Mobiles are fast becoming our natural extensions. Now, thanks to the hi-end business phones flooding the markets, conducting business has never been this easy.
In the lead up to and following GITEX, e+ will be dedicating three weeks to all things tech-related. This week's mobile mania feature includes
With the advent of PDAs and BlackBerries, mobile professionals can now work out of home and are loving their new business assets.
Mobile phones are no longer what they used to be. Can you even remember the last time you saw a rudimentary phone creating a hype?
Now mobile phones have become portable PCs to carry around in your pocket. For instance, think about the PDAs and BlackBerries that are enabling businessmen to carry their work with them anywhere in the world. Here are the musings from a cross-section of business professionals based in Dubai.
"I feel more connected to my office and workplace than before," says David Bell. "It is great to be able to check your email at anytime and see if there are any important things that are to be done for work."
So what exactly can you do when you have a computer-based mobile phone? "I use a PDA and now I do not know what I would do without it," says Rajan Hakr. "I can do anything with it, I have all the Microsoft software on the phone which enables me to make word documents, graphs, charts and even make slide presentations for meetings which can be sent to everyone in my office by Bluetooth technology."
With BlackBerry phones there are applications that have been made especially for different business purposes. They have programs for legal businesses, financial, real estate, insurance and even small businesses.
"I am in real estate and my BlackBerry has made it possible for me to carry out all my business plans without actually having to be in the office," says Duncan Ray. "But I feel that sometimes I may be setting a bad example. You see, many of my colleagues and staff have BlackBerries and I discourage them to do their work from home as it may affect business."
However, Ray feels it's a minor block as his business phone is a reliable ally during his numerous business trips.
"When I go on business trips, I don't need to take my laptop with me as everything I need is stored in the phone. It is therefore easier and convenient to use."
Even though convenience is something which most people would probably agree is high on their priority list, are these kinds of phones essential, or do we already have enough technology to get us through our businesses?
Yes, says Bandar K who runs a business. "I think businessmen need PDAs as we are very often on the move, especially in other countries. To a common man it may seem redundant since most countries are equipped with laptops and wireless connections, but if you are running a business having a PDA is reassuring. Everything is at arms length."
Future looks bright
It is proven that work has become much easier to do with computer phones. So where does that lead us for the future?
"There will come a day when all business transactions can be done on the go," says business professional Robert Beattie. "Very soon, we can even do away with office space and handle everything out of home."
Whether his words come true or not, only time can tell. For the time being, businessmen are basking in the marvels of technology and their new business partners.
