Travel Tech Q&A: Good Technology VP Jim Watson
Good Technology creates secure enterprise mobility products for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices, to ensure users can work securely wherever they go, without putting sensitive enterprise or personal data at risk. Good Technology's Vice President and Corporate General Manager for Asia Pacific Jim Watson walks us through how he travels with his tech.
What tech do you travel with and why?
I travel with my iPad, iPhone, and laptop. I predominately use my iPad for accessing e-mails, conducting product demonstrations, and typing meeting notes. With the iPhone, I can do what I need to, but when it comes to working while in transit via a taxi or travelling, I prefer to work off the iPad, because it's more convenient. When it comes to working on my laptop, however, it's all about document management and making edits (but I can also do this through secure apps, like iAnnotate, on my iPad).
What's your favourite phone app for travelling and why?
iAnnotate. With this tool, I can edit documents securely on my iPhone and iPad, whilst in executive meetings and travelling — and without the need to worry about my data being compromised.
What is your one must-have piece of tech when travelling?
My smartphone — it's a portable device that allows me to securely collaborate verbally and via the internet, such as through e-mails and with documents.
What was your biggest travel disaster?
I once left my iPad on a flight when returning from the US to Australia — from an enterprise perspective, I knew my data was backed up and secure within a container. However, I had failed to backup my personal items for a few weeks on iTunes. Fortunately enough, I received a call from someone a week later telling me that a stranger had handed my iPad in — what a great country we live in.
What tech do you expect in hotels when you are travelling?
Free Wi-Fi. In a modern world where the internet is part of our daily lives, like coffee, Pepsi and tea, it should be on the house.
Favourite site to use while travelling?
Box. It allows me to have secure access to documents and data storage in the cloud — it's the whole concept around collaboration that I prefer. I also like TripAdvisor, which is always a great way to obtain some quick tips whilst on the move.
Name one thing you wish your iPod/phone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?
Order me a diet Coke and have it waiting at my destination, or automate my travel expenses.