5 Technology Resources That Are Helping Companies Thrive During Quarantine
COVID-19 has changed the world, with millions of people on lockdown and businesses working remotely, desperately trying to ensure that workforces are able to operate without being office-based.
If you run a company, and your employees are currently working from home, it’s hugely beneficial to embrace technology and the myriad advantages it offers to cope with these new challenges.
This guide highlights five key resources you can utilize during quarantine to help your business thrive:
1. VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) is critical for businesses looking to operate remotely who normally rely on in-house servers. With a VPN, remote workers can use a secure connection to utilize devices at home and access data housed in servers on company premises.
If your company relies on in-house servers, setting up a VPN is an effective means of enabling home workers to access files remotely and to ensure they can do this securely. If your workforce is based at home, you want to enjoy peace of mind that every employee can access data safely and securely. Moving forward, a VPN will also facilitate remote working and traveling once quarantine is over.
2. Cloud Solutions
Cloud solutions are an increasingly popular investment for companies looking to accommodate flexible working and provide employees with the opportunity to work on the go.
Cloud applications enable employees to access data remotely, to store and share files securely, and to integrate solutions with software programs and apps used on a host of devices. Cloud capacity is scalable, and you can also use applications on different platforms, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
3. VoIP
Every business owner knows that communication is key to achieving business objectives. With face-to-face meetings on hold, technology plays an increasingly vital role in the day-to-day management of businesses across all sectors.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems are an alternative to traditional phone systems that enable you to make calls through your Internet connection rather than using onsite wiring and equipment. Switching to VoIP offers a wealth of advantages, especially at a time when most people are working remotely. Using VOIP technology saves businesses money, enhances security, and enables employees to make video and voice calls, send messages, take voicemails, and send and receive faxes via email.
To prove just how useful VoIP has become to facilitate remote working, in 2017, there were over 1 billion mobile VOIP users, and by the end of 2021, it is estimated that this figure will rise to 3 billion.
4. Data Encryption and Backup
Even during these tough times, there are still people who will look to capitalize on weaknesses in security caused as businesses switch to remote working. Using data encryption and backup helps to ensure that information, particularly sensitive data, doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
If you are using remote networks, it is essential to ensure that data is backed up and that connections are secure. Data encryption technology will protect your reputation, as well as your customers. In a 2019 survey, almost 50% of consumers polled said that they were more concerned about online security than they were just 12 months earlier.
5. A Managed Service Provider
There is no doubt that businesses across the world are facing unprecedented challenges due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Millions of people are currently locked down, and this poses problems for companies that aren’t used to remote working.
The good news is that there are solutions. Working with a Managed Service Provider is a great way to assess and identify potential risks, address obstacles and problems, and facilitate a seamless and stress-free transition to home working. As well as helping you to capitalize on the resources we have already discussed in this guide, having an MSP in your corner will also allow you to take advantage of additional services, including those that cater specifically to your industry.
Services and features like 24/7 monitoring are designed to minimize the risk of downtime and optimize security by detecting and addressing issues as swiftly as possible. Additionally, with an MSP, you will have access to remote support when onsite support is challenging or risky. Critically, for many businesses, outsourcing IT could also save thousands of dollars.
The coronavirus pandemic has presented businesses with a series of unprecedented challenges, but working remotely can be made simpler by working with these resources. There are ways to adjust and adapt, particularly if you are willing to embrace technology and employ the innovative solutions discussed above.
