Ford is about to equip 8,000 employees with traceable cell phones, so the managers will always know where employees are. In fact, the company is trashing all of those employees’ desk phones, so people are always in reach. This is a growing trend with companies these days, and it can be both good and bad. Wireless phones are much less expensive and much more effective. With this move, there also will be no need for call centers, which can also save money. The idea of always being reachable may not appeal to some people, however. Sometimes employees need a break from the office.

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In other cell phone news, did you know that pets are now carrying cell phones? That’s right. Special cells are being made for pets that can be worn around their necks. Owners can call the dog when they are away at work or on vacation and see their pets through a Web site. The phones also have GPS so owners will know where their pets are in case they get lost.