Telecommunications, the Internet, and Wireless Technology: Catalyst of the New Business Era

Telecommunications, the Internet, and Wireless Technology: Catalyst of the New Business Era

Introduction

        In today’s society, one thing seems to remain constant: change. Companies continue to ask themselves, “How can we improve ourselves?” or, “Is there any way we can expand on this?” With this kind of mindset, businesses are continuously modifying themselves to keep up with the frequently fluctuating society, especially in the technology department. More specifically, companies are working to improve their telecommunications, internet use, and wireless technology. This will allow businesses to operate more efficiently and cut down costs at the same time. Throughout this paper, I will discuss how far we have come in telecommunication, the internet, and wireless technology, as well as what possible opportunities lie in the future for these regions of technology. Not only will the benefits of these areas be discussed, but how each one has come to be, key advantages of each, and also the disadvantages as well. [pic 1]

Telecommunications

What it is

        What exactly is Telecommunication? “Telecommunication refers to the exchange of information of by electronic and electrical means over a significant distance.” This is what Techopedia^[1] had to say about Telecommunications, or telecom for short. One must have two or more stations furnished with transmitters and receivers to have a complete telecommunications system. Examples of telecom include telephones, telegraph, radio, satellite communication system, mobile cellular system, TV, and many more. These examples are all considered transmitting technologies. In telecom, data is transferred as either analog or digital signal carrier [pic 2][pic 3]

waves^[2] for conveying material. According to Diffen.com, analog signal carriers are continuous signals, representing physical measurement; on the other hand, digital signal carriers are distinct time signals produced by digital variation. [pic 4]

Benefits

        Now that we have an idea of what Telecommunications is, let’s see what beneficial things it has done for business. It has become an important tool for businesses and is now a key element in communication. Some beneficiary effects it has had on businesses include customer service, collaboration, reduced operational costs, and a better marketing strategy.

        Starting with customer service, the telephone has been and continues to be an important key for the customer service approach. Through call management techniques, business people can take on calls quickly and transfer calls effectively to employees that can handle the issue the caller discussed. Another use of Telecom for customer service includes a follow-up service call. This shows that the company cares for its customers through its hands-on activity.

        Moving on, collaboration has been able to help company teams progress in plans like new product development, customer relationship management, and quality initiatives. Telecom has provided teams to develop and make important decisions when all of the members aren’t able to join the meetings. How can this happen? Members that aren’t present are able to join via teleconference or even web conference with the use of a smartphone or computer that has access to the Internet.                                 This has significantly helped companies be able to                                                 collaborate constantly and keep moving forward on projects.[pic 5][pic 6]

                                Next is operational costs and how it has been significantly

                                lowered. Firstly, automated machines have lowered                                                 expenses by removing wages and salaries for the additional physical labor that was needed to make calls. Also, Internet communication, like email, can save a business tremendous amounts of money by cutting out postal, paper, and phone costs. Lastly, by having a viral meeting instead of meeting in person, not only is money  saved, but time is saved from traveling as well.

The Internet

What is it

        The Internet has done more for businesses than anything else has done before. Internet Society had this idea about the Internet: "The Internet is at once a world-wide broadcasting capability, a mechanism for information dissemination, and interaction between individuals and their computers without regard for geographic location." The most basic form of the Internet can be traced back to as early as August 1962 when a series of memos were networked. From there, it kicked off what would be one of the largest technological booms in history.[pic 7]

Benefits

        Once again, the Internet has allowed so many possibilities for people and even more so to companies. Businesses have been utilizing the Internet since the day it was up to improve in any way possible. Ways of improvement include improved communications and networking, customer contact, wider business networks, access to data, and market research and internet advertising.

        Starting off with communications and networking, the Internet has made it more efficient for more companies to do business on the international realm through making the world "smaller." SuperPages.com mentions that a major benefit is that companies have the ability to stay in touch with their "partners, investors, clients, and customers," no matter what the location is. It also helps to get rid of the additional paperwork.[pic 8]

        Customer contact is another key aspect for businesses. Companies try to make it their goal to be the most convenient for their customers. With the help of the Internet, a company can use their website to allow customers to see their new products and service any time that[pic 9]

 they want to. This has also contributed to a

 profit increase since the customer can buy

 the product or service at their house instead

 of at the company store.

        Similar to the customer contact, the Internet has allowed companies to keep wider business networks. SuperPages.com also had this to say about the Internet: "Companies can also maintain ties with other organizations and sister companies through the Internet." With this connection, all businesses can now stay up to date with each other and all the new as well as other issues.