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CIOs and CTOs grapple with various challenges reflecting the fast-paced evolution of technology and business needs. Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) strategy is still a top concern for tech execs, according to the Gartner CIO Report, as integrating AI into operations is no longer an option but a must to remain competitive in today’s environment.
Data and analytics strategy has also emerged as a high priority, with IT leaders seeking to leverage actionable insights to drive business decisions. Additionally, they’re concerned with protecting their organization’s sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated security threats.
Furthermore, even though technology is integral to every aspect of modern business, CIOs and CTOs must continuously demonstrate the value of IT investments to organizational leadership. One final concern is developing and retaining top talent, especially as the job market remains fluid.
Overcoming pain points is dependent on a business’s ability to innovate and pivot in a fast-moving, competitive landscape. As CIOs and CTOs navigate a world with ever-changing technology, they’re turning to unified communications as a service (UCaaS) as a scalable, flexible foundation for long-term success.
7 Ways to Overcome Technology Challenges with UCaaS for CIOs and CTOs
Here are seven reasons technology leaders use UCaaS to conquer challenges and future-proof their organizations.
1. Adopt and Implement AI
AI is no longer futuristic technology but a necessary part of everyday operations. A successful AI strategy is critical for maintaining an edge in today’s market. In fact, the Gartner CIO Report found that 92% of CIOs believe AI will be implemented in their organizations by 2025.
UCaaS solutions with built-in AI capabilities keep businesses at the forefront of communications technology. These platforms automate repetitive tasks, provide real-time insights into customer interactions, and offer AI-driven recommendations for agents to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.
2. Leverage Analytics
In today's data-driven world, technology leaders rely on real-time analytics to guide business decisions and optimize performance. UCaaS platforms provide a wealth of data that allows CIOs and CTOs to identify patterns, manage workflows, and address potential inefficiencies.
For example, contact center analytics can reveal peak times for customer interactions, enabling managers to allocate resources and adjust schedules as needed. Data-driven decision-making enables leaders across the organization to refine their strategies and continuously improve service delivery.
3. Demonstrate Business Value
CIOs and CTOs must continuously adapt to new technology. However, demonstrating the value of IT investments can be a struggle, with 81% of executive boards reporting they still haven’t made progress toward or achieved their digital transformation goals, according to Gartner.
Whether deployed on-premise, in the cloud, or as a hybrid model, UCaaS solutions can be tailored to fit any organization’s specific requirements. Their scalability ensures that companies only pay for what they need, making them a cost-effective solution with a high ROI.
4. Improve Security
Cyber threats are a constant concern for CIOs and CTOs, especially as bad actors use AI to carry out increasingly sophisticated schemes. However, even unintentional events like network outages and system crashes can leave sensitive data at risk.
UCaaS solutions give technology leaders peace of mind with secure, compliant, and reliable service that prevents downtime and keeps communications safe. The right vendor will offer comprehensive support on a resilient service network to ensure business continuity in the face of any threat.
5. Support Talent
Smart leaders know the value of investing in their talent. Sixty-nine percent of CIOs surveyed by Gartner said they intend to upskill or reskill their employees in 2024, an increase from 47% in 2023.
Teams work better when supported by reliable, convenient collaboration technology. With features like video conferencing, file sharing, and connectivity from any device, UCaaS empowers colleagues to collaborate seamlessly, whether they’re in the office or working remotely.
6. Streamline Operations
In competitive markets, organizations must develop and launch new capabilities – fast. To accelerate time-to-market, CIOs and CTOs must replace legacy technology, a step crucial to improving processes throughout the enterprise.
UCaaS simplifies this process with cloud and hybrid solutions that fit seamlessly into existing ecosystems, reducing the need for expensive hardware and lengthy deployments. Integration with business-critical applications minimizes the learning curve and improves overall operational efficiency.
7. Facilitate Flexibility
Eighty-two percent of leaders plan to make their working styles more flexible in the future. CIOs and CTOs are turning to integrated hybrid cloud communications platforms to connect their remote and on-premise teams.
Combining flexible communications and collaboration tools with AI-powered functionality, these UCaaS solutions give users the best of both worlds – security, and control over mission-critical communications and digital-first work environments for enhanced business productivity.
UCaaS Solutions for the Future
In the coming year, CIOs and CTOs will continue to face a dynamic technological landscape where agility, innovation, and adaptability are essential. Flexible, comprehensive UCaaS solutions will become increasingly critical for organizations to future-proof their communications and respond to market demands.
That’s why Mitel and Zoom have united in a strategic partnership, delivering Zoom Workplace, an all-in-one, open collaboration platform with Zoom AI Companion. Combining Zoom’s trusted UCaaS products with Mitel’s robust communications framework, this unique hybrid cloud solution delivers the modern work tools businesses need to succeed.
The Zoom-Mitel offering delivers fully embedded unified communications (UC) and mobile app integration, hardware device-level integration, and advanced business process capabilities. Together, they support the growing demand for highly functional, reliable hybrid solutions that “just work,” introducing AI-first experiences that meet every organization's unique requirements.
Contact us to learn how Mitel can support your business with UCaaS solutions tailored to your needs.
