What if there was a way to be in two places at the same time? It turns out, you don’t have to be an expert in physics or cloning to make it a reality – and it’s not a glimpse of the future, either. One of the hottest trends in the technology world is a whole generation of new innovations that enable remote access and control. While these are a boon for any busy professional, they are truly indispensable for the small business owner.
Consider the revolution in mobile and desktop computing that Apple has helped to usher into the mainstream. The biggest benefit of these always-on devices is not just about increased mobility and one-way accessibility. Increasingly, it’s about the ability to perform a vast array of business functions by remote control, potentially freeing up precious hours of time to devote to more critical revenue-generating activities. There is an entire industry of “apps” (short for “applications”) developers out there who are taking remote computing and communications to the next level. That next level is poised to be one of great efficiency and improved time-saving.
Controlling Multiple Networked Computers
Apple’s iPad has certainly captured the industry’s attention, and now a new app called LogMeIn Ignition is making it easier for the busy small business owner to use the iPad to access multiple computers in any given network. All that’s required is a small software app installed on each machine you want to access and Internet connectivity – you can then access the desktop of each computer that’s enrolled on your network. This allows you to leverage the applications on those machines right from your iPad, effectively transforming the tablet from a consumption/browsing/light-work portable device, into a harder-hitting computing platform. For the busy small business owner who simply doesn’t have time to run back to the office to perform a time-sensitive task in the evening during family time, this type of application can be a game-changer (and a life-saver).
Remote Collaboration Tools
Don’t get the impression that Apple is the only game in town if you’re running a PC shop. More and more small business owners are wondering why they should continue to invest in costly software applications that allow them to share calendars and synchronize projects in the workplace. A new generation of hosted, web-based remote collaboration solutions is starting to fill that void. These are gaining favour for the simple reason that software programs – and the IT resources needed to install and configure them – are expensive.
In a web-based, remote collaboration environment, all of your employees have online access to the same set of collaboration tools regardless of what software is running on their PC. There’s little doubt that software version compatibility issues are a major headache for businesses of all sizes, but they are even more disruptive for small businesses that can’t always afford to upgrade to the latest releases. Remote collaboration solutions can solve that problem, while helping to better control IT costs. Typically, these solutions are available as a service based on a number of users and storage requirements, making it easier to budget fixed costs.
Extending the Mobile Platform
Mobile applications are growing exponentially, and are available through a wide range of smart phones and devices. Since a large majority of small business owners are migrating to smart devices, the potential for business transformation is huge. While it’s convenient for a home-owner to be able to turn their lights on or off from their smart phone, just imagine the application in a business context. With increases in energy costs, the ability to exercise that kind of control over utility consumption while away from the office is a big advantage. Another wave of very useful apps allows business owners to give employees access to business files through their smart devices – ideal in situations where employees are distributed and require virtual networking capabilities to be productive.
It turns out that managing your small business by remote control isn’t just a futuristic pipe dream. While the solutions available are not yet mature, they are tantalizingly within reach of small business owners looking for affordable ways to be in two places at the same time.