BearCom typically sends a large contingent to Motorola Solutions' annual Channel Partner Expo (CPE), and this year was no exception, as about 40 of us traveled to Las Vegas for three days of meetings, motivation, and some world-class recognition for BearCom. Some 3,000 people from 800-plus Motorola Solu

Remember when wireless technology meant a doctor with a pager or a high-priced lawyer with a cell phone the size of a shoebox? So much has changed since then, with thousands of new devices, more powerful networks, and faster and faster data transmissions. The wireless industry has put cell phones in the hands of six of every seven people on the planet, even as two-way radios have improved and expanded their own loyal following. So what's next?

BearCom is adding the new Vertex Standard EVX-531 two-way radio to our product line, and officials here are predicting it will be a popular choice among customers looking for a talk-and-listen radio with dual analog and digital functionality.

Two-Way Product Line

"The Vertex EVX-531 fits perfectly into the simple talk-and-listen space that is still the most popular," said BearCom's Product & Purchasing Manager, Hugh Johnston.

Flying between our Seattle and Chicago branches last week, I was over South Dakota when I noticed a most unusual—but entirely appropriate—application for video surveillance cameras: large agricultural operations. Back at BearCom, I did a little research and came across the story of Joel Foxley, who farms with his brothers near the South Dakota town of Platte. He told The Daily Republic newspaper how he installed his first video surveillance camera a year and a half ago and now has 15 cameras keeping watch over his equipment, fuel, grain bins, and grounds.

Across the business spectrum, there is intense focus these days on mobility. Companies want to arm employees with the tools needed to do more things from more places—and to do it all faster. Smartphones are getting smarter. And two-way radios are getting smaller and more sophisticated. In fact, cell phones and two-way radios now can be hard to tell apart.

Those of you who follow my adventures know that I can fly to wherever there's a communications emergency. Regular folks need a plane—but what do private pilots need? They need two-way radios, of course!

Don't Fly off without a Backup Radio

A recent story on TodaysWirelessWorld.com explained how many private pilots wouldn't consider taking to the air without a backup radio.

Analyzing Wireless Trends

Again this year, I asked Jerry Denham, BearCom's President & CEO, for his thoughts about the coming year in wireless communications. And while some of his predictions reflect those he made a year ago, there are several new ones worthy of discussion as 2013 shifts into high gear: 1.