Wireless computer access isn't just for surfing the Web at Starbucks. Wireless can change the way you operate your business. The key to making wireless access to the Web work best for your business is to define your goals and then choose the proper tools. Do some advance work first by:

1. Planning a roll-out that aligns with your business goals. If increasing sales is your number one goal, then unwire the sales force first. You will get the most immediate ROI.
2. Decide in advance which functions truly would benefit. While it may seem that once you set up a wireless network, everyone should have access, that strategy might not be right for your business. Every access point to a wireless network is a potential security risk; and it might not be worth the cost to buy wireless-enabled computers and devices for everyone.
3. Decide what level of security is needed for the information being accessed and transmitted and then don't compromise. Get assurances from all vendors that they can meet this level.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Free your sales team

Sales is one area in which businesses have benefited most from wireless Web access. Field staff can access customer and lead information, execute orders, and bill instantly with sales-force automation.

I recommend: Salesforce charges a monthly fee of about $65 for its cheapest solution. Siebel CRM On Demand through Oracle is another option. Both sites can walk you through the sign-up process.

Get more movement on the factory floor

If you are a manufacturer, wireless Web access can free up movement of operators on the plant floor, improve machine maintenance and improve communications.

I recommend: Rockwell Automation's Allen-Bradley division has experts and ample product information to explain how to use Web-enabled controllers.

Take remote control

Look for novel ways for the wireless Web to enable you to be somewhere other than your office: talking to customers, scouting new opportunities, taking care of family.

I recommend: Carrier, for instances, has products that allow you to control the climate of your business space remotely via the Web.

Set up a LAN

Perhaps your business simply needs a local area network (LAN) to allow computers within one office to access the Web and interact wirelessly. To do this, purchase a wireless router, a device that can be as small as a child's shoe box. These are simple to set up yourself.

I recommend: Buy equipment from major vendors like Dell and Toshiba. Or another good resource is manufacturer Linksys.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Build in redundancies. Wireless networks, though becoming more reliable, still can fail. Have a plan to carry on with business if they do.
• •  Monitor usage. Just because there are no wires doesn't mean you can forget about policies to protect yourself and your business. Start with the assumption that some employee sometime will want to use your wireless technology for illicit or illegal reasons and establish and maintain a policy to combat it.