2010 June | Business Telecommunications

Archive for June, 2010

Nokia and Orange unveil innovative ways in which to recharge mobile phone handsets.

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

With increasingly more people working on the move, it seems that mobile phone manufacturers have been busy creating bespoke charging solutions to ensure that consumers are no longer restricted to plug sockets for power.

Mobile giant Nokia has recently released a charging kit that uses a dynamo powered by a bicycle’s wheels.

Bicycles are the most widespread form of transport across the world.

Any cyclist wishing to re-charge their device using the kit will need to maintain a speed of 4mph. A cyclist completing a 10 minute journey at 6mph will produce enough power for 28 minutes of talk time or 37 hours standby.

It is hoped that the charging kit will be available in stores by the end of 2010.

Similarly, Orange have come up with the concept of ‘power wellies’.

Created in conjunction with renewable energy experts Gotwind, the wellies use a unique ‘power generating sole’ which converts heat from the feet into an electrical current. This ‘welectricity’ created can then be used to recharge a mobile phone.

As the official communications partner for Glastonbury Festival, Orange will be showcasing the prototype during the event.

Posted in Business Mobiles | 6 Comments »

Tweetsii – App Review

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Location-based features are becoming par for the course in Twitter apps, so the idea of a Twitter app whose unique selling point is location may, at first glance, look a bit unnecessary.

However, Tweetsii is an interesting attempt to do something new – encouraging you to checkout tweets near your location more often, and associating them with places like bars, gig venues and tourist hotspots. In that sense, it’s like a Twitter app crossed with social location apps like Foursquare – you can even ‘check in’ to places as you can with Foursquare.

It might not tempt you away from ‘Tweetie 2’ or ‘Tweetdeck’ as yet, but it is definitely a worthy contender.

Posted in Business Telecommunications | 1 Comment »

LinkedIn 3.0 – App Review

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Business-focused social network LinkedIn has had a SmartPhone application for a while – available on BlackBerry and Apple’s i-phone – but it has always been rather ‘basic’. Their App has now been completely revamped, with an icon-based home screen that’s clearly inspired by the FaceBook application.

It’s a lot more intuitive to use and new features include the ability to comment on your contacts’ status updates, filter updates from your favorite people and even swap contacts locally via Bluetooth – great for conferencing and other networking events.

It may have taken a while, but LinkedIn has finally created a truly useful business app.

Posted in Mobile Apps Review | 1 Comment »

What the coalition government means for business telecommunications

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

When it emerged that no individual political party would have an overall parliamentary majority, it became clear that the structure and future landscape of the British telecommunications industry would be subject to the balance of power at number ten. But now that the Con-Lib coalition has been established, what impact will the new administration have on business telecommunications?

As the new Government begins to establish and implement a cohesive economic strategy, the telecommunications industry is likely to face a prolonged period of uncertainty. However, it is extremely likely that any form of re-shaping the telecommunications landscape will start with a revision of the ‘Digital Economy Act’. Therefore, if we take a look at both the Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties position on the act, prior to the general election, some overall trends emerge.

The Digital Economy Act
The controversial act gave increased power to Ofcom, the UK regulator of telecoms; the act also re-asserted Labour’s commitment to providing increased broadband access across the country. However, one of its most important elements – in terms of its impact on business telecommunications – is the fact that employers will now be held responsible for the digital actions of their employees and anyone using their network.

While the Liberal Democrat party pledged to revoke the Digital Economy Act if it came into power, the bill actually received the reluctant support of the Conservative shadow culture secretary at the time, Jeremy Hunt. Though, he did say that if the Tories made it into office, they would repeal any ‘flawed’ legislation.

In conclusion, it seems that both political parties understand that the Digital Economy Act could have major implications on the telecommunications industry and its ability to provide the jobs so critical to economic recovery. However, revising the act may remain a low priority as the coalition attempts to tackle broader economic issues, against the backdrop of conflicting political ideologies and economic objectives.

Posted in Telecommunications News | 1 Comment »

The text is on the wall

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

As providers scramble to satisfy the growing demand for content on the go for ever-more tech savvy consumers, it looks like brands are preparing to embrace the mobile channel as a marketing must. But what will be the impact on the end-user?

The UK may have one of the most mature mobile phone markets in the world, but until now mobile marketing has remained very much in its infancy. However, a number of significant developments in the past year could finally see the mobile platform live up to its potential as a marketing channel.

First of all, the impact of the SmartPhone and all its related applications on the m-commerce industry cannot be under estimated; applications offer brands a completely different level of interaction with their consumers and a chance to engage with them in a much more targeted and strategic way. Secondly, the cost of mobile data – which, historically, has been one of the main barriers to mobile marketing – has been significantly reduced over the past year.

The mobile channel provides immediacy, engagement, interactivity and instant measurement.
However, while the personal nature of a mobile phone has long been considered one of its biggest strengths as a marketing tool, it could also be described as its biggest weakness. Many reports suggest that mobile users find unsolicited advertising irritating and invasive. Therefore, it is vital brands understand that while m-commerce offers much marketing potential, advertising must never interfere or damage the end – user experience.

Posted in Business Mobiles | 1 Comment »

Twitterview: Recruitment in the current economic climate

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

We interview Paul Giacalone (@paulgtotal_ltd) Sales Director at Total Ltd, about the challenge of recruitment in the current economic climate through the medium of Twitter, where ‘tweets’ are limited to a maximum of 140 characters.

@total_ltd: How has the economic climate affected Total over the last year?

@paulgtotal_ltd: As expected, we are seeing prudent housekeeping by our customers. Is this concerning? Honestly, I would be more concerned if they weren’t.

@total_ltd: Has it been a time of opportunity or a time for extreme caution?

@paulgtotal_ltd: I believe our marketplace is unique as there are always times for opportunity and times for extreme caution.

@total_ltd: Cost is definitely a factor during the recruitment process. In a recession, how can a business ensure it gets good value for money?

@paulgtotal_ltd: In good times and bad, the answer is the same: if there is a doubt, there is no doubt. It is vital to take the time to find the best people you can.

@total_ltd: What recruitment concerns and issues have Total faced over the last few months? What has been the biggest challenge?

@paulgtotal_ltd: With more candidates available than ever before, the biggest challenge has been to leave vacancies open while waiting for the right person.

@total_ltd: Graduate recruitment seems to be highly recommended with good rates of success. What plans are Total implementing to utilise this channel?

@paulgtotal_ltd: Total has always been an advocate of graduate recruitment but it is important to remember that you cannot look for instant results: it is an apprenticeship.

@total_ltd: Total are wholly committed to individual development within the workplace. How does this benefit the business and its employees?

@paulgtotal_ltd: Investment in training and development is crucial. In a cycle, it benefits our customers which in turn generates good business, as well as motivating employees.

@total_ltd: Staff retention rates at Total are very high compared to other companies. What do you think are the reasons for this?

@paulgtotal_ltd: I would like to think it’s because they like working at Total; we have a close team with common goals.

@total_ltd: Finally, what five qualities do you look for in potential candidates hoping to become a member of the team here at Total Ltd?

@paulgtotal_ltd: We look for candidates that are honest and passionate with the ability to listen well. They must also have an innovative spirit alongside a sound work ethic.

Posted in Total Telecommunications New, Twitterview | 2 Comments »