In the previous post, we discussed why digital transformation is a high priority in 2017. More organizations are recognizing the impact of technology on business models and processes and the ability of IT to support innovation and create competitive advantages. Mobility is a core component of digital transformation because it enables anytime, anywhere access to business applications and data. However, access alone can only take you so far.
Unified communications (UC) is seen as an agent of organizational change because it improves the quality, speed and flexibility of collaboration with both colleagues and customers. By integrating communications tools such as voice, email, video, text and instant messaging, UC can make meetings more effective and simplify workflows. By removing complexity and inefficiency, UC boosts productivity and enables faster, more informed decision making.
As workforces become more mobile and collaborative, you need to get beyond phone calls and email so employees can use virtually any communication platform. With mobile UC, users have instant access to information and can collaborate on the platform of their choosing. Taking UC from the desktop to smartphones, tablets and even wearable devices, and then integrating communications tools into business processes, are essential to the kind of digital transformation that propels organizations forward.
The ShoreTel Connect mobility app makes it possible to integrate your existing phone system with your employees’ mobile devices. Employees can use any device to access desk phone features and stay connected from anywhere in the world. ShoreTel Connect also takes advantage of your wireless LAN to improve wireless coverage inside your organization’s facilities. In addition to a wide range of communications tools, ShoreTel Connect supports productivity-boosting features such as CRM integration and presence, and allows users to join conference calls by simply tapping a “join” button.
The business benefits of mobile UC and innovative solutions like ShoreTel Connect mobility are driving significant growth in the mobile UC market, according to a report from Future Market Insights. Small and midsize organizations in particular are turning to mobile UC to improve their professional presence and increase productivity while reducing costs. As the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend continues to gain traction with smaller organizations, mobile UC is a natural fit.
With UC adoption on the rise, what is the key to making it work? Organizations can achieve the highest level of success by approaching UC strategically. Mobile is at the heart of such a strategy. What business processes can be enhanced with mobile UC? What are the specific use cases? What are the technological requirements for each use case? What steps must be taken to ensure employee acceptance and adoption of mobile UC to maximize ROI and minimize risk?
These questions aren’t necessarily easy to answer. That’s why it helps to partner with a UC specialist such as IPC to help you clarify your vision, develop your strategy, and design a mobile UC solution that supports your vision and strategy. Let us show you how ShoreTel Connect mobility can help drive the changes that maximize productivity and create competitive advantages.