Broadband Technologies for Business: Fast Track to the Future

Broadband Technologies for Business: Fast Track to the Future
MN Development Conference
2009
Bill Coleman
Community Technology Advisors
www.communitytechnologyadvisors.com

Connectivity
Can your businesses connect to a quality network at the speeds and prices with adequate redundancy so that connectivity is a locational advantage for your community?

BandwidthHow much is enough?
Bandwidth availability drives applications
Bandwidth scarcity stifles use
Video
Data backup
Virus protection
Cloud computing
Information sharing
Limited downloads and uploads
Limited server hosting
Limited information sharing
Spurs innovation
Compression
Remote servers

Affordability
Affordability = Access
Some schools have 100 Mb; some have T1s; how are kids affected?
1 Mb, purchased in quantity, in downtown Minneapolis is $5; what is a T1 (1.5 Mb) in your community?
Comcast offers 100 Mb/15Mb for $350; is that affordable?
Some providers offer 1 Mb for $40; is that affordable?
Competition increases affordability; especially with three or more providers

Redundancy
Internet from two sources or two routes from the same provider
Importance increases in relation to network use
Some companies can afford to lose service
Some cannot!
Can your community offer the redundant services that tech-savvy businesses are seeking?

Wired or Wireless
Wired
Wireless
Fiber is best
Highest speeds
Most reliable
All providers installing deeper and deeper into networks on overbuild or network reconstruction/upgrades
Never underestimate the ability of engineers to send data down a copper wire
Increasing capabilities
WiMax
4G
802.11n wi-fi
Easy deployment
Fast installation
Low cost
Satellite is a last resort technology

Business Issues
Are your businesses ready, able and willing to make use of new technologies?

Do your businesses have a technology strategy?
Internet selling and buying
Web sites
Transaction capability
Relationships with customers and suppliers
Marketing
Web 2.0/Social media
Blog
Twitter

Do your businesses have the necessary skills and tech support?
Are companies able to hire the people they need to manage technology?
Are there qualified tech support companies in your community or very nearby?
Does your community do anything to enhance this situation?
Technology classes for business owners
Attraction of tech support companies

Mobility
Does your community have wireless services sufficient to support mobile operations for business?
Are your businesses adopting mobile technologies to increase productivity and enhance customer service?
What about in outlying rural areas of your business community’s service area?

Companies need connectivity and the sophistication to make use of it!
Summary

Bill ColemanCommunity Technology Advisors651-491-2551 bill@communitytechnologyadvisors.comwww.communitytechnologyadvisors.com