Travel Tech Q&A: Salesforce's Tony Armfield
Who can live without wireless (and free) internet? Tony Armfield, vice president, Enterprise Sales, Salesforce.com ANZ, certainly can't. Read what else he has to say in this week's Travel Tech Q&A.
Tony Armfield
(Credit: Salesforce.com)
Can you tell us a bit about Salesforce.com?
Salesforce.com is the World's Most Innovative Company, according to Forbes Magazine, and is today the enterprise cloud-computing company that is leading the shift to the social enterprise. Our trusted cloud platform and apps — including our flagship CRM solution — help our customer's employees, at organisations such as Ricoh and Medibank Health, collaborate easily and connect with customers like never before. And, thanks to the cloud, all of it comes with low cost, low risk and fast results. At the heart of our company is a team of high-energy and passionate people, who are an absolute pleasure to work with.
What tech do you travel with and why?
My iPad is a must-have — I'm continually using it to access everything from my Salesforce.com Chatter collaboration tool and Task Manager app to social media, and sending the odd old-fashioned email. I also travel with my BlackBerry for phone, text and email on the move.
What tech do you miss from home?
I don't miss any technology from home, but I do miss my family.
What tech do you love abroad, where and why?
The fact I can go into any Starbucks, connect to Wi-Fi and be productive on my iPad.
What's your favourite phone app for travelling and why?
Chatter. I can collaborate with my team in real time from anywhere in the world, which takes productivity to a new level even when you're travelling.
Most memorable travel story/experience?
During a drive from England to Scotland after we had moved to live in the UK from New Zealand, I was trying to explain to my then six-year-old daughter that you could indeed travel to another country without the need to get on an aeroplane.
How do you deal with jet lag?
Hydrate before a long flight, sleep when I can on the plane and push through when I arrive to get on local time.
What tech is in your briefcase?
My iPad, mobile Wi-Fi, iPad speakers and headphones.
What is your one must-have piece of tech when travelling? What you never leave home without.
My iPad with Skype, so I can connect with my family no matter where I am.
What was your biggest travel disaster?
I once spent 12 hours at Heathrow airport with two young children, while the airline tried to repair an issue with the plane. The flight was eventually cancelled, and we had to return home and catch a flight the next day. Thankfully, that flight did take off on time.
Is there one thing you must do before you leave home?
Hug my wife and three children.
What is the best airport you've visited and why?
I love Sydney International Airport. The Qantas First Lounge is awesome.
What was your last tech purchase?
Speakers for my iPad.
Where is the best place you've been for duty-free tech shopping?
Hong Kong.
What is your dream travel tech to have on planes/in airports/at hotels?
Free Wi-Fi.
Favourite site to use while travelling?
www.smh.com.au — it keeps me across what's going on back home.
Favourite destination city to work/visit and why? (in relation to technology)
San Francisco; it's a city with great energy, restaurants and access to Wi-Fi.
Name one thing you wish your iPod/phone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?
Have a longer-lasting battery.