Now that Sprint’s long-awaited Xohm service has launched in Baltimore to mostly positive reviews, researchers, bloggers, and journalists are beginning to place their bets on the upcoming battle between WiMAX and long term evolution (LTE), its toughest challenger. Researchers at In-Stat have struck the first blow for WiMAX, concluding in a new report that WiMAX is likely to outpace LTE over the next few years, though both technologies are still years away from full implementation.

In-Stat argues that because LTE will not be ready for at least another year or two, the timing of network roll-outs favors WiMAX technology. But CNETs Marguerite Reardon is skeptical, as she draws a comparison between Sprints Xohm roll-out and the recent failed efforts by EarthLink to develop municipal Wi-Fi networks. She argues that Sprints business model may be doomed to fail because it pits WiMAX against existing 3G data services and cheaper, more consistent broadband options such as Verizon DSL.

In the absence of financial incentives and a greater variety of WiMAX-ready devices, Reardon predicts that Xohm will face a tough battle for consumers not necessarily against LTE, but against HSPA products offered by competitors.

However, while Sprints WiMAX network in Baltimore may not be as consistent as existing broadband services for now, at least it still offers stronger, faster, and more consistent connections than EarthLink Wi-Fi project, which depended on countless access points, each with a limited reach. WiMAX offers the freedom of municipal Wi-Fi, but with far less hassle so the real goal for Sprint is to convince consumers that its service will make their lives easier, liberate them from coffee shops, and save them the trouble of dealing with routers and modems.

Their inability to pull this off is by no means a foregone conclusion. Municipal Wi-Fi, after all, is still an attractive concept in theory, if not in practice. And while its true that WiMAX-ready mobile devices and laptops are currently few in number, we can doubtlessly expect to see more of these devices entering the market if the launch of Xohm proves to be successful in the long run.

Reardon doesn’t mention LTE directly, but she does inject a bit of unpleasant reality into the WiMAX vs. LTE debate by pointing out the gloomy state of the economy, and in doing so, she raises an important question: what if delays in WiMAX roll-outs give LTE technology time to catch up? Phil Skeffington, an associate with UK-based consultancy Mott MacDonald Schema, doesnt see a problem.

In fact, if Skeffington is right, the battle between WiMAX and LTE may even result in a draw. Skeffington believes that WiMAX and LTE are complementary technologies,with LTE poised to become the preferred technology for mobile handsets, and WiMAX set to corner the market of laptop users because of its superior bandwidth capabilities. Because demand from laptop users is higher right now, WiMAX is still likely to hold on to its early lead.

Its ability to emerge from the fight unscathed depends on Sprints ability to attract consumers, to create demand for devices, and to convince manufacturers and investors to meet that demand. Fortunately for backers of WiMAX, there is plenty of cause for optimism.

Internet marketing is the new wave of the future. Even if there is a credit crunch in most parts of the world, if you know how to market yourself or your company online, you would be able to bring in more sales and probably even alternative income streams. Nowadays, the key to succeeding in business is being able to adapt to changing trends and also capitalising on the power of the Internet to reach your target niche, not only in the UK but also in other places across the globe. Not knowing a lot of things about the Internet should not be used as an excuse for not trying out online advertising.

Marketing your goods and services on the Internet is not really that hard. If you are not familiar with the Internet, then it is probably the right time for you to check out the World Wide Web. Another way you can learn more about advertising online is by reading books about Internet marketing. Just make sure that the ones you buy are published not earlier than 2005 so that you would be able to adopt the new advertising trends already. It may also be helpful to keep watch on what your competitors are doing. You can surely learn a thing or two about promoting your business online from your market rivals.

But even if you read books, magazines, or web pages about Internet marketing, you might not immediately know what to do. Instead of wasting months in learning how you can properly promote your business in cyberspace, you may want to try hiring a virtual assistant. Not only will this type of assistant be affordable, you will also be spared from the problem of providing for her computer, fax machine, telephone and other gadgets because she would normally work from her home. And even if you still do not have a good grasp of how to market your business online, your virtual assistant will already do that for you.

Simply having a website is no longer enough to boost your earnings and to effectively market your products and services. What you need to do is to seek the help of your virtual assistant to maintain a blog, create informative articles related to your business, and even participate in forums. For maximum results, it may be a good idea to find a virtual assistant who has a good knowledge about Internet marketing so that she can help you make e-books, online newsletters, podcasts, and videos. She can also utilise the power of social networking sites for your marketing.

The internet is shifting from just an information gathering tool to a social participation arena with information at its core. Because of this, taking advantage of social networking can be an important part of your business marketing strategy.

Social networking has plenty of business benefits, but let’s break it down to four main areas. Understanding these benefits will help you shape an effective approach to your own social networking efforts:

Establishing business connections/joint ventures: Because a lot of businesses are using social networking opportunities, there is no shortage of business owners to connect with. This is your opportunity to establish mutually beneficial relationships with other business owners who complement your products or services. Connect, share ideas, and form a profitable joint venture. Do not limit yourself. Be creative. It will be worth the effort.

Getting new readers/subscribers: Social networking generally requires more than subtlety than just blasting out your sales page link. People don’t participate in social networks to get a sales pitch. They do it to share information and opinions, build friendships, have fun, and be social. Be yourself! Share ideas, be helpful, give value. These things will build trust and your reputation. That trust can later lead to sales.

It’s easier to attract attention and gain a faithful following in social networks by sharing your content – your blog, videos, etc. Once you get their attention, this starts the marketing process by pre-selling your readers and eventually turning them into customers.

If you approach social networking as a direct selling medium, you may see a few sales here and there, but soon people will tire of your sales pitches. Use careful judgement here. It’s ok to announce new products, posts, etc., but don’t let that be all you talk about. Everyone on the internet is looking for answers and solution to a problem. Be the resource that everyone looks to.

Create transparency and connection: This is your opportunity for a more personal connection with your existing readers/customers, as well as the new ones you acquire along the way. Many of your readers and customers are most likely already using social networks. Having you join them on a more personal level allows your readers to see you in a different light. When your readers trust you, they’re more likely to buy from you and spread the word about you.

Word of mouth: Everything we’ve talked about so far culminates in one of the biggest benefits of social networking – and that is word of mouth. Having people talk about you is better than any advertising you can buy. Word travels quickly, and the benefits of a recommendation over a sales pitch are invaluable.

Clearly, social networking can be very beneficial for your business. Give it a try!