A data connection is key to business but can it unlock your true potential?
As every major industry becomes increasingly competitive and saturated, businesses have become dependent on embracing the latest technologies or run the risk of being left behind. All of the technological advancements have enabled organisations to become more productive, efficient and quicker to market.
However, the key to benefitting from the opportunities now available is to possess the right data connection. But having the right data connection goes beyond the obvious cost efficiencies and speedy web browsing capabilities.
In an age where more and more business applications are becoming cloud-based, having the right data connection will allow your business to embrace the latest technologies that ensure your staff collaborate and work smarter.
Voice over IP (VoIP)
One of the most revolutionary technologies to have hit the market in recent years is VoIP, which is fast becoming more prevalent across the UK. However, the solution is only ever as good as the data connection it runs on. Using a consumer broadband connection will inevitably affect performance, so it’s important to invest in a business-only connection that has high bandwidth and speeds with low latency in order to fully benefit from the service. The solution can and will lead to significant operational savings, which makes it easier to justify any costs that might be associated in the short term.
The move away from traditional voice solutions or fixed-line connections is becoming easier thanks to the rise of fixed-line fibre-optic broadband, whether in the form of FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) or FTTP (fibre to the premises). The UK’s 4G LTE networking rollout is also helping VoIP become a truly wireless experience. The key to maintaining consistently high-quality voice calls over the internet, though, fundamentally comes down to choosing a business-only data connection with a low contention ratio.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
It is no secret that maintaining your own IT infrastructure can become increasingly complex and expensive. But for an IT department, ensuring staff can communicate and share information between them and to others outside the business are key tasks. Therefore, cloud-based application models become more appealing and the most recognised service is undoubtedly SaaS.
Instead of everything being held locally on desktops and laptops, SaaS provides you with the ability to host mail services, Microsoft Office, CRM software and other management systems in a central location and provide access remotely to staff. This reduces the cost and time associated with managing locally hosted services and increases data security.
This setup relies on having access to a robust and secure data connection as most of the critical business activity will now take place online. And because these are delivered “as a service” it ensures IT staff can refocus their time on productive strategic projects rather than being absorbed in everyday management of these applications.
Video Conferencing
As more businesses begin to offer flexible working arrangements where the weather can prevent workers getting into the office, the advantages of video and web conferencing solutions become appealing. The solution can dramatically reduce travel expenses while improving the collaboration between your staff, irrespective of their location as work can continue as normal.
As with VoIP though, video conferencing suffers if your data connectivity is not up to required standard. Choosing a data connection that can handle high amounts of traffic, without any periods of poor service is vital. High-quality calls require dedicated bandwidth per participant, with tight limits on latency, jitter and packet loss. It’s important to make sure your connection can meet those high expectations.
Admittedly, every business is different in what it wants to achieve, but ultimately the right data connection is paramount to any adoption of the latest communications solutions. Therefore, it is paramount that you receive expert advice from a supplier that truly understands your business and the applications you are planning to use. Only then can you be sure that your technology seamlessly supports your business.
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