Connectivity is king

There’s no denying that the internet has become the backbone of a huge number of business operations. As we move to faster, more reliable connectivity, businesses are becoming more interconnected than ever. Devices, systems and workplaces simply cannot rely on an untrustworthy internet connection, and that goes for your business too. But that’s just the start. As businesses expand