Reliable internet connectivity and optimised systems of communication are essential for modern organisations regardless of size or sector. But as a business owner, how can you ensure your digital connectivity is robust enough and that your staff and customers have all the communication pathways they need day-to-day?
Better, more reliable connectivity helps everyone achieve more and as technology and IT solutions evolve and improve, the demand for innovative connectivity solutions continues to gather pace.
In this article we’ll examine what is meant by business connectivity, look at the value it holds for different organisations and explore some of the innovative solutions available to companies of all types.
What is Business Connectivity?
Connectivity is the most crucial element of a modern IT infrastructure. It creates the capacity for efficient communication, the secure movement of data, collaboration between teams and individuals working on varying platforms and devices in different parts of the globe and across multiple time zones.
As the technology of connecting the world online has expanded and increased in speed, volume and application, the definition of connectivity as it pertains to businesses has had to develop too.
Innovations like advanced mobile technology, smartphones, cloud computing and AI have presented both opportunities and complex challenges to be met and utilised.
So, what are the main factors affecting internet connectivity and IT solutions in business use?
- Scalability – How fast a company can grow is now intrinsically linked with the connectivity capacity of the company’s digital infrastructure.
- Flexibility – A more traditional network system may struggle to adapt to rapidly changing business requirements. Modern business infrastructures need to be flexible and dynamic.
- Cyber Security and Data Safety – Cyber threats and attacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. Creating a safe, vigilant and cautious digital work environment when it comes to protecting data and IP is essential. Disaster recovery plans should be standard practice for any business with a digital footprint.
- Business Continuity – The global marketplace is ‘always-on’ and modern businesses need to seek out and apply innovative solutions to make sure their assets and revenues are protected by maintaining reliable connectivity and sustaining business continuity.
- Effortless Integration – Businesses work across diverse software, platforms and communication networks. Within this vast array of devices, digital spaces and systems, there has to be intelligent and forward-thinking integration and planning for a company to thrive.
Experts in providing IT solutions to businesses of all types can advise on appropriate solutions to all the challenges outlined above. Implementing a bespoke system and a modern, future-proofed infrastructure that meets the needs of each unique company.
Innovative IT Solutions in Connectivity
We’ve explored some of the challenges, but what about the solutions? IT companies across the world continually innovate to find and provide the next big thing for business connectivity and market leading success. Some of the established IT solutions to improve business communications and connectivity include:
- Leased Lines – Providing your organisation with a dedicated internet connection used solely by your company to improve your internet access, upload and download speeds. Leased lines guarantee you and your team reliable online access to ensure business continuity, which is absolutely essential if you find that your internet connection fluctuates at busy or peak times and if you also experience regular drops in service.
- Failover Connection – The connectivity solution that works like an insurance policy, keeping you online and operational even if your primary provider or your leased line experiences unforeseen issues. A failover connection can move your online and internet connected activity to another provider, while the issues with your main service partner are resolved. This can be a full scale business migration or simply key members of staff to keep everything ticking over while the problem is worked on.
- Cloud Data Management – Backing up data to the cloud in some form should be one of your disaster recovery plan strategies. Most experienced IT support providers will recommend that you employ the rule of 3 when it comes to securing your IP and company data i.e. regularly backing up your data in at least three ways, on at least two forms of hardware and to at least one offsite location. Cloud-based computing means more than backing up data though, it can revolutionise the way that your teams collaborate and streamline a huge percentage of your protocols and workflows. Partnering with an IT support provider is the best way to maximise the benefits that you can get from cloud based products like Microsoft Azure.
- VoIP Telephony – Voice over Internet Protocol allows you to reliably make and receive telephone calls for your business using the internet instead of traditional landline based systems which can be increasingly unreliable and expensive. It is a responsive and flexible solution that can be scaled easily as your company grows.
- Public WiFi Solutions – Customers are far more likely to expect reliable and free internet access when they visit your bricks and mortar locations, whether that’s a retail space, office environment, factory or cafe. An IT support provider will be able to partner with you to provide secure solutions that provide free WiFi to your customers and show you innovative ways to engage with them online while they are with you.
4 Key Ways to Improve Your Business Connectivity
- Assess what your business realistically needs for reliable connectivity.
- Get expert advice from an experienced IT support provider.
- Monitor your systems and update your practices to ensure business optimisation.
- Invest in your employees by training them in new innovative systems that offer you an increased RoI.
Final Thoughts – Better Connectivity for Your Business
Reliable and dynamic business connectivity and streamlined communication protocols should be goals for all modern organisations looking to succeed in the global online marketplace.
If you feel your business could benefit from better connectivity and more innovative solutions to how your teams, staff, collaborators and clients communicate, partnering with an IT support provider may be the answer you are looking for. Expert IT guidance, implementation and system monitoring is one of the best investments you can make in your business with a positive return on investment in the form of business optimisation and increased peace of mind.
To find the best IT support provider in your area, do some research with a keyword search to get the names of reputable and recommended companies.
For example, try IT services and internet connectivity in Devon or VoIP solutions Cornwall to find a company near you.
Talk to them about your business connectivity and find out how they can help you to create a more dynamic and sustainable digital work environment.