Business Travel and the Internet

Byrgottilla

Business Travel and the Internet

These days, travel and computer use almost go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re carpooling across state or you’re flying internationally for business, almost all companies have some sort of ties to the mobile workforce.

In fact, many companies plan for it by making laptops accessible for employees on the go. Other companies rely on Blackberrys and other portable digital devices to keep their employees connected to email and the web.

However, Internet access tends to be rather sketchy on the road. Unless you’re able to supply your computers with wireless capabilities through a 3G network or other mobile routing system, it may be difficult for employees to send large files or share information from a remote location.

These days, car companies and airlines are stepping in to provide mobile Internet access. Automobile makers like BMW offer computers as a part of their more luxury vehicles. These computers have in-vehicle Internet access as long as you’re within range of their network. Airlines are also offering onboard Internet access, as long as you’re seated in one of the equipped stations (usually in business or first class) and you pay the appropriate fee.

Like most advances in technology, it’s only a matter of time before these types of services are offered more universally. Although they come at an added expense right now, experts estimate that most people will have more mobile Internet options within the next five years.

If your business is on the cutting edge of technology, it might be worthwhile to invest in these types of “on the road shortcuts” right now. However, if you’re content to wait, you can tap into netbooks and PDAs as a way to provide a little more connectivity until the rest of the technology catches up.