a growing selection of laptops with Rocket built in.  Another option is  a Rocket hub that will let a team of up to 15 connect wirelessly (and you can even plug in a landline for phone service).
  • Bring Your Social Community with You. Mobile versions of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook let you to carry your network of trusted friends and business associates with you wherever you go. Looking for directions, advice or a recommendation on where to eat? A quick status update or tweet can connect you with real-time information from sources that you trust.
  • Download Mobile Travel Apps. The list of apps that will help you on the road is almost endless: GPS navigation apps; travel -resource apps that let you manage your complete itinerary or check to see if your flight is on time; expense and mileage tracking apps; and currency converters – to name but a few. Check out BlackBerry App World, the Apple’s iTunes App Store, Android Market, or you can get apps through the Rogers mobile site.

You can find more on mobile solutions for business travellers here.

Do you have a favorite mobile app or tool when work takes you on the road? What tips do you have for business travellers?

Geoffrey Booth is a regular contributor to RedBoard Biz.

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