4G & the Enterprise: a Discussion with Paget Alves
This is the second Q&A of an ongoing discussion with Paget Alves, President of the Business Markets Group for Sprint Nextel. In this session, Alves discusses 4G technology and what it means for the enterprise.
So what exactly is 4G?
A: 4G is the next generation of wireless networks that will complement third generation (3G) mobile broadband technology. 4G technology provides high-speed, high-capacity IP-based services for video, data and voice on an integrated global network. Sprint 4G combines the best characteristics of both current WiFi solutions and 3G mobile broadband into a new, open-standards based solution that is up to 10 times faster downloading information than current 3G networks.
What benefits will 4G bring to the enterprise beyond increased bandwidth/speed?
A: Businesses and government agencies will be able to extend their Internet experience beyond a fixed location by using this technology. It’s all about mobility! Of course, access to the Internet and connecting to corporate networks is essential to the competitive advantage of any business. In fact, instant access to company resources from virtually anywhere is critical to getting work accomplished and increasing job satisfaction for employees while enabling increased collaboration with existing or prospective customers. Furthermore, higher bandwidth enables richer desktop applications to be accessible within the mobile environment.
What should IT professionals be doing today to prepare for the shift to 4G?
A: IT professionals should consider how 4G can provide increased cost efficiency and increased employee productivity by extending existing or future applications leveraging this advanced technology. For the employee, Sprint 4G Mobile Broadband devices and embedded laptop solutions will enable individuals to work when and where they want via latency improvements over current mobile solutions that enable rich content, larger file transfers and streaming video. This translates to real improvements in productivity.
For the enterprise, Sprint 4G as a last-mile replacement can connect your remote business locations, offices and mobile workgroups with integrated voice and data solutions using secure network connections while providing the flexibility to rapidly deploy sites while maintaining connectivity to business-critical information. Sprint 4G also provides a cost-effective back-up to a wired connection in the event of service disruption. For the IT professional, 4G provides the opportunity to decrease total telecom spending and to enable employee mobility in a challenging economic environment. Literally, you should consider each and every access point and consider if 3G/4G Mobile Broadband technology is a viable option.
Is there or will there be a single killer 4G application for the enterprise?
A: I’d suggest the “killer app” is focused on enabling Unified Communications or UC. UC integrates daily communication tools such as email, voicemail, instant messaging, fax, calendars and audio/video conferencing, and is a phenomenal opportunity to lower costs while increasing customer satisfaction due to increased collaboration. With Sprint 4G, the user experience is the same – whether the employee is sitting in an office accessing corporate information via a wired connection or presenting at a customer site leveraging 3G/4G technology. The latency improvements offered by 4G ensure a common user experience regardless of the access type.
WiMax vs. LTE – Your perspective?
A: I’d first start with their similarities – both WiMAX and LTE are 4G technologies designed to move data in a faster, more efficient manner. Both are based on IP networks. Where their differences collide is in the genesis of their technologies which could spark a philosophical argument between network engineers which doesn’t necessarily speak to the actual customer benefits realized. The most impactful difference relates to availability. WiMAX, or Clearwire / Sprint 4G as the clear leader in enabling this technology, has a 2-year head start over the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology with lower cost chip sets optimized for embedded devices. This facilitates new business models with open standards and embedded devices in the near term. As the alternative, LTE is projected for availability in 2012 – a lifetime away for businesses attempting to survive and thrive in a difficult economic environment. If I were to gaze into a crystal ball, I’d suggest this future discussion as to WiMAX vs. LTE may be more of an exercise in splitting hairs as compared to identify clear differences as to customer benefits.
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