Cloudy With a Chance of Suiting All Businesses (Cloud Technology)

Cloud technology isn’t another one-size-fits-all approach to a better way of doing business. It certainly is a universally applied solution, but one that means very different things to various types and sizes of business. The beauty of the Cloud is how it can fit into any size and virtually all types of businesses, which seems as if I’m contradicting what I’ve just mentioned (and the title of this post). But the difference is Cloud technology has several ways in which it can be utilized within a business- some are heavily dependent on it because it saves money, it’s functional to the start-up business or perhaps it’s the only way to go to connect remote employees or enhance communication between employees and clients on various devices. Both large and SMB’s are benefitting greatly, but only when they apply the Cloud in a way that fits their needs, as far as their crew is trained, how comfortable with the security available and put into place, and as much or as little of their business operating within the Cloud- that’s how businesses are doing it.

All businesses have affordable security technology available to them so they can utilize the BYOD experience (How? Ask us at NWMAP). Today it’s all about the strategy for how it can specifically work for a business. Helpful strategies include:

  • Deciding how to combine work and home calls etc, (i.e. transform a tablet into a desk phone- Yep, we can help you)!
  • What’s your priorities? Communication needs?
  • Security in place (i.e. in case an employee loses their tablet, we have wonderful Cloud security options).
  • Rules- it would be no fun if we didn’t mention rules! But part of the Cloud/BYOD revolution includes businesses having a clear understanding of their plans and strategies, which include guidelines for how the Cloud is used for their business.

Questions about HOW the Cloud might work for you? What’s available to make it work for you? https://nwmap.com/contact-us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telecom; Past, Present, and The Cloud

With Christmas under our belt, ’tis the season to take a look at the past, present, and future. In Telecom and technology, we’ve seen a huge movement toward mobility. Everywhere we look, someone is utilizing a mobile device, for personal use, professional, or both. Businesses are trying to take advantage of the edge they can attain over their competitors and what better way to do it than staying connected to employees and customers 24/7 if they choose- for little or no extra cost. This has led to the SMB’s gaining that competitive edge over the larger businesses.

When we reflect on the past and look into our future for 2014, we also see a clear trend toward the Cloud. Questions still remain about it, but many have adapted the Cloud to their business strategies and for good reason. The benefits are, again the competitive edge, more possibilities and applications available, lower costs, typically easy integration- no need for extra equipment. The concerns still border along the security issues, which is why 2014 will likely be a big year for resolving those concerns and issues.

NWMAP offers multiple carrier strategies for implementing the Cloud and other Telecom services. Trusted carriers who have Cloud security services, dedicated networks for reliability, security, and flexibility. There are so many options available and we believe we’re in the right spot for our clients to pick and choose what fits them best. We don’t charge for reviewing your current services and we offer free quotes as well: https://nwmap.com/contact-us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Communication/ Technology Barrier

There are several types of communication errors and ways in which communication gets tricky between business representatives and customers, especially those in the technology industry and those wishing to learn about, purchase, and/or train with that technology. Ever worked in a business office/company and there was either new technology to implement or something broke down for the IT Department to handle? It’s an interesting conversation when non-technical people are communicating with technical types. In the Telecom industry communication must be a priority with our customers. At NWMAP we handle everything from inquiries on products and services to sales to implementing and training. We must be able to explain technology in laymen’s terms, but also understand clients and how they communicate their needs.

Here’s how we’ve successfully handled the barrier that often arises in communicating technology:

  • We take a step by step approach. First understand the client and listen to what they are communicating.
  • Never offend the customer’s intelligence. Simple is better of course, but not overly simplistic.
  • Always acknowledge the customer’s points by repeating some of what they said or paraphrasing.
  • Find out how your customer prefers to communicate. Some people prefer email over phone or vice versa.
  • Make a straightforward plan together. We never add anything into the mix, like sales of products they won’t need or significantly benefit from.
  • Always be available for questions. When it comes to technology, nothing will get communicated if the tech people are not available.

 

 

 

Selling The Cloud

Recently I ran across an article about Cloud Serivce Brokerages. If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past couple of years, Cloud technology is beyond emerging, it is in the spotlight. We’re all still figuring it out, where it fits into, how it’s best utilized, troubleshooting any issues, while businesses are weighing the pros and cons. Just as NW MAP does for Telecom services in general, there will be professionals needed to help businesses navigate the Cloud for consumers.

This article (link below), and others like it, predict that Cloud Brokerages will be a $100 billion dollar industry/third party assistance/integrator business. Those of us in Telecom have long known about how big a deal this will become. In fact, at NW MAP we are one of the first Telecom agencies to offer some unique services and products utlizing the Cloud. We figure we’ve been in the business for several years, and while Cloud Brokerages will be popping up seemingly overnight, we’ve been there all along and want others to cash in on this too.

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2012/121012-cloud-service-brokerages-emerge-as-264947.html

Businesses can get low prices for the specialized services they need, not to mention be more efficient with or without an IT Department. For some smaller businesses, marketing can be an issue- lack of funds and people for an IT Department so these services are ideal. If you’d like to get a head start take advantage of these services, find out more from one of our agents: https://nwmap.com/contact-us

You can also take advantage of this for a selling opportunity as well- putting money in your pocket. We’re currently looking for talented sales agents to help get the word out and cash in on this opportunity: For more info: https://nwmap.com/contact-us/become-an-agent

Related info: https://nwmap.com/nw-map-offers-innovative-marketing-tools-businesses-can-harness-the-power-of-cloud-technology

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