Speech Blog

Work life has been transforming fast over the past couple of decades. Not that long ago, file sharing across multiple locations or collaborative working online, such as chats, wasn’t as widespread and readily available as it is today. Younger generations might find it hard to imagine that software had to be installed manually on each computer, or that some things only worked in networks via physical cables. With today’s speed of technology updates and changes in the workspace, we have clearly arrived in the era of digital transformation. But what does this mean?

Technology advancements have simply changed our business processes and, above all, our customer experiences. It has changed how we do business and has forced us to rethink how organizations use technology. These advancements have also helped us to benefit from cross-functional teams with new possibilities and meet changing customer demands.

Now more than ever, organizations are actively trying to understand and leverage digital technology to restructure IT and ultimately be the preferred choice for their customers.

Moving to “the cloud” and “going paperless”

Cloud computing outsources the infrastructure that was formerly housed on-premise and allows you to use software as a service (SaaS) via flexible subscription models. It may sound very technical, but we are all probably using SaaS in one way or another already – whether we know it or not – reaping the benefits of having everything at our fingertips at all times.

We have also all probably been in touch with what it means to go paperless and the advantages this brings for information sharing, not to mention the benefits of reducing actual paper waste.

Benefits of the cloud and SaaS

Despite digital transformation running at various speeds around the globe, an increasing number of tech-savvy businesses are recognizing the many benefits of the cloud. By using cloud solutions, they can run their organizations more efficiently, better serve their customers, and dramatically increase their overall profit margins.

With the exponential increase in data use, it is becoming more and more difficult for organizations to keep all of their vital information, programs, and systems up and running on in-house computer servers. Cloud computing allows users to access all of the features and files of the system without having to keep the bulk of that system on their own computers. Here are a few benefits of getting your head in the cloud:

Flexibility

By relying on an outside organization to take care of all IT hosting and infrastructure, you’ll have more time to devote toward the aspects of your business that directly affect your bottom line. For example, if you need extra bandwidth, a cloud-based service can meet that demand instantly, rather than undergoing a complex and expensive update to your IT infrastructure. Today’s mobile, interconnected environments demand new approaches to delivering business applications, and that’s where SaaS and flexible subscription options can come in handy.

Mobility

Considering 81% of Americans now own smartphones[1], going cloud is a great way to keep everyone in the loop. Cloud computing allows mobile access to corporate data via smartphones and other personal devices. All staff, but especially those out in the field or working remotely, have been experiencing great benefits of being able to connect with any office easily. Conveniently accessible information also allows for faster and more thorough customer interaction.

Effective Collaboration

Collaboration without the cloud may be possible, but it is not as effective. Because of the flexibility and mobility that comes with cloud computing, team members can work together seamlessly, and they don’t have to be in the same room to do it. Edits and updates appear in real time and can be accessed by everyone. Any confusion over which version is the latest is eliminated with cloud collaboration. The cloud makes viewing and sharing information a breeze and all sensitive information is secure.

Stay tuned for our Part 2 blog post next week on further benefits of the cloud!

[1] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/