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Work 3.0

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A report recently published by Mitel Solutions asserts that, “We are on the tipping point of a workplace revolution that will signal a model for a dynamic, adaptive and smarter business that is focused around the human cloud workforce.”

Flexibility. Virtualization. Bring Your Own Device. These are all things that characterize a new era of business technology that Mitel and the tech-world call “Work 3.0.” It has the potential to provide businesses with more skilled talent, happier employees, and in turn, huge gains in productivity.

But what is this transition to Work 3.0 all about, and what does it mean for small business?

While it’s no secret that business technology and culture has become increasingly reliant on virtual communication thanks to rapid technological innovation, many companies who felt the sting of the recent recession found the cost-saving merit of making a complete switch to virtual voice and data technology through use of cloud computing and unified communications (UC).

With UC, companies can provide their employees the ability to work from anywhere, be it their home office, the coffee shop down the street, or on a plane.

Working remotely is admittedly not a new concept, but UC’s emphasis on mobile capability transcends anything we’ve seen prior. It allows workers to make their job a seamless part of their “on-the-go” lifestyle. Imagine doing your entire job from a smartphone. Unified communications technology makes this possible.

It also makes expansive physical office spaces a little less relevant. In fact, there are quite a few companies who have harnessed the power of UC and gotten rid of their offices altogether in favor of virtual communication between employees.

Since these voice and data innovations have made collaboration and communication as easy as a click of a mouse, companies have access to a larger talent pool that isn’t constrained by location or ability to commute. This means that businesses can hire people on other coasts and in other countries who are truly best-suited for open positions, with a lot less overhead.

The essence of Work 3.0 is facilitating a work environment that interacts seamlessly with the lives of employees. They choose (in part, at least) when they want to work, where they want to work, and how they want to work. It used to be that one’s office was the only place to find the technology needed to get work done. Now, with the ubiquity of smartphones, tablets, advanced laptops and cloud computing, people are just as capable of getting work done at home as they are at the office, if not more so. For a growing number of companies, small and large alike, the days of the 9 to 5 workday are coming to an end.

Your business can harness the power of Work 3.0 without getting rid of your office space or regular business hours. As a Mitel partner, BCS Voice and Data Solutions leads the way for advanced voice and data technology in Hampton Roads. Among other things, we provide desktop and mobile integrated phone systems, wireless networking solutions, and high level teleconferencing equipment that can help your company stay on the cutting edge of innovative communication and increase overall productivity and ROI. Call us at 757-497-3100. We can help.

Source: Mitel 3.0 Whitepaper

Protect Your Company’s Data from Disaster. Create an IT Disaster Recovery Plan Today.

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Modern businesses handle huge volumes of electronic data every day.  It is easy, convenient, and environmentally conscious to store records electronically, use technologies like VoIP and digital signage in lieu of traditional mediums, and depend on teleconferencing to keep business going strong.  Since some kind of computing is necessary to complete most tasks these days, data and data equipment needs to be secure in the event of a natural disaster.  Is your company prepared for the worst?

In the wake of the Hurricane Sandy, all business owners should step back and evaluate the security of their company’s technology. When a natural disaster hits, be it a flood, a hurricane, a tornado, or an earthquake, your electronic information and technical components can be particularly vulnerable.  What steps can you take to protect your data before calamity strikes? First, establish a protocol. FEMA recommends that all businesses create an IT disaster recovery plan  by following a few smart steps:

  • Compile an inventory of all hardware. This includes employee laptops and desktops, servers, phone system components and wireless devices.
  • Similarly, take an inventory of all software applications and data.
  • Periodically BACK UP all software and electronic data either on an external drive stored offsite, or on an external network/server.
  • Carefully note the most critical hardware, software programs, and connectivity components of your IT arsenal and make sure that those items can be restored if they are compromised by a catastrophic weather event.  This is where good business insurance comes in.

The kind of protocol you establish for your company and the type of business insurance you purchase are contingent upon the natural disasters likely to happen in your area. If your business is located on a hill in a high-altitude region, you probably don’t need extensive flood insurance. But if located in an area prone to flooding, buy that insurance and make it company policy to place IT equipment above even aggressive estimated flood levels.

You can prevent many of the stressful and costly effects of natural disasters on your business and the technology that helps it run with careful forethought and some practical preparation.  Keep your data safe and secure by taking the time to back it up in a way that makes sense and minimizes risk. Review your company’s existing insurance policies and make sure that they cover your critical IT components.  Last but not least, depend on IT professionals with sharp expertise to help you develop the best protocol for protecting your data and data equipment. Call BCS Voice and Data Solutions today at 757-497-3100 to schedule an IT needs analysis with one of our professionals. We will help you prepare your vital data and technology for any emergency and advise you as to best IT practices for your business. Let us provide you with intelligent solutions.

 

If Hurricane Sandy hurt your small business, refer to this article from Forbes.com for details on where you can find assistance to get your company back on its feet.