Transforming communications

If you’re in business, you want better communications – that’s pretty much a dead cert. But what’s driving this and how do you set about planning the changes?

In research we conducted this year 88% of senior IT leaders say they’re going to consolidate their voice, data and mobile networks within the next two years (Coleman Parkes 2012 survey of 500 leaders from companies with 2000+ employees). They’re doing this to improve all sorts of things: agility, cost efficiency, collaboration, processes, decision-making and customer relations. I find these drivers apply to many of the customers I work with, and that the desire for more flexible working is high on the agenda too.

There’s no shortage of communication technologies out there, but before you start investing it’s worth taking a methodical approach. Start by looking at what you’ve already got. And what you want it to do. Ripping everything out and starting again isn’t always the best option. For many of our customers, a simple plan to transform their communications step by step is often the best approach. There are some key triggers that can typically start the change process, for example:

• Moving to a new office? Think about introducing IP Telephony and SIP Trunking.
• PBX coming to the end of its life? Replace it with IP Telephony.
• Worried about your contingency plans? IP Telephony, Unified Communications and SIP Trunking can easily address this.
• Need more flexibility? IP Telephony and SIP Trunking can help improve the way you work.
• Want to promote flexible working? Think about introducing Cisco® Jabber® or Microsoft® Lync®.
• Looking to save time and resources? Work with one supplier that can provide everything you need in a joined up fashion.
• Looking to reduce costs? Video, IP Telephony and SIP Trunking bring improved functionality while saving money.
• Looking to control your costs? Introduce a commercial model like Business Zone from O2 that provides uniform pricing between fixed and mobile calls.
• Looking to improve your balance sheet? Work with a supplier that can provide the technology on a price per seat basis so it’s operating expenditure (opex) not capital expenditure (capex).

A staged approach makes it easier to pick what works best for you at the pace that’s right for your organisation.

We work with our customers to help transform their communications. Visit o2.co.uk/enterprise/juc or call Matt Worth on 01235 433507 to find out more.