As businesses get used to the wider capabilities of 4G, we are finding that they are collaborating more readily with technologies optimised for working anywhere. Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Lync 2013 are just some of the tools that businesses are using as readily as their phone and email.
4G has moved the idea of business mobility from what is essentially an individual phenomenon, to a collective one. Businesses are now able to set up instant temporary offices in all kinds of scenarios.
4G isn't all about speed. The capacity and stability of 4G means that businesses will be able to do much more on the move, eradicating the need for a fixed site.
From facilities management to logistics to construction and engineering – any organisation with a large mobile workforce will tell you how reliant they are on their mobile networks to be able to operate effectively out on the road. Mobile connectivity is vital to business success.
Tools such as Office 365 - which helps bring together a variety of communications - HD video conferencing, instant messaging and business grade email will all work better with 4G, providing an even more seamless experience.
4G has accelerated the ease with which mobility can be embedded in work cultures. However, it's also highlighted a necessity for having practical managed mobility solutions and policies in place too.
It's the perennial paradox of freedom versus control: if business owners want the freedom to work as flexibly as 4G allows, they need the protection of the corporate network extended to them wherever they happen to be – and on a broad range of mobile devices.
As more people have the ability to work flexibly it means using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions such as MaaS360 from Fiberlink to protect data and secure the corporate network.
Is your business making the most of the benefits 4G can deliver?
Discover the benefits of 4G with Office 365. Right now you can get the first month's subscription to Office 365 for no cost, if you have an O2 mobile contract, or you take one out – and O2 will even help you get it up and running on your chosen devices, while providing ongoing technical support, should you need assistance once you're up and running. Find out more here.
The O2 4G network now reaches over 18 million people in the UK. That's across 13 major cities and over 160 surrounding towns up and down the country. We've now reached 31% indoor population coverage and there's even more to come as we continue to invest £1.5m every day in our network.
Content on this page is produced and controlled by O2 Business
Sign up to become a member of the Guardian Small Business Network here for more advice, insight and best practice direct to your inbox.
