Why Getting Communications Infrastructure Right Has Become a Challenge

Eric Hanson, Chief Marketing Officer at Mitel, said it best “…UC isn’t about where it lives – it’s about what it delivers for the customer.” Communication is crucial to an organization’s success, but finding the solution that fits best can be a complex decision. The ability to scale, the desire to leverage generative AI, the ability to embed within existing workflows, and the ability to control your communications network are just some of the factors that need to be considered.

For some, this complexity can be limited; however, with Mitel’s 7 Dimensions of Communication Flexibility and Control, the process of finding a hybrid cloud communications solution is simplified and streamlined.

Join us as we dive into this blog series on the 7 Dimensions and discover why the outcomes you need today, and for the future, can only be fulfilled through the flexibility and control offered by a hybrid cloud communications solution.

The Evolving Landscape of Organization Communications

Organizational processes, culture, and goals are in constant flux, and your communication landscape must adapt to keep pace. With over 50 years of UC experience, we understand the critical elements a communication landscape needs to drive organizational success.

Increasingly, organizations are finding that a hybrid cloud approach to communications is the key to achieving this flexibility. Here's why:

• Alignment with Organization Growth: Your communication tools should directly support your core organization goals. This includes boosting productivity, enhancing customer experiences, and improving employee efficiency. For many organizations, this means effectively serving frontline workers who are crucial to operational success.
• Data Control and Security: Maintaining control of your organization’s data is paramount, especially with the rise of generative AI and varying international data regulations. A hybrid cloud approach allows you to keep sensitive data within your control, ensuring compliance and mitigating security risks.
• Integration with Legacy Systems: Many organizations rely on legacy systems that can't be easily moved to the cloud, such as specialized equipment or industry-specific applications. A hybrid cloud model lets you embrace new technologies while seamlessly integrating with these essential existing systems.

Beyond these core reasons, a hybrid cloud communication solution also offers:

• Organizational Flexibility: Adapt to changing market dynamics and organizational needs without being locked into a single solution.
• Workplace Diversity: Support a diverse workforce with communication tools that cater to various roles, work styles, and locations.
• Elevated User Expectations: Meet the demands of today's users who expect seamless communication across their preferred devices and channels.

Failing to adopt the right communication strategy can lead to decreased productivity, reduced employee engagement, damaged customer relationships, and missed opportunities. A hybrid cloud approach empowers your organization to navigate the evolving communication landscape and achieve sustainable growth.

Through Mitel’s Common Communications Framework, we assist organizations of all sizes to find the communication landscape that meets their and their customers' needs. We do this by navigating the 7 Dimensions of Communication Flexibility and Control with a hybrid cloud communication solution as the backbone.

Read: Hybrid Cloud: Readying Communications for the Technology of the Future

Mitel’s 7 Dimensions of Communication Flexibility and Control

We’ll briefly discuss the dimensions below before expanding on each dimension in future installments of the blog series.

1. Multi-Modal

Whether a frontline worker interacts with the public or a knowledge worker develops a new product, a communications solution must meet the users where they are by being adaptable to not only the device being used (desktop, mobile, DECT, etc.) but also the preferred method of communication, whether that be voice, video, or text.

2. Integrations

A communication solution should seamlessly integrate with your other key business applications to maintain streamlined communications workflows, ensure all users work with the same information, and enhance the user experience.

3. Services

Services should never be an afterthought regarding a critical component such as communications. A communications solution should be complemented by a comprehensive offering of discovery, implementation, and support options.

4. Sovereignty, Resiliency, Compliance, and Regulation

Any communications solution should prioritize the security of its data and users, meet existing and new regulations, and offer choices regarding sovereignty regarding where data and resources are hosted. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing, and regulations and sovereign requirements are likely to follow. With ever-changing regulations, CIOs must plan for change and uncertainty.

5. Choice of Solution

A one-size-fits-all approach no longer works with communications solutions. Your chosen solution should meet the needs of your organization (goals, technology requirements, geography, and technology partners) and be flexible enough to grow with you.

6. Deployment Model

Whether it’s on-premises or public, private, or hybrid cloud deployment, your organization will be able to select the model that meets your operational and security needs.

7. Commercial Model

Each organization’s financial situation is unique, and having multiple commercial model options, such as a subscription, allows for the maintenance of a comprehensive communications solution without a significant capital expenditure investment.

Optimize Workflows with Secure, Future-Ready Communications Solutions

Mitel and its partners work to provide a secure and effect communications solution that optimizes workflows and maximizes value through a consultative approach that meets your organization’s needs and infrastructure capabilities today and for the future.

Stay tuned for the next blog in our “7 Dimensions of Communication Flexibility and Control” series, where we’ll discuss how a multi-modal hybrid cloud communications solution can benefit your organization.