Webmasters need to constantly stay on top of things with the hosting accounts that they manage. That means that the webmaster must literally live on the internet and be available to receive updates and notifications via email especially.
I daresay that it is a sin (and sheer irresponsibility) for a webmaster not to be reachable online on a regular basis. It must be said that e-mail is still the default means of communications in the web services industry.
Here in Nigeria, it is true that epileptic public power, the high cost of PCs, power generating sets and fuel, make things difficult for webmasters, especially those running their own businesses. Still, there are ways around these obstacles.
By harnessing the power of mobility (basically mobile phones and mobile data), webmasters can stay reachable online at very modest costs.
What is needed?
- a data-enabled mobile phone. This may come with a built-in email client, or the user can use installable 3rd party email applications (java is good). Cost: from N15, 000
- a data subscription from a GSM network. This includes GPRS, EDGE, 3G and HSDPA. Cost options available on various networks include: pay as you go at 15k per kb; N1, 000 for 100mb monthly bundle, N5, 000 for 1GB monthly bundle, etc.
With the above, a webmaster can ensure that he does not miss out on mission-critical mails. Or at least he can minimize the chances of missing them.
Yet, many webmasters I know own and use much more advanced and expensive devices than the basic sort I have presented above, without using those devices for anything more than voice and SMS communications.
Having been in the web services business since 2003, I continue to be amazed when a webmaster gives the excuse that he has not checked his mail in one, two or even three weeks! Unbelievable, but we hear that line all the time. And it is plain irresponsibility.
GSM-based internet access is available in almost every nook and cranny of the country today. Even if a webmaster is on holiday to his village, lack of access to the internet should not be an excuse.
In times past, I have stayed connected and promptly responded to customer mails on return trips from Lagos to Warri, Lagos to Abuja, and Lagos to Abeokuta, among others.
My wife and I once took the kids all the way to Olumo Rock in the city of Abeokuta, Western Nigeria. Even at the very top of the famous rock, I was able to provide much-needed support to clients – via a GPRS connection and a smartphone.
By taking advantage of mobile technology, webmasters can:
- cut down expenses
- improve productivity
- minimize customer dissatisfaction
- improve on the support experiences of customers, and
ultimately build a brand known for reliability and diligence
It is essential that webmasters in these parts wake up to the realities and opportunities on ground today. Those opportunities have been available for years. Please take advantage of the so-called mobile revolution to profitable use for your web-based business. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Plus, your clients will appreciate you for it.
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