Public WiFi in the Office - Its a good thing!

Recently we have been talking about virtual working and making use of all the web-based applications that are now available to the online user.  I have decided that at least in my personal life that I will try an experiment and have a go at using online applications only.   I am stopped from doing this in my working life, as when I am in this mode, I do not have access to "always on" internet access.   This  is the result of using my own (actually my company's but you know what I mean) laptop in a client office.  The clients, very rightly,  are not keen on consultants connecting their laptops to their corporate networks,  to get access to the internet.
 
So it is interesting and heartening to note Silicon.com reporting that Visa has launched a wireless network in its London office to allow both workers and visitors to get online.

Employees, contractors, customers and guests will all be able to log onto the net within the office,  for free under a new voucher-based scheme.

Andrew Vorster, head of technology services for Visa CEMEA, said his workforce is nomadic and takes it for granted they can get connected wherever they are. Previously the lack of internet access at the office was inconvenient to visitors and some employees had resorted to hosting meetings in the local coffee shop, where everyone could get wireless net access, Vorster said.

He said the new wireless network was like "bringing the coffee shop inside the office".

I have recently returned from consulting at a client site where they provided public WiFi in their lobby area, which is becoming quite common. This is OK for a quick visit one or twice a day to pick up your emails, but obviously isn't going to enable the virtual office.  The Visa approach does and I look forward to a time when more companies take this approach.