Communication: The key to success

1. Enable contemporary working methods.

Mobile and networked work communication is a regular part of most of our lives. We check e-mails on our smartphones while on the go, and we talk to coworkers via audio or video calls over IP networks. This requires modern means of communication. In digitalizing your work environment, we recommend making sure that all relevant data is provided on a secure (keyword: information protection) central platform, regardless of the device or operating system being used. Performance can be assured through scalable cloud solutions, which offer benefits for economic growth and when expanding to new locations, among other things.

2. Does it always have to be new? Modernize your existing solid foundation.

Few companies are going to replace their old communication technology entirely. Get advice on how you can optimally integrate new technologies into your existing business processes, at no added cost if possible, notwithstanding remaining lease terms or amortization (of your telephone system, for example). Today's technologies permit the transparent integration of cloud services into existing IT infrastructures. Hybrid scenarios, in particular, ensure optimum support for your core business processes. In this case, it is important to find a partner with a comprehensive understanding of both cloud and on-premise IT scenarios.

3. Ensure correct licensing.

Especially in regards to communication, the digital transformation raises a lot of new questions about software asset management. Introducing cloud PBX technologies can quickly lead to the impression that you are automatically licensed correctly at all times. Often, however, the perils and resulting unnecessary added costs lie in the details. Cloud services make proper licensing more complex, especially in hybrid scenarios. It is all the more important to have control, and to determine what solution fits which user, whether software will be standardized, and where you are paying for licenses or subscriptions with no productive use.

4. Ensure security and compliance.

Security and compliance play a permanent and important role in the age of the cloud. These challenges are generally very difficult for midsize enterprises to overcome with their own specialist resources. That is why the trend is to outsource IT management to a service provider. The service provider manages the complexity of service orchestration for midsize enterprises. While communication applications are perceived as less critical compared to business applications, complexity and mutual dependence begins with the dovetailing of these applications. Here too, you need to be on the safe side. Choosing the right partner is crucial in this context. As a company, you need to allow sufficient time for this and question all critical points in detail: How will the service provider ensure that the compliance and security requirements are met? Do the stated methods fit your own business model? Examining the service provider's portfolio is also recommended in a networked world. Do they focus on just a few topics? Do these harmonize? NO? Then they may not be a suitable partner to meet the requirements of a hybrid and dynamic, networked world.

5. Remember the people.

Acquiring the latest technologies is too costly if they waste away unused while the people in your company continue working as before. Often their meaning is questioned, or employees are simply left to their own devices with the new innovations. User training and active change management are essential to make users aware of new working methods. Generation conflicts are often underestimated. Ideally, representatives of various age groups are brought to the table to analyze and harmonize their needs. Only then does it make sense to consider what communication and collaboration tools are appropriate.