His name is Ian Murray, although sometimes his corporate customers refer to him as Alberta Mike.

But the truth is, Murray is president of Alberta Mike, a switched-on Edmonton TELUS retailer with eyes to become the No. 1 Mike dealership in the province.

Murray doesn't really care what you call him, as long as you let him explain how Alberta Mike can save you job time and significant cash when you buy what Murray terms "the Swiss army knife" of wireless handsets.

Ian Murray would like to introduce you to his talented pal Mike

After his preamble, Ian will introduce you to his multi-talented pal.

That would be Mike.

We think it'll be love at first sight.

Manufactured by Motorola, Mike is the most versatile kid on the block. Mike is a Direct Connect digital two-way radio. Mike is also a PCS cellphone, a pager and a voice-data messenger, with e-mail and fax capability and voice-activated dialling.

In short, Mike is the most reliable, inexpensive and useful multi-tasking communications package you've ever tucked inside a shirt pocket.

Murray is particularly buzzed about Mike's Direct Connect two-way function, so well suited for use by service crews – teams of electrical, plumbing, landscaping and construction workers, for example.

Or, beyond the city limits, by seismic, highway-maintenance or firefighting crews.

Mike's two-way function is THE smart solution for keeping in contact with every staffer in the field. It's ideal for working teams whose members frequently touch base through the course of a shift.

Many bosses fail to realize that as many as six of 10 calls dialed on company time represent information exchanges among their own staff.

If they're using cellphones, that means staffers can run up unnecessary costs.

This is where Mike makes some of his smoothest moves. Because the very nature of a two-way radio discourages small talk between users.

Two-way radio conversations tend to be short (i.e. inexpensive), sweet and to the point.

Nor do long-distance charges come into play when two-way conversations are conducted via radio. In Alberta, Direct Connect calls are local calls.

So one of your people in Fort McMurray can liaise with a colleague in Lethbridge, while the cost remains the same as if they were speaking from opposite sides of the same street.

Static is not an issue. Mike's digital advantage ensures clear, crackle-free conversations every time. It also adds days to the life of every battery.

Better still, that digital advantage makes possible an even more important guarantee; absolute security.

Oil and gas businesses tend to order Mike in dozens because it's virtually impossible for eavesdroppers to scan a two-way radio conversation.

The whole world was watching when this remarkable tool was launched during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. During the Games, Mike became an essential piece of equipment for security staff.

And since those formative days, Mike technology has steadily evolved, developing from strength to strength.

Every Mike handset comes with a one-year manufacturers' warranty.

And details about the specific features on each available model are waiting to be examined up-close, via Alberta Mike's informative, easy-to-surf website – www.albertamike.com

However, many of Mike's most attractive features are standard-issue on each and every handset.

They include voice mail, caller ID, call waiting and call forwarding.

By the way, when you pick up a Mike, activation fees are a thing of the past.

Alberta Mike's website will also walk you through the wide variety of rate packages available, from the basic Phone 40 package ($40 for 400 minutes a month) all the way to the Work 150 monthly plan designed for heavy, multi-function users.

For more information, call 780.430.1817, or e-mail Ian Murray at: ian@albertamike.com

Better yet, stop by the dealership at 3424 - 99 St. Because when you walk through the doors of Alberta Mike, you place yourself in the hands of bona fide service experts in the wireless communications field.

Alberta Mike has been serving satisfied customers since 1999 and is one of Alberta's few remaining original Clearnet dealers.

While you're on the premises, be sure to say hello to Ian Murray. If the mood strikes you, you can even address him as Alberta Mike.

As long as you allow Ian to introduce you to his multi-talented pal – the boss won't mind a bit.