Offices environments have evolved drastically over recent years. Advances in technology have transformed the work place and continue to play a vital role in changing the way business is done. A major shift from yesteryear, the modern office offers mobility, flexibility and collaboration which have a major impact on productivity and the way we communicate.
Mobility, cloud computing, web conferencing and telepresence are making it possible to telecommute, work from virtual offices as well as communicate with businesses and individuals across the globe.
“It is no longer necessary to be tied down to a desk to ensure that work gets done. The wireless workplace enables communication and productivity anywhere and anytime by allowing employees to complete their duties and responsibilities from remote locations,” explains Ravin Naidu, regional director: South Africa at ALE, (Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise).
But how do businesses take advantage of cost-saving, productivity-enhancing solutions that adopt the modern office phenomenon? “For enterprises to benefit from solutions such as IP telephony and content networking, the core infrastructures must include the key enabling technologies required by these solutions. The architecture needs to provide a resilient and secure foundation,” says Naidu.
“Purchasing and operating a network infrastructure to keep your customers and employees connected can be quite an investment, however this is the backbone of modern office communication and businesses cannot do without it. As an acquisition to purchasing and operating a local area network, businesses should consider a managed service that can be tailored to the exact service levels to support and meet the desired requirements,” Naidu adds.
As the workplace continues to become increasingly competitive and fast-paced, business leaders need to make sure that they are investing in the technology that empowers workers. For efficiency to thrive and grow in the modern workspace, organisations need to adapt to change and implement technology smartly.
“With the technology life cycle getting shorter, it is significant to think about investing in a flexible Campus Network that allows for the adoption of new technology faster, without having to worry about the depreciating capital expense. Solutions need to be easy to use and intuitive to improve the agility and productivity of a business. By using the right tools, companies are enabling their staff to keep up with the fast pace of the modern office by working together in a collaborative environment,” concludes Naidu.
