Save money and work from Starbucks!
It was officially announced via their official Twitter account at about noon eastern time today (June 14th 2010), as of July 1st, there will be free WIFI internet access at all Starbucks locations across the United States.
So for all our American readers, starting in a couple weeks, you will be able to work wirelessly from any of your local Starbucks locations, you can even cut your home Internet and save some money, although it may end up costing you more in coffee!
Here is the press release from their website:
Jun 14, 2010
Starbucks Previews Free One-click Wi-Fi and Next Generation In-store Digital Content OfferingWIRED’s Business Conference “Disruptive by Design” provides stage to announce Starbucks plans for enhanced digital experience in U.S. stores
WHAT: Appearing at WIRED’s Business Conference Disruptive by Design today, Howard Schultz talked with WIRED’s Chris Anderson about “Evolving the Starbucks Experience in an Ever-changing World.” Schultz recounted the challenges of leading the Starbucks transformation following his return to the company as CEO in 2008. With a focus on lessons learned, Schultz’s talk included how the company sought to embrace social and digital media and continues to look for new ways to bridge the third place coffeehouse experience with the digital world. As part of this commitment, Schultz recognized customers’ desire for a better in store Wi-Fi experience and announced that on July 1, Starbucks will turn on one-click, free Wi-Fi through AT&T in all U.S. company operated stores.
Building on the Wi-Fi update, Schultz also revealed plans for a new online customer experience called the Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo!, which will debut later this fall. This online experience – available only in U.S. company operated Starbucks stores – will be unique in its content offerings, allowing customers free unrestricted access to various paid sites and services such as wsj.com, exclusive content and previews, free downloads, local community news and activities, on their laptops, tablets or smart phones.
Driven by Digital Ventures, a new business unit within Starbucks led by CIO and General Manager, Digital Ventures, Stephen Gillett, the Starbucks Digital Network in partnership with Yahoo! opens up a uniquely valuable customer experience, while at the same time appeals to leading online content providers and provides a new channel for customer engagement. Launch content providers will include, among others, iTunes, The New York Times, Patch, USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo! and ZAGAT.
WHEN/KEY DATES:
This entry was posted on Monday, June 14th, 2010 at 2:16 pm and is filed under Life Upgrading. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Jamie Northrup
I’m a 30 year old Canadian web consultant and founder of the Deuce Group. I have been working online since 1995 and have experience in blogging, web development, web design, e-commerce, eBay, social networking and online marketing.
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I work full time as a blogger (from home) for a large ad company. At first it was a blessing, but I must admit after three years and a large Vitamin D deficiency (from not being out in the sun) I have wished I was back as an on site writer.
Of course, working from home, even with the strict schedule my employers gives me, allows some wonderful amenities: blogging in your jammies, saving money on commute/eating out for lunch, being able to run out for those things only available from 9-5: doctors visits, post office, banking. But I can’t help feel a disconnect from the outside world some days. Heck, try having a conversation with me at 5pm – my mind is mush for at least 30 minutes!
More companies are headed towards the remote employee practice, at least a few days of the week. I recommend to you some extras: big monitor, good tea, getting up a few times to walk around the block, a very comfortable chair and resisting an urge to stay out of your bed.