Connected and Protected

By Jim Patenaude Technology is no longer limited to entertainment. Now people want productivity and convenience, a cell phone to connect us, GPS to direct us and a Palm Pilot to program our days. High-speed data lines coupled with Voice-over-IP telephones come right into our homes, which are now protected by a security system using passive infrared detection, carbon monoxide detectors and digital communicators. While technology brings convenience to our home and family, that same technology offers increased functionality to the at home worker and brick and mortar businesses. A Global Connection The days of Bill Porter, the quintessential Fuller Brush salesman, going door to door are long gone. Technology is helping spark the increase in home offices and a reliance on being wired into a virtual community. Tele-commuting is no longer a buzz word but a more professional and efficient approach to running a business than using just a cell phone and pad of paper. A few years back, the requisite technology was cost prohibitive and afforded only by major corporations between their multiple corporate offices. Today, a home office can use a virtual private network (VPN) to create network connection between the employee and the primary office location. The home-based employee, contractor or independent consultant can purchase a couple of routers and install a VPN to meet their data and networking needs for less than $500. At the next level up, they can opt for Voice-over-Internet Protocol, or VoIP, which can be purchased online or from your local cable company. VoIP has the ability of using a multi-line, fully functional telephone plugged into an internet connection in one's home or remote office. (It is not to be confused with an Internet SIP line, which is a cost-effective option for telephone service.) With VoIP, the at-home employee is connected to the main office with full functionality including paging, intercom, voicemail and unified messaging. And there are noteworthy savings because there is no telephone bill, no wasted time driving, huge savings in real estate the global world comes to you. And Local Protection Technology can also produce considerable cost savings for business owners, especially retail businesses absorbing the costs from what is euphemistically called "shrinkage." According to an article on CNNMoney.com, employee theft continues to be the main source of lost inventory for retailers, accounting for almost $18 billion in 2005, followed by shoplifting which cost merchants $12.2 billion, administrative error which cost sellers $5.5 billion and vendor fraud which accounted for $1.9 billion in lost sales (12/8/06). While some on the receiving end may call it Big Brother, an investment in effective security may save the business owner big bucks. Security systems can be installed to lock down areas after certain hours, while still allowing for emergency egress, keeping the areas secure and preventing product from "sliding out the back door." Simultaneously, the use of report logs on openings and closings allow for accountability on arriving on time and early closings. A digital surveillance system can prevent theft and reduce or eliminate liability, and also become a major help to production. If nothing else, the cameras keep honest people honest along with recording daily activity. Similar to the well-wired, work-at-home employee, a security system can be configured to allow a manager to log on over the Web and watch first-hand the output of these cameras on his computer screen and watch activities live. To take full advantage of the technology, the system would need to include either a digital or network video receiver. Issues about image quality and storage are addressed by using the proper equipment and having the system installed by a professional. Technology opens up endless opportunities for simplicity and contentment in people's busy day-to-day lives. And it can simplify our lives and provide a sense of security that enables us to focus on what needs to be done during those working days.