As your business begins to grow, you need to increase your communication methods to keep up, and typically that means providing your employees with mobile phones. When it comes to smartphones for business, you may think it’s a simple as popping to the high street and buying as many phones as you need. However, to get the best mobile phones for your business, you should first consider what your company’s needs are. Every business relies on good communication, which is why it is worth finding the ideal phones, tariffs, and options that work for your company.
While you are in the process of making the decisions about your business’s mobile phones, it is best to ensure that the person or department responsible for your company IT is involved. Your IT manager is the best person to advise you on how to integrate any new devices into your existing infrastructure and how to determine the best way to support your new mobile phones. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know and consider when purchasing mobile phones for your business.
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In the world of smartphones, there is more than Android or iOS, but as the two most popular operating systems for mobile phones, your business will have more choice of handsets.
iOS is the operating system for one of the largest tech giants in the world, Apple, and the business capabilities of iOS has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years. However, as with all operating systems, there are pros and cons to consider.
When it comes to the pros of iOS, the first is easy deployment, as setting up and administering various iOS devices is a straightforward process as a result of the excellent tools provided by Apple. Additionally, iOS is a secure and virus-free operating system that is immune to tampering and is known as a closed system with apps available to download only after they have been through rigorous testing. Furthermore, this system is relatively easy to use, especially for people who are new to the platform.
As for the cons of iOS, the first is that there are fewer hardware options as iOS will only run on iPhones and iPads, limiting your choice of hardware which are also more expensive than their Android counterparts. As we mentioned previously, iOS is a closed operating system, and while there are benefits to this, there are also cons, such as a reduction in how much you can configure the platform for your business needs. This limited customization can stifle a company as most businesses need to tailor their smartphones for the needs of their enterprise.
Android is the operating system of another tech giant and can be run on a range of handsets. Androids come in a standard version, but many companies have taken advantage of the open-source architecture in order to create customized versions of the operating system. The extensive range of handsets available on Android is one of the top benefits of this operating system as it provides a range of devices to suit every budget. In addition to the range of handsets, Android is also more flexible as it does not run on a closed operating system which means it can be customized to suit your business needs.
When it comes to the cons of Android, the fact that this operating system isn’t closed means that it is more vulnerable to malicious apps and viruses. As well as the increased vulnerability, due to the open-source architecture, the system is not always as intuitive as the versions vary depending on how the phone manufacturers have altered how users can interact with the system. Finally, while there may be more choice in hardware for Android, not all the handsets are reliable, and this can make choosing robust device challenging.
Finding the right tariff for your business can be challenging, and many companies opt to sign agreements with operators for a set period of time which typically comes with handsets. However, while this may seem like the easiest option, the best option is actually to purchase your handsets separately and purchase cheap SIM-only deals instead. When it comes to choosing the right deal, it can be challenging to find what works for you as business needs are ever-changing; for the best plans that allow you to change how much you pay and what your usage is, there’s this range.
Before you make any decisions on what to buy and the tariff you choose, you should first understand how your business would use mobile communication. Ask yourself, your business partners, and employees how they use their phones and what they will need to determine which features and plan you will need.
The security of your business is vital, and every aspect must be secure in order to ensure that you continue to run smoothly and your mobile phones are no exception. Conversations, financial data, personal information needs to be in safe hand, and due to certain vulnerabilities of mobile phones such as Wi-Fi, hacking, and theft, security can be a challenge. Some phones offer closed operating systems, and others provide encrypting apps, strong passwords, or remote erasing if a phone is stolen is lost. Whichever handsets you choose, you should ensure the security of the device matches the requirements of your business.
There are multiple tools and apps for business software available on smartphones; however, different devices have access to a variety of different apps. If you choose Android operating software, for example, but only have use for apps that are exclusively available on iOS, you will be unable to complete the tasks your business requires.
Every type of handset provides a range of helpful tools such as to-do lists, calendars, password keepers, and many other features. Organizing your workday and keeping track of your employees is vital, which is why you need to choose a device that can streamline your operations on the go without slowing you down.
Unlike your other devices and systems, your business’s mobile phones will run on batteries, and it is essential they have a good life in order for you and your employees to get the most out of them. The last thing your staff will want are mobile phones that run out of charge halfway through the day; this is why it is imperative that you check the battery life of the handsets you are choosing to make sure they will suit the usage of every member of your team. For instance, you may have employees out on the road or visiting work sites frequently, and in these cases, they will need to be able to contact the office or clients without worrying about finding somewhere to charge their devices.
In this digital age, connectivity is vital to businesses, and you will require smartphones that allow you and your staff to connect to your customers from wherever they are. Missed calls, unavailable service, or poor connections can be detrimental to your bottom line, which is why it is essential you check the coverage map of the network provider you are interested in joining to ensure your business will always stay connected
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