Cloud Technology and The IT Department

If you asked…What has changed the landscape in the last several years of the IT Departments the most? Hands-down, Cloud Technology. It’s changing Telecom and technology in general, but of course IT Departments are usually the day-to-day players here. With an increasing number of employees utilizing mobile devices (BYOD) and increasing capabilities within the Cloud, the game has changed.

The ease and flexibility of Cloud technology is revolutionary- you just can’t beat it. Another factor is reduced spending- get more with the Cloud. Small business can communicate and run their operations as efficiently as a large business would. This is a significant competitive edge. The benefits are numerous as we learn more about how businesses adopt and adapt to Cloud Computing.

Security is typically number one when it comes to an enterprise’s data and communications and this is where the learning curve for IT Departments remains today as they select, maintain, and utilize Cloud technology to its fullest potential. A Cloud Firewall service is very useful if a business feels security could be jeopardized with Cloud service. As much as the technology develops here, the solutions to any caveats will keep pace.

At this point IT Departments should begin preparing for Cloud technology as it becomes the latest trend that’s here to stay for quite some time. If you have any questions about Cloud services, benefits or concerns, please contact NW MAP and an expert can assist you today: https://nwmap.com/contact-us

BYOD; The Good, The Bad, and The Divided

Almost as dramatic as the 1966 Clint Eastwood western (The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) is the talk and opinions about the BYOD (Bring your own device) revolution. I think the lesson learned, as in the western, is to be ahead of the game… at least 10 steps ahead. As a business leader (perhaps CIO, entrepreneur, and otherwise), certainly knowing the benefits and risks of BYOD is key. For Telecom Agents, being knowledgeable is always profitable.

With the Smartphone/ iPhones, tablets, and laptops, people can do business any time, from anywhere. In fact tablets outsold PC’s or desktops last year. Website visits are coming from mobile users.

Similar to the Cloud, a business really needs to have a strategy in place before adopting BYOD practices, evaluating the pros and cons to determine (and deal with) security risks. Basically, the benefits must outweigh the risks.

The debates continue:

  • Employee
    chooses device versus controlling the types of devices and uses.
  • Going mobile versus chained to a desk.
  • More productive versus more risk.
  • Effectiveness versus costs of networks and other cost for usage.
  • Employee empowerment and choices versus lack of IT support

How to decide:

  1. First question is…’Is it doable?” Find out from a Telecom Agent at NW MAP if BYOD is manageable and appropriate for your business (type of business and/or size).
  2. Employee surveys- finding out who would use them and what they think about it. Some research has shown employees would accept a lower paying job if able to use their own devices.

How to do it:

  1. Talk to your Telecom Broker or Agent.
  2. The current thought and what many businesses are allowing is BYOD but with limited support. Issues with this is of course security but also employee satisfaction with limited support. Allowed with full IT support is optimal, but your choices are not allowing it, allowing with minimal support, allowing with full support, and allowing with no support.
  3. Check and evaluate network capacity. Most people using BYOD have 2-3 devices.
  4. Money! Realize BYOD will not eliminate costs, but rather place them in areas of support functions rather than devices.

With BYOD, it seems employee satisfaction varies – employees either love it or hate it. Truth is, companies want, no need, their employees to be connected, especially to what is
happening now…information and communication at the speed of light. Employers are equally on the fence as about 40% of companies allow it.

Contact a NW MAP Telecom Agent: https://nwmap.com/contact-us

 

With BYOD, it seems employee satisfaction varies – employees either love it or hate it. Truth is, companies want, no need, their employees to be connected, especially to what is
happening now…information and communication at the speed of light. We’ll see how it all unfolds.

Telecom in The News: July 2012

The talk on Telecom still seems to be focused on BYOD- and the verdict is mixed. The conclusion for us on this topic is basically a buyer beware scenario. Know what you’re getting into. This really can have it’s advantages but if a company is not prepared for incorporating this type of work style, it can be a disaster.

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/80736

http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/converg/2012/070912convergence1.html

Same can be said about the cloud- great technology, some major pluses for small companies as well, but get educated on it. Best way to know if it fits your business needs specifically is inquiring with your NW MAP Agents: https://nwmap.com/contact-us

CenturyLink is accepting a $35 million grant from the FCC’s  Connect America Fund (CAF) to deploy broadband service to 45,000 homes in  rural areas that are deemed “unserved.”

