Get equipped

Bluetooth-enable your company by inventorying all its existing electronic devices. Some devices - newer high-end laptop computers, for example - already may be Bluetooth compatible. Other equipment can be made Bluetooth compatible with the addition of simple add-on devices. Finally, make Bluetooth compatibility a requirement for all relevant new electronic equipment purchases.

I recommend: Find the latest Bluetooth-enabled products at the Bluetooth.org Web site. The electronics firm Kensington makes a Bluetooth adaptor that plugs into a computer's USB port, allowing it to communicate with other Bluetooth devices. In addition to popular computer supply stores such as BestBuy and CompUSA that carry Bluetooth-enabled products, the online store Blue Shop is devoted entirely to gadgets for Bluetooth users.

Make Bluetooth part of standard operating procedure

That means identifying common tasks such as cell phone calling or exchanging information via PDAs that can be done more efficiently with Bluetooth. If a group from your company visits a large trade show, each member can focus on a different area, and then wirelessly share photos, videos, and other data with one another later via Bluetooth.

I recommend: The Bluetooth community Web site BlueTomorrow.com describes how to create a wireless office using Bluetooth. Forbes.com features a buying guide to the latest mobile technology, including Bluetooth.

Spread it through the enterprise

Although many view Bluetooth as a personal networking technology, some large firms have found ways to incorporate it throughout their operations. Examples would be stores that use barcode readers connected wirelessly to cash registers, trucking companies that use it to track shipments and locations.

I recommend: Case studies describing companies' success with large scale Bluetooth applications can be found at Bluetooth.com

Address security concerns from the beginning

The more you share data, wirelessly or otherwise, the greater the risk hackers will steal it. Before buying into Bluetooth, understand how to keep your connections secure.

I recommend: Major PDA makers Blackberry (free registration required) and Palm provide these security tips for users of their equipment. Additional tips on Bluetooth security can be found at Palowireless, a Bluetooth community site (free registration required).