A cell phone or pda does reduce the need for a receptionist, and its possible to handle the work much more portably than in the past. Storage of paper records, difficulties with VoIP setup and the elusive linux pda are still disincentives.

Still . . . for someone who wants to leave a larger office, this line of approach could make a difference of months for showing net profit during a startup period and/or more quickly reducing bank credit dependency.

These commands can make an inexpensive laptop equipped with Ubuntu at a free wireless access location do more work than a more expensive setup with licensed OS and productivity software, leased phone system, professional assistant and pricy office space.

And unlike licensed software options, the need for paid daily IT support diminishes as an expense as the user’s knowledge and support community increases over time.