Cloud technology is here to stay. What was once deemed a trend is now the new norm, with research from RightScale indicating that an overwhelming 93% of businesses are already using cloud technology in one form or another.
Its popularity stretches to businesses of all sizes and sectors, and its rapid uptake reflects the need for organisations to cater to modern business trends. Social and economic trends have led to the widespread adoption of BYOD, remote working and online collaboration, meaning many businesses have found it necessary to modernise their tools in order to match end-user needs.
This creates a healthy market for resellers. Upgrading legacy IT to cloud-ready solutions is an on-going process, one that requires the continuous support of knowledgeable channel sellers. And this is especially relevant in terms of telecoms. With BT planning to turn off its ISDN network by 2025, all businesses will be looking for help in making the switch towards cloud solutions.
A call from the future
Cloud-hosted telephony represents the biggest change in the telecommunications landscape since mobile. By having a cloud hosted PBX box rather than relying on traditional ISDN lines, users can enjoy features such as flexibility, scalability and cost effectiveness as default.
On top of that, a range of extra functionalities are made possible. Detailed call reports are easily compiled, with data such as missed calls, call duration and peak hour logs on hand to help organisations with any planning and forecasting they may need. System management, customisation and support are all designed under the banner of user self-help, a vision that frees up both user and provider time.
The cloud helps all this, and these features are expected to evolve as the technology matures.
Bringing it all together: convergence and distinction
For resellers wishing to stay ahead of the game, it is important to provide products and services that anticipate the cloud-rich future. These should be solutions that follow two of today’s major trends: convergence and differentiation.
The future of cloud will revolve around bringing disparate technology systems together. Where once multiple suppliers and technologies were required – now the preference for a single supplier for multiple products is growing. Convergence will also allow applications and systems to be technology-agnostic so that switching between devices and operating systems is seamless. This will create time, cost and space efficiencies for all involved.
At the same time, being distinct from the competition will also be key. The cloud will revolutionise the workplace and empower new ways of working. This will create a rejuvenated tech marketplace, one where standing out will be necessary in order to achieve success. Unique products, and any additional value resellers can provide, will be critical.
New to voice?
With the future of telephony now often in the hands of IT, the future for the sector looks exciting. But it’s important to act now. For traditional IT sellers wishing to succeed in the cloud, adding voice to your portfolio is an important step towards providing convergent solutions.
With the right product and partner, IT resellers can expect the following benefits today:
› Easy recurring margins
› Total ownership over the customer base
› A white labelled, transparent billing platform
› Additional revenue stream for your business
The cloud is now ubiquitous, yet many end-users are still yet to reap the benefits of a hosted telecoms system. For resellers of all backgrounds, now is the ideal time to migrate customers and set them up for the future.
