Workers encouraged to go mobile as way of combating tube strike action

With the prospect of more tube strikes looming today, mobile technology is being seen as a potential way of avoiding inconvenience for workers, according to Riverbed Technology.

One of the areas that Riverbed Technology specialises in is allowing people to access remote applications and files, no matter if they're working from home, anywhere round the country or even on the other side of the world.

It says that businesses should be spending more time finding alternative ways for their employees to work from home. London Underground staff are due to begin a 24-hour walkout in two waves, at 5 and 9pm today. In addition, Jubilee and Northern line maintenance staff are due to begin a separate 24-hour strike.

“The strike has the potential to stop some workers getting to the work place," commented Mark Lewis, Senior Director of Marketing and Alliances at Riverbed Technology. "And for those who do take to public transport and battle their way to the office, many perhaps arriving later than usual, there is going to be the extended worry of how to get home again. Both give rise to a potential reduction of productivity in the workplace."

Mobile broadband is being increasingly seen as the ideal workaround for just such a scenario. It not only allows employees to work from home, it also means they can access work-related applications and documents while they are on the move. With a generous level of competitive deals regularly available, any arguments against it based on prohibitive costs have long since been left by the wayside.

For example, 3 Mobile has a deal running currently which not only allows you to buy a 15GB mobile broadband package it is also giving away a free £50 Naked Wine Voucher into the bargain. Customers will get a free mobile dongle and 15GB monthly download allowance while the package will cost just £15 per month for 12 months as part of an overall 24-month contract.

The time limited offer ends on 7th September.