A decade ago, desktop computers ruled the technology world. For today’s expanding virtual workforce, though, device flexibility is a must. After the seismic shift of 2020, many employees and managers expect telecommuting to remain constant. According to one widely cited Upwork Future of Workforce Pulse Report, 1 in 4 Americans will be working remotely by the end of 2021, an 87% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
For businesses, this can lead to some difficult questions: Is it worth paying high maintenance costs for older machines or licensing fees for legacy software applications? Is it easier to secure data stored on a cloud-based platform compared to an on-premises server? Can a modern business save money, increase employee satisfaction, AND leverage the flexibility of the cloud?
In many cases, the answer is yes. Innovative solutions like Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) allow you to empower your staff with enterprise-grade performance, integrated connectivity across all devices, and reliable access permissions that maintain data security.
However, no single framework fits every business. Some need cloud-based storage, while others want virtual desktop infrastructure. Some require industry compliance, mobile independence, or specific Windows migration plans.
To help, CMIT Solutions has compiled the following tips about shifting to a virtual workplace and moving your business to the cloud. This can benefit employees—and have a significant impact on your company’s bottom line.
Gone are the days of installation discs and physical copies of new or updated software. Instead, today’s cloud-based applications and Software-as-a-Service solutions deliver on-demand access anytime, anywhere, and on any device. The other big benefit of SaaS is that software updates and security patches can be delivered without interruption, eliminating the day-to-day downtime that can put a significant dent in productivity.
Another big cloud trend is virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Don’t let the acronym scare you though—virtual desktops that “live” in the cloud are more common than you think. (Picture the dashboard for a tool like Google Drive and you’ll get an idea.) Business-grade virtual desktops can help your company centralize data management and expand mobile availability, giving your employees the access they need on networks you know are secure. This innovative solution is particularly helpful as new users and devices come on board or as old employees leave the company.
Remember the Google Drive example above? Although that free consumer tool won’t work for many businesses, its best collaborative attributes can be replicated with enterprise-grade tools. That means access to the right version of the right document, when and where your employees need it, along with anytime/any device availability no matter where your workforce is located. Productivity and engagement can go up when file sync and share applications are easy to use, while data integrity and compliance remain front and center for businesses working in regulated industries.
Not long ago, businesses that were growing fast would have to make long-term plans for expanding physically: more servers, bigger server rooms, and even higher utility bills to power all of that equipment. Replacing a server or upgrading its operating system every five years added a costly and disruptive element to the strategy—and power outages or hardware failure could hamper business operations at any moment. Now, cloud-based infrastructure can help companies grow with agility, reducing hardware costs and enabling better budget forecasting.
Don’t worry if these cloud-based options and applications all sound confusing—CMIT Solutions is here to help. Think of your relationship with an IT provider, who helps your business move to the cloud, as a marriage of sorts. Your partner will become a critical part of your company, which is why you should work with someone who helps you define goals, prioritize security, and embrace collaboration. Implementing cloud-based solutions for a remote workplace is a true test of faith—consider it a partnership, not just a transaction.
That’s why CMIT Solutions leverages all the tools at our disposal to help your company satisfy short-term needs and plan for long-term strategy. Our independently owned and operated franchises around North America understand the complexities of the cloud, and we strive to minimize device downtime, productivity issues, and IT disruptions. We have experience working with businesses of all sizes and budgets to leverage the cloud and plan for a future untethered from costly server stacks and outdated office computers. Paired with CMIT’s reliable training and seamless support, that’s a win-win for everyone.
Are you ready to invest in your company’s future and empower your employees? Does an increase in productivity combined with a reduction in costs sound good to you? If so, contact CMIT Solutions today.