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Improved technology, affordability increase demand for wireless access

by Kathy Hagood
Brevard Technical Journal

Wireless Internet has made significant inroads in public places in Brevard County in recent months, making it easier to conduct business on the go.

While many Space Coast companies, especially those concerned about propriety information, aren't jumping on the Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) bandwagon within their facilities, wireless Internet access is being used by more and more businesses these days.

Improved data transfer speeds and data security at affordable prices is driving increased demand for wireless Internet access in public, at work and home because it's easier to push a button to tune in rather than plug in a phone jack.

"The more refined wireless technology becomes, the more people become interested in it," said Kevin Berner, a consultant with DragonPoint in Rockledge.

Last July both the Melbourne International Airport and Panera Bread began offering the web surfing and e-mail retrieving options to their patrons.

The Melbourne airport traditionally offered Web access to travelers through hardwired portals in their cafeteria.

Now travelers with 802.11b wireless-equipped computers and other devices are able to access the Internet through Opti-Fi Networks, which was awarded a five-year service contract.

Businesses on site at the airport can also access the Internet via a private wireless network.

Internet terminals are available for those without wireless-equipped laptops and the like.

The addition of wireless access is part of the airport management's dedication to continuous improvement, said James Johnson, executive director of the airport.

Because so many Melbourne International travelers are employees of technology companies like Harris Corp., Northrop Grumman and Rockwell Collins, offering wireless access was especially needed.

"We're always looking for ways to upgrade services for our customers and make the airport more user friendly," Johnson said.

Panera Bread, which first made a commitment to Wi-Fi use in its bakery and deli-food stores in August 2003, now has more than 400 wired locations throughout the country. It added a wireless "hotspot" in July to its Melbourne location at 4100 N. Wickham Road.

Each wired Panera Bread location includes instructions for use of its free wireless access for those with devises with Wi-Fi capability, including personal digital assistants and laptops with 802.11b wireless cards.

"We remain focused on providing our customers with outstanding levels of service across all levels, from the quality of our handcrafted breads to our warm, welcoming environment," said Carol Toffolon, company spokeswoman.

The company plans to expand wireless access to about 1,000 Panera locations. All Orlando locations are already wired.

While companies like Panera Bread and Starbucks Coffee have taken a high-profile approach nationally to letting the public know they offer Wi-Fi, many other establishments now include the customer convenience.

According to www.wi-fihotspotlist.com , public wireless network access hotspots available in Brevard County include:

• Ramada Plaza and Jameson Inn in Palm Bay,
• Imperial's Hotel, Durango's Steakhouse, Indian River Coffee Co., Charlie & Jake's BBQ & Brewery, House of Joe Coffeehouse, Hilton Melbourne Airport and Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place in Melbourne,
• Ossorio in Cocoa Village,
• Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront and Wakula Suites in Cocoa Beach.

"Providing public wireless access provides a competitive edge for businesses seeking to distinguish themselves in the marketplace," Dragonpoint's Berner said.

For those who require jack-free Internet access on the go without having to search out hotspots, there is an alternative. Cellular phone companies like Sprint offer Internet access for a usage-based or monthly fee.

Through such Web plans, limited e-mail and Web access is available directly on a cell phone's display. To expand access, the software program SnapDialer can be used with a laptop, cell phone and cable for full e-mail and Web surfing capabilities.

But as more public locations become wireless in the coming years the need for such a setup may become unnecessary.

"We'll likely see many more customer service businesses offer wireless Internet over time," Berner said.

When it comes to private wireless access within a company or organization, acceptance of Wi-Fi technology for setting up a local area network (LAN) has not been widespread because of concerns about security and data transfer rates.

"But the technology is improving all the time. We're seeing faster transfer rates and better encryption" Berger said.

When computer infrastructure is already installed, it typically makes more sense for most companies to go with wired LANs, Berger said.

But small companies that need to retrofit older buildings with cable often find setting up a wireless network desirable, especially if they aren't concerned with someone monitoring their company data.

Sometimes companies are interested in hybrid systems. Providing Internet access is popular with companies that want to make it easier for their customers to access the Web and for their employees to easily integrate their laptops and personal computers at work.

"Wireless use has become much more prevalent in the past three years and I think it will become even more prevalent over time," Berner said.