HOW SMALL BUSINESSES CAN WORK SMARTER

Today, more small business employees are using wireless technology to work away from the office, many are turning to cloud-based solutions to extend the benefits of a mobile workforce even further. Small business owners are recognizing the value of cloud-based applications and accessing them remotely via smartphones and tablets.

In fact, according to the 2012 AT&T Small Business Tech Poll, half of small businesses expect to have all their employees using wireless technology to work remotely by the end of this year.

• Nearly all small businesses (96%) use wireless technologies in their operations, with almost two-thirds (63%) indicating that they could not survive — or it would be a major challenge to survive — without wireless technologies.
• More than four in 10 (43%) small businesses report all of their employees use wireless devices or technologies to work away from the office, a nearly 80% jump over the past three years.
• Despite being a relatively new technology device, two-thirds (67%) of small businesses indicate that they use tablet computers, up from 57% a year ago.
• 85% of small businesses reported using smartphones for their operations, up from 80% last year and more than double the usage five years ago (42%).
• One third of smartphones used by small businesses for business purposes, operate at 4G speeds; and nearly nine in 10 (86%) of the businesses operating with 4G smartphones are satisfied with the speed.

Taking advantage of cloud-based solutions gives small businesses access to powerful business tools in real-time from virtually anywhere business might take them. Microsoft Office 365 features cloud-based tools to enhance business productivity at a low predictable monthly cost, enhanced security and virtually anywhere access to the capabilities businesses need most, including:

• Professional e-mail and calendar sharing with Microsoft Exchange
• Microsoft Word®, Excel®, PowerPoint®, and other popular Microsoft Office® productivity tools
• Instant messaging via Microsoft Lync®, PC-to-PC calling, and integrated presence
• Web conferencing and HD videoconferencing
• File sharing and document management

In addition, Microsoft Office 365 offers:

• Availability for businesses of all sizes
• The ability for business owners to focus on their core business instead of IT tasks
• A cost-efficient, right-sized all-in-one solution

Wireless service is one of the most significant drivers of the U.S. economy. Anytime, anywhere connection is critical to success for small businesses, so wireless devices become a lifeline helping them juggle personal and business needs while on the run. For many, their wireless device becomes an “office in their pocket,” enhancing productivity and enabling them to take their business wherever they go, whether it be a client meeting or a family vacation.