Work From Anywhere -- Carefully

The ability to work anywhere, at anytime, is crucial for anyone involved in a smaller business. Until recently, though, working in airports or hotels was a hit or miss affair.A recent article in the New York Times highlights how working on the road is  thankfully  becoming easier than ever.

"But hotels and airports are gradually catching on to the fact that mobile workers need more help getting their jobs done on the road. Hotels that cater to laptop-toting travelers are scrambling to add electrical outlets in easy-to-reach places, install better task lighting and design chairs with flat armrests that can double as desks."

As the article notes, and as any business traveler can attest to, perhaps most important is reliable wireless access. The article points out that "some hotel chains are installing technology to make their Internet service more reliable or adding employees to offer better support when guests call for help." Music to business travelers' ears.

But just remember to use wireless hotspots with caution. A recent study indicates that many of these hotspots are vulnerable to hackers. AirDefense, which conducted the study, has a list of "best practices" that those on the road should exercise to minimize their risk online.

Among them are: Turn off the wireless card when not in use; beware of slow networks, browser error and/or transactions not working; and, only log onto known wireless access points and do not bank or shop online with any frequency from a hot spot.

In other words, enjoy the ability to work from anywhere, but don't get too comfortable.