TechTalk Tuesday Logo

Connectivity keeps information moving between a company’s platforms, applications, and databases. The network that a business uses to achieve connectivity acts as a circulatory system, keeping mission-critical data coursing along so the company stays alive and thriving.

Beyond basic operations, connectivity creates opportunities to transform the way organizations do business. Today, many technology and business management trends depend on connectivity.

Here’s an overview of 5 trends that have created a demand for connectivity: 

1) The Rise of the Remote Workforce

remote-workforce-risingAllowing employees to work remotely has become a popular option for companies that want to create a better work-life balance and increase worker productivity. According to SurePayroll, a payroll software company, 14% of companies allow employees to telecommute. Over 67% of organizations see increased levels of productivity in their remote workers.

Connectivity enables remote workers to access the same data and applications as in-office workers. Remote workers also benefit from unified communications (UC), which enables clients, customers, and fellow employees to reach them wherever they are, using a variety of communications tools.

2) The Growth of IoT

The internet of Things (IoT) is being used to improve business processes, manage assets, and streamline supply chains. Sensors and beacons collect data from connected devices, helping companies track the status and location of equipment and products. Health care organizations use IoT to monitor the vital signs of patients with chronic conditions such as heart failure and diabetes.

Connectivity enables the data collected by IoT sensors to move from the devices to the company database, where it can be processed and analyzed for insights. Most connected devices are geographically dispersed in the field or in factories, so a high-speed network is needed to help data travel quickly over long distances.

3) Increased Cloud Adoption

increased-cloud-adoption-firstlightThe 2018 State of the Cloud Survey showed that cloud adoption is approaching the saturation point, with 96% of the 997 respondents reporting that they use the cloud. Companies are embracing the hybrid cloud model and multicloud architectures as a means of storing and protecting data as well as developing and running applications.

For the cloud to work optimally, it needs to be supported by a fast, low-latency fiber-based network that provides ample internet bandwidth. Data must move quickly, safely, and reliably to and from the cloud. When the cloud is used for backup and disaster recovery, a high-speed network guarantees fast recovery times with minimal data loss.

4) Business Collaboration

UC is creating a more productive and collaborative workplace by opening up more options for communication between employees. SurePayroll found that 46% of employees communicate using a variety of tools, including email, instant messaging, and voice.

A high-speed network supplies the reliable connectivity that makes UC possible. Voice, web conferencing, and file sharing allow employees to collaborate more easily. Voice messages can be translated into emails, and calls can be transferred to a mobile device so workers never miss out on information from project team members.

5) The Need for More Speed

high-speed-connectivity-remote-workforceTo stay competitive, companies need to obtain real-time insights from their data. Real-time analytics empower organizations to reach actionable insights. Speed is crucial for industries such as health care and finance, where well-being and security are dependent upon the quick transmission of accurate data.

High-speed connectivity transmits data quickly from the point of origin to the platform that supports analytics applications. High-speed, low latency networks prevent bottlenecks that would interfere with timely data transmission.

Choosing the Right Network

Companies have many options for network connectivity. However, not every option offers all the benefits that enable organizations to take advantage of technology trends. Fiber optic networks provide the speed, reliability, and security that companies need so that they can make the most of cloud, IoT, and UC.

FirstLight has the most extensive fiber optic network in the New England Region, helping companies in the area meet all their connectivity goals. Our network supports an entire portfolio of cloud models and services. We also provide unified communications for a variety of industries, including health care, education, and manufacturing.

Is your network holding you back? Explore the possibilities of fiber optic connectivity with FirstLight.

explore-possibilities-of-fiber-optic-connectivity