Wireless devices are clearly changing our day-to-day functions. With ease, we connect through networks at home, work and play through our smartphones and tablets. With this growth in mobile technology, it seems worthwhile to ask: How soon will it be before these mobile devices transform our activities in our place of work?

An article in Forbes reported that 87 percent of sales for connected devices will be tablets and smartphones in the next four years. It was predicted in 2011 by Microsoft Tag that mobile Internet use would exceed desktop Internet use in 2014. As we are halfway through the year, 63 percent of users today admit that they are using their mobile devices to connect to the Internet. With such extensive growth projected, businesses will need to adopt new practices to support this increase in mobile device usage.

As we become accustomed to the new speed and accessibility to information, the more we will need to connect to files from any device, anywhere. With many people finding comfort using their own devices, they use a BYOD arrangement in the workplace. This stands for Bring Your Own Device.

BYOD practices can be advantageous to a business. As mentioned earlier, people are simply more comfortable using their own devices. This leads to increased productivity and innovation. Personal devices tend to more cutting-edge with the latest applications and have more frequent updates. Employees are happier when working on their own devices. They selected them for a reason – personal customized features – and, after all, it is their personal investment. Lastly, this is cost effective for the employer. The cost shifts to the user rather than the company, with no responsibility when handling device repairs and maintenance. However, with BOYD practices, we become concerned about data security. All who work from their devices should implement BYOD Security. This is remote wipe and encryption software that separates work data on a separate secure area on an individual’s personal device.

With mobile technology, people are generally more connected. Whether you are at lunch or on vacation – we are connected with our smartphones and tablet in tow. This allows for the employee to have more freedom, which in turn makes a happier, less stressed, more productive employee.

As Americans, we work long hours as it is. Why not have the freedom to choose to work on a Saturday and have a lighter workload on Monday? The key is having the choice.

Mentioned in an earlier article, I discussed the fundamentals of Google Hummingbird. Google is prepared to better serve the mobile user with a precise algorithm that works with users and their mobile devices in a search. This also serves businesses best when they have a mobile-friendly website. These less refined searches are better addressed; for example, “How do you make low-fat banana bread?” The Internet is evolving to accommodate the use of more mobile devices.

Mobile applications can save businesses money in a way that your desktop computer may not. Applications are an affordable option compared to software. You can find everything for business through applications but for a fraction of the price.

Some businesses are moving towards POS systems for their devices. Apple’s Square POS system allows you to run credit cards through your iPad or iPhone. This is great for retailers as you can add your inventory and track your sales analytics with ease.

What if you never needed paper or plastic again? This could be the future with Mobile Wallet. Mobile Wallet uses near-field communication (NFC) chips inside mobile smart phones and tablets to transmit payment information. When a customer is ready to pay using a mobile wallet, they open an app on their smartphone or other device. The customer then enters a PIN and selects the payment account they wish to use, along with any special offers or customer reward programs they want to apply. At the time of payment, they simply tap their device to an enabled payment terminal, and the payment information is transmitted. The benefits of handling less cash make some consumers feel more secure. On the business side, merchants will move to adopt alternative monetary exchanges to increase profits. Forgot your wallet? No problem. However, it may be more difficult for small businesses to adopt these new practices.

As 2014 continues with new technological advancements, businesses and consumer behaviors will evolve. Mobile devices will have a huge influence on how we operate in the future. From new applications to QR codes, businesses will need to evolve with these advancements. With all of these advancements, I often wonder, even living in a small town, how long will the “cash only” businesses be around? QCBN

By Donna Werking