ICT: What’s to come for 2009?
2008 saw increased momentum in important communications spaces, particularly unified communications and VoIP. For some users the theory has become a reality with pilot projects deployed, but many businesses are yet to reap the benefits, and these new technologies remain little more than a concept.
2009 is therefore set to be the year when Unified Communications (UC) strategies are fully realised. Beyond the technology focus of ‘plumbing-in’ new solutions, organisations will look to optimise their resources with more streamlined communications. For those who have already invested in new technologies, the emphasis will be on maximising returns on those investments by creating a corporate culture which is fluent in a diverse range of communications mediums. For those business’ who are concerned about stagnating or failing within this challenging economic climate, now may be the time to get the most from their workforce by enhancing connectivity, increasing productivity, and by liberating employees through mobile working.
Mobile Unified Communications (MUC) will be a key element in remaining competitive during the downturn. MUC integrates real-time communications functionality, be it voice or instant messaging, as well as standard functionality such as email, into a mobile device. The result for the enterprise user is a seamless working experience, with the true flexibility that is promised through mobile working. Users can expect all the richness of their desktop communications on a smartphone, and so there is no need to miss key business opportunities by being ‘out of contact’ or for remote workers to find themselves isolated. As with all advances in communications however, it is central to the successful implementation of MUC that network security is not compromised.
Security will be a primary concern as organisations liberate their workforce with mobile technologies, migrate to VoIP telephony and rely on increasingly advanced communications solutions. Furthermore, compliance requirements are becoming stricter and more numerous. As penalties become more intimidating, organisations will not take chances with their data. Security considerations should not be seen as overwhelming, however. Certainly with new technologies come new challenges - just as the email age spawned phishing, so too the VoIP age is beginning to witness ‘vishing’. However, the overriding message for any business manager interested in enhancing productivity through improved communications is simply to introduce the correct security technologies and procedures.
The outlook for 2009 is therefore of theory moving to pilot projects and existing pilots expanding into full scale deployments. The benefits of Unified Communications strategies are well known and widely written about. But now is the time for businesses to take real advantage of the potential these technologies offer. With sensible management policies and the correct security technology, 2009 will be seen as a year characterised by exciting new possibilities. Even in a downturn, there are winners as well as losers. Those businesses that take advantage of new communications opportunities will be well-positioned to succeed in this challenging climate whilst those engaged in public service will be able to maximise returns on investment.
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