Read more: http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/centurylink-gets-35m-fcc-caf-funding-broadband-expansion/2012-07-25

Windstream talks about their new service. They believe their Professional Bundle will give SMBs the same IP-based  service capabilities as large businesses. “Many small businesses do not have the specialized staff to support their IT  needs, nor the design team to build and maintain their own websites,” said Don  Perkins, vice president of business marketing, Windstream, in a release  announcing the new service. “With Windstream’s Professional Bundle, we help  customers significantly reduce expense and complexity associated with computer  repair and website maintenance.”

Read more: http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/windstream-serves-it-telecom-service-bundles-smbs/2012-07-05

 

(Telecommunications) Agents and The Cloud

Recent media has everyone from small business owners to telecom agents, talking about cloud computing. What does it mean for everyone? Certainly we’re becoming more aware of the advantages and disadvantages thus far. Agents who are looking to provide solutions for clients, and add one more option to their portfolio, might find the cloud useful. IT and others are always concerned about the cloud and security. Security is one of those issues in any area that as advances are made in technology, so are the security boundaries stretched as well both those trying to protect and those trying to invade.

The most important factor in agents working with the cloud is being knowledgeable about it. There are many things to learn, especially concerning where the cloud fits into various types of businesses and clients’ needs. Basically, agents need to be smart about it because the cloud can be a selling advantage. Agents must be familiar with the questions clients are asking- relieving fear and doubts and instilling information and knowledge instead. Some clients won’t even know what questions to ask or where to start so agents can use this opportunity to begin a conversation about the cloud to prospective clients.

What the agent should find, and may already realize, is the cloud should be utilized for businesses and clients that will truly benefit for it. Provide answers and info as objective as possible, giving clients a chance to get informed without sales pressure.

If you want to learn how cloud technology can work for your business please inquire: https://nwmap.com/contact-us or become a telecom agent now: https://nwmap.com/contact-us/become-an-agent

More sources:

Intelysis: http://www.telecomchannelblog.com/spending-time-vs-spending-money-on-marketing-for-telecom-agents/

http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/defining-cloud-computing-services-benefits-and-caveats/2012-03-12

http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/cloud-based-office-tools-right-you-196390

http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/your-corporate-data-needs-be-in-the-public-cloud-starting-now-196475

 

 

 

 

 

Effective Telecom Strategies

The executive decision makers for a business want to meet the needs of customers who want more for less. However, they need to be able to compete within their own industry, which they assume requires spending more to get more. Concerning technology, and especially Telecom, this doesn’t have to be true. The IT department creates strategies that enable a business to implement additional and/or newer Technology within budget. 

How to Recognize a great Telecom Strategy:  

  • Value: The value of Telecom is virtually priceless. It is excellent, and necessary, for growth and competition. Allocating resources to the capabilities that will give you the most substantial return on your investment is the best choice obviously.  You need to know what value it brings 3 months from now, 6 months from now, etc. Executives must realize the return on investment is not likely to be seen for at least 3 months, but a good strategy should specify when the payoff will be noticeable. 
  • Benefit: All those involved with the strategy should be accountable for delivering on time and on budget. If you are adding to or updating your Telecom technology, you must consider a Telecom Broker. Telecom Brokers specialize in working with all departments to see the whole process through, from start to finish, on time and on budget. They also maintain the system and troubleshoot when necessary. When time and funding is limited, Telecom Brokers are an essential ingredient.
  • Efficiency: Consider the ongoing operational costs into your strategy. Limiting available IT resources will stifle progress and creativity, whereas seeking value in what you want or need is best. Simplifying and consolidating your Telecom technologies is recommended. Again, consulting a Telecom Broker to manage your vendors will save you time and money. 
  • Future: Technology is a crucial aspect in the future of any business. How important it is to you is reflected in the resources you are willing to allocate on your Telecom strategies. An ideal balance exists between meeting functional needs and changes in the future. Many products and services in Telecom are designed to do exactly that.   

Receive a free quote from a Telecom Broker today: http://www.nwmap.com/contact-forms/request-a-quote.php

To learn about opportunities as a partner and Telecom Agent for NWMAP, please visit: http://www.nwmap.com/contact-forms/how-to-become-an-agent.php