This week, MTN Business launched Sh@reLink – a device (router) that offers small offices and homes the ability to set up a simple, portable and mobile broadband network.
Traditionally, routers have been used in big server rooms to connect large servers, but MTN Sh@reLink allows Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) to take advantage of all technology innovation trends such as mobility, Web technologies and Wi-Fi immediately. Furthermore, Sh@relink offers plug-and-play usability which is both highly secure and flexible.
Sh@reLink allows SMBs to share a single Internet connection, connect multiple devices such as printers, photocopiers, wireless phones wirelessly. MTN Sh@reLink not only creates an instant WiFi zone, but also protects bandwidth and network usage from external abuse.
“Today, business competitiveness is no longer based on the size of the enterprise and the SMB sector is fast realising that technology investments, that enable them to grow in innovation and to provide a ‘distinctive’ application, is no longer optional, it’s essential – and we want to be able to give them that value proposition,” says Nomalanga Nkosi, General Manager of Business Marketing at MTN Business. “This is where we feel that education of the network technology available to this sector becomes so critical. With all the ‘broadband’ and ‘Web’ application talk out there, how is a SMB business owner supposed to make an informed and affordable decision about technology sophistication?”
While SMBs vary in size and needs, MTN Business’s key message to each business owner is to examine the options and costs available – especially when it comes to setting up a network. The reality of technology implementations and investments, especially at a network sophistication level, have changed drastically over the last 5 years whereas perceptions may not have .
“If we consider that there is an estimated 1,5 million SMBs in this country and that they contribute about half of our GDP and employ around 60% of the SA labour force, the SMB sector can’t be ignored when it comes to economic growth and development. It is for this reason that MTN Business is on a considerable drive to educate the SMB sector about the possibilities of networking and the dynamics it can add to a small business,” concludes Nkosi.
By Angela Meadon
