Navigating Small to Midsize Business Communications

Name: Towner Communications
Price range: $$

One word sums up the communications landscape—challenging. Choosing the right business communications solutions for your small to midsize business is no longer simply a case of choosing which type of phone system and brand you want. The mind-boggling array of options available today means that making the correct choice has never been more critical.

Communications behaviour is also changing. Today’s users are moving from formal meetings, booking resources and geographic limitations towards real-time collaboration, using diverse communication methods and devices, regardless of location.

This transformation can be seen in seven key trends:

1. Technology is now an enabler

The rise of communications protocols like SIP and options like cloud are opening up a new world of applications and solutions. Today’s IP phone systems are gateways to this new world.

2. SMB IT staff are increasingly cloud and applications managers

The role of IT staff is evolving to become more proactive and strategic with a reduced emphasis on support and break/fix activities.

3. Spending growth for a mobile world

IT and telecom budgets are increasingly focused around the smartphone, on applications and on delivering a more flexible work experience.

4. Re-imagining work

A new approach is required to an increasingly mobile world of work—from teleworking to businesses without offices.

5. Premium on protection

Many businesses are refocusing on protection in areas ranging from network security and remote working to applications and business continuity plans.

6. Incremental, integrated solutions approach

Without the resources to buy and install everything at once, many SMBs are adopting an incremental purchasing strategy and a phased approach to implementing applications and communications.

7. Reshaping the customer experience

The way customers buy products and services is transitioning online. All small to midsize businesses need to consider how this new form of customer engagement will impact the technology they need.