If necessity is the mother of invention, the imminent COVID 19 recession must unquestionably become a melting pot of ideas and resourcefulness in what can be aptly labelled; ‘the recession we had to have MII’. Indeed, the government-induced COVID 19 recession is expedentially driving up the use of cloud-based technologies, in particular communication technologies such as a Hosted PBX business phone system and Unified Communications.
As the panic settles on the COVID 19 outbreak, its now evident that business leaders are on a constant look-out for the latest in communication technology that will deliver agility and mobility to take-on a highly competitive post COVID 19 world. The uptake of technology since the inception of COVID 19 is reflected in the both the ASX and global sharemarkets, with technology stocks aggressively heading north.
The most notable shift in recent months is the dramatic up-take of Unified Communication services such as video conferencing – as a direct result of businesses needing to improve their mobility in order for staff to work from home.
Despite being very different times, there are nonetheless similarities of the current economic crisis and recessionary 1990’s Australia. At a time when Prime Minister Keating uttered his famous quote; ”This is the recession we had to have”, Australia witnessed a deep recession that was the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Preceded by the global stockmarket crash of 1987, Australia endured mortgage interest rates at an historic high of 17.5% – a bit like buying a house on a credit card by today’s standards.
The recession was heartfelt throughout the nation, with a sharp rise in unemployment that peaked at 11% in 1992, with 18-22 year old unemployment @ 17% – and even higher for migrants. However, its fair to say that the recovery process was more or less left to market forces, with little intervention from the government of the day.
Albeit, the majority of Australians in the workforce today are not old enough to have experienced the economic hardship of 30 years ago, for those that are old enough to have lived through the fallout, the experience is permanently etched in the memory as a difficult, challenging and often heartbreaking time.
In contrast, the self-induced recession of 2020 is not only been instigated by the Government, the Government is also making unprecedented moves to nurse Australia through, what is proving to be a tumultuous time.
Imagine if you can, a world without Email, the Internet, Personal Computers or Mobile Phones. We’re talking at the 1960’s right? I’m afraid not. As Australia was entering the global recession 30 years ago, all the of the above technologies were in infancy – and by no means wide-spread.
The lure for CEO’s at the time to expedite the adoption of technology that would transform organisations into the new paradigm of the information superhighway was hypnotic – with the promise to deliver increased capabilities, improved productivity and efficiencies, and above all produce significant cost savings as a result of the investment.
Cloud technologies such as a Hosted PBX business phone system and Unified Communications is set to change the way business is done on a global scale. Both technologies are already experiencing exponential growth; and not unlike the 1990’s, business leaders are seeking to gain competitive advantage through advanced communication technology that can deliver a more agile, efficient and mobile organisation with increased capabilities and cost efficiencies.
The cloud-based business phone systems come in essentially two variations;
For many organisations, the standard Hosted PBX is more than sufficient to deliver the agility needed to compete in a changing marketplace. Often companies electing to use a Hosted PBX business phone systems will also use a separate cloud vendor for video conferencing. On the other hand, companies wanting a more integrated communication approach tend to adopt Unified Communication platforms such as; Webex Calling or Microsoft Teams.
Regardless of the cloud service you adopt, both Hosted PBX business phone systems and Unified Communication services are revolutionising the communication landscape as a result of delivering;
Not only has the business sector in Australia eagerly adopted cloud technologies such as Hosted PBX and Unified Communications with gusto, the key driver in many cases has been out of necessity, with the demand for ‘work from home’ capabilities during the COVID 19 pandemic.
With the flexibility to be connected to the business phone system regardless of location, and ability to receive voicemails via email whilst out on the road, businesses better equip themselves to tackle a post COVID 19 world. Likewise, Hosted PBX versions that incorporate Unified Communications, such as; Webex Calling or Microsoft Teams are able to improve collaboration throughout an organisation. with features such as video conferencing, .
Cisco Webex Calling and Microsoft Teams are leading the way in the provision of Unified Communication Hosted PBX phone systems; that come with all the standard Hosted PBX functions, in addition to audio and video conferencing, video 1:1, document sharing, i-messaging and presence. Webinars are also a feature of Webex. Both services can also integrate with Microsoft Office 365.
Technology aside, COVID 19 has demonstrated the value firms should, and are now placing on support services that are located in Australia. Likewise, many technology and telecommunication companies that rely on offshore support resources have been overwhelmed by the experience due to the desolation of the Philippines and India call centre operations.
In contrast, Australian tech companies with locally developed and supported Hosted PBX cloud services have been better equipped to meet support demands in Australia.
In an increasingly complex and indeed paranoid world, IT security is paramount for business-critical communication technology such as a Hosted PBX business phone system. The priority being for the cloud infrastructure to be located in data centres in Australia, as well as using only local telecommunication carriers. Its also prudent that technical support services are also based in Australia for an added layer of security. VPN should also be a consideration for Work from Home staff.
Acknowledging that business phone systems are business-critical, its therefore essential that the deployment of a Hosted PBX and Unified Communication platforms incorporate documentation such as a Scope of Works and Implementation Plan to ensure quality workmanship that promotes business continuity.
The seismic shift to cloud technology has resulted in wide-spread adoption of cloud-based phone systems. Likewise, the shift has changed perceptions of business phone systems; from technology that makes and receives phones calls to that of a communication platform, with communication outcomes now taking precedence over a particular system’s features and benefits assessment.
All things considered, organisations that equip themselves with contemporary communication platforms have the greatest chance of succeeding into the future; this being a direct result of having the capacity to gain competitive advantage through highly efficient and effective communications with staff, customers and stakeholders alike.
With companies starved of revenue for an extended period, the intensity of a post COVID 19 marketplace will undoubtedly present many challenges. Use of contemporary cloud technology such as a Hosted PBX will invariably play a significant role in a company’s on-going competitiveness. Conversely, persevering with outdated technology may well be a liability.
Engage with us to learn more about Hosted PBX & Unified Communication business phone systems. Phone: 1300 196 386 or email: info@smartcombusiness.com
