Broadband Technologies for Business: Fast Track to the Future

MN Development Conference2009

Bill ColemanCommunity Technology Advisorswww.communitytechnologyadvisors.com

CONNECTIVITY

Can your businesses connect to a quality network at the speeds and prices with adequate redundancy so that connectivity is a locational advantage for your community?

BandwidthHow much is enough?

Bandwidth availability drives applications

Bandwidth scarcity stifles use

◦Video◦Data backup◦Virus protection◦Cloud computing◦Information

sharing

Limited downloads and uploads

Limited server hostingLimited information

sharingSpurs innovation

◦ Compression

◦ Remote servers

AffordabilityAffordability = AccessSome schools have 100 Mb; some have

T1s; how are kids affected?1 Mb, purchased in quantity, in downtown

Minneapolis is $5; what is a T1 (1.5 Mb) in your community?

Comcast offers 100 Mb/15Mb for $350; is that affordable?

Some providers offer 1 Mb for $40; is that affordable?

Competition increases affordability; especially with three or more providers

RedundancyInternet from two sources or two

routes from the same providerImportance increases in relation

to network use◦Some companies can afford to lose

service◦Some cannot!

Can your community offer the redundant services that tech-savvy businesses are seeking?

Wired or Wireless

Wired WirelessFiber is best

◦ Highest speeds

◦ Most reliable

◦ All providers installing deeper and deeper into networks on overbuild or network reconstruction/upgrades

Never underestimate the ability of engineers to send data down a copper wire

Increasing capabilities◦ WiMax

◦ 4G

◦ 802.11n wi-fi

Easy deployment◦ Fast installation

◦ Low cost

Satellite is a last resort technology

BUSINESS ISSUES

Are your businesses ready, able and willing to make use of new technologies?

Do your businesses have a technology strategy?Internet selling and buying

◦Web sites◦Transaction capability◦Relationships with customers and

suppliersMarketing

◦Web 2.0/Social media Blog Twitter

Do your businesses have the necessary skills and tech support?Are companies able to hire the

people they need to manage technology?

Are there qualified tech support companies in your community or very nearby?

Does your community do anything to enhance this situation?◦Technology classes for business

owners◦Attraction of tech support companies

MobilityDoes your community have

wireless services sufficient to support mobile operations for business?

Are your businesses adopting mobile technologies to increase productivity and enhance customer service?

What about in outlying rural areas of your business community’s service area?

COMPANIES NEED CONNECTIVITY AND THE SOPHISTICATION TO MAKE USE OF IT!

Summary

Bill ColemanCommunity Technology Advisors651-491-2551 bill@communitytechnologyadvisors.comwww.communitytechnologyadvisors.com