June 19, 2007

Do You Know What A Femtocell Is?

Some times we get caught up in the "usual" technology of technology that we don't take the time to think about what new products, beyond what we'd expect are coming out.

Computer World writes that A femtocell is a small cellular base station that can be used in homes or small business offices. Kalvade said the femtocell connects to the service provider's network via a broadband connection such as DSL or a cable modem and allows service providers to extend service coverage inside a home or office without the need for expensive cellular towers. The femtocell, sometimes called a home base station, can also route mobile phone traffic through an IP network, she said.

This sounds similar to WiMax, which is an advanced type of "WiFi" (for the laymen/women out there) - it's faster and has a farther signal.

Of course some of the emerging technology will never make it out of the development labs. Other technologies will make it out of the lab, but cost so much or are so impractical to build that they won't be mass produced beyond a pilot phase.

However, this is why it's so important to read and have on your side the services of a technology guru/consultant who knows what's going on. She can be your eyes and ears for the latest, practical and viable technology for your business.

As you consider these new technologies consider the following:

1. Will it grow with me. If it's a closed system or proprietary it might not be for you

2. Can I get support for it, in the long term.

3. How will it affect my customers and employees.

4. What will the return on investment be.

5. Who else is using this technology and what are their views of it.

These five questions will help keep you on the right track in evaluating new technology.

Read the full Computer World article here.

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