Businesses are facing increasing pressure to make informed decisions about their IT infrastructure.
According to the latest research from BT Wholesale (Partner Plus Annual Research Report July 2024), 75% of IT decision-makers plan to invest in new technology within the next year, driven by a growing need to improve customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and cybersecurity.
But where should businesses focus their efforts? And how can they ensure these investments lead to tangible results?
The team at Vaioni believes the key to success in this digital era lies in aligning technology with business goals. From SD-WAN to all-IP, Unified Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS), and the impending rollout of 5G, businesses have an array of tools at their disposal to enhance performance, security, and connectivity. Let’s explore how you can harness these technologies to future-proof your operations.
1. Enhancing Connectivity: All-IP and 5G
One of the significant findings from the report is the overwhelming demand for faster, more reliable connectivity. 65% of employees believe their office connectivity is insufficient, with IT decision-makers echoing this sentiment. As businesses become more reliant on digital tools and cloud-based services, seamless connectivity in and out of the office has become a top priority.
All-IP is set to revolutionise business communications, replacing legacy phone systems with more flexible, cloud-based solutions. Despite this, only 31% of IT decision-makers currently prioritise the shift to all-IP, with many businesses underestimating its long-term benefits. From increased operational efficiency to reduced costs, transitioning to all-IP will be a game-changer for companies looking to stay competitive.
In parallel, 5G is gaining momentum, with 78% of resellers reporting that their customers are already asking about 5G connectivity. For many businesses, 5G’s low latency, higher speeds, and increased capacity will be crucial for supporting data-intensive applications such as AI, IoT, and video conferencing.
At Vaioni, we see 5G as a critical driver of the future of work, providing the fast, reliable connections businesses need to operate in a hybrid and mobile-first world.
2. The Rise of AI: Opportunity Meets Uncertainty
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another central theme explored in the report, with 76% of IT decision-makers believing that AI will enhance their workforce and 79% saying it will increase productivity. However, enthusiasm for AI is often tempered by a lack of understanding. Over a quarter of IT decision-makers admit they do not fully grasp what AI is or how it can be applied in their organisation.
This is where the role of trusted technology partners becomes critical.
Businesses need clear guidance on implementing AI in a way that drives real value. AI can potentially transform critical functions such as customer operations, sales, and marketing. However, it requires a robust, secure network foundation to ensure success. As businesses explore AI, they must also prioritise the necessary investments in infrastructure—such as SD-WAN and all-IP—that can handle the increased bandwidth demands and data flow that come with AI solutions.
At Vaioni, we recommend a test-and-learn approach when implementing AI. Start small, focus on specific use cases, and ensure you have the security and scalability to support future growth.
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3. Cybersecurity: More Important Than Ever
The BT report highlights the increasing importance of cybersecurity, with 20% of organisations falling victim to a cyberattack. As businesses adopt new technologies such as AI and 5G, the risk of cyber threats grows. Yet, despite these risks, only 27% of IT decision-makers prioritise cybersecurity when making technology investments.
This gap represents a significant risk. With AI opening new doors for cybercriminals, businesses need to rethink their cybersecurity strategies and ensure they have the necessary protections. SD-WAN offers a robust solution, providing enhanced connectivity and improved security through centralised management and traffic encryption.
We believe that simplifying cybersecurity is critical to increasing adoption. Our solutions are designed to take the complexity out of security, offering businesses straightforward, manageable ways to protect their data and networks. Companies can mitigate risk by focusing on security and scalability while continuing to innovate.
4. The Future of Work: Embracing Hybrid Models
Hybrid working is here to stay. The BT Wholesale report reveals that 80% of IT decision-makers support remote work, with 81% of decision-makers agreeing that their employees are just as productive when working remotely. This shift towards hybrid working models is reshaping business priorities, with companies now focusing on flexible, cloud-based solutions that support collaboration and communication.
To thrive in this new environment, businesses must ensure they have the right tools. UCaaS (Unified Communications-as-a-Service) is a powerful solution that combines messaging, voice, video, and collaboration tools in one platform.
At Vaioni, we work with businesses to implement UCaaS solutions that enhance productivity and streamline communication, regardless of location.
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5. Building Trust Through Human Connections
Finally, the report emphasises the importance of building trusted human relationships in the digital age. With so many technology options, businesses can feel overwhelmed and fall into inertia. IT decision-makers want to work with technology partners they trust—partners who understand their unique challenges and can offer tailored solutions.
We pride ourselves on our consultative approach. Whether you’re exploring new technology solutions or looking to improve your existing infrastructure, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of digital transformation and build a future-proof business.
Conclusion
As businesses move into a more digital, interconnected world, the need for reliable, secure, and scalable IT solutions has never been greater.
Businesses can drive transformation, improve connectivity, and enhance productivity by investing in technologies like all-IP, SD-WAN, 5G, and AI. At the same time, focusing on security and human relationships will be crucial to long-term success.
