ONE of the region's law firms is keeping its clients well-connected with the help of advanced wireless internet technology.

Ward Hadaway has turned to technology solutions company Onyx Group, based in Middlesbrough, and its WiFi partner My- Zones, to provide wireless connectivity for the boardroom and meeting rooms at its two buildings on Newcastle's Quayside.

The system is used to ensure clients and visitors attending meetings at the company's offices are able to keep in touch with the outside world, while conducting their business or attending meetings. Clients are provided with a user name and password when they enter the building, and have free access to the internet through their wireless-enabled laptop computers or personal digital assistants.

Greg Taylor, head of technology at Ward Hadaway, said: "We work with some of the biggest companies in the North of England and beyond, and some negotiations and other major meetings that we host can go on for hours, or even days. Clients need to have easy access to all the information they require to make these meetings happen, and with almost everything done electronically these days, that means secure, consistent connection to the internet, wherever they are.

"Onyx and MyZones have given us a simple, efficient method of providing this connectivity for clients via a secure system which is separate from our own wireless network - feedback so far has been very positive and it has definitely made a tangible difference to the way in which clients can operate on our premises."

The MyZones system allows companies to modify the first page on which users land to include any message they choose, such as information on products, services or forthcoming events.

Bob Cleary, business development manager at MyZones, said: "Clients regularly use meeting rooms on their professional advisors' premises as their own office when a big deal or important meeting is approaching, and they need to have access to all the computing facilities that they usually enjoy on home ground."