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Wireless Broadband Modems
PDF of this tutorial9. Business Applications of the Internet
- The Internet is a worldwide technical library at a time when most companies cannot afford an in-house library. Search engines beat microfilm readers for most applications. (IBM has its patent library and the FCC its wireless orders and rulings on-line for everyone to use; National Technical Information Service (NTIS), the federal bookstore, provides on-line access to Department of Commerce regulations for a fee.)
- Most technical suppliers provide a Web site with sufficient information to produce at least the starting point of a product catalog or data search.
- Some cities have the building permit process online and provide access to regulations.
- Realtors have their listings. It is possible for salespeople to qualify the prospect by showing pictures. This allows comparison of what the customer says he wants with what he wants and can cut down the time to search. It avoids excessive time driving around and exposure to other Realtors.
- So you want to buy a car? The salesman knows that he has one and knows where it is to close the sale right there. (This is especially important in the new era of mega dealers such as Republic Industries.)
- online banking, accounting, outsourcing accounting services
- Farms are small businesses, requiring data ranging from weather updates to price trends. The physical isolation of farm families can make the school, educational, catalog shopping, and communications applications more important. Many wireless operators cover rural areas.
- Electronic data transfer supporting the purchasing, billing, and accounting functions is especially important for the large number of smaller businesses providing just-in-time service for larger businesses. The concept started with manufacturing but extends to the medical and professional fields.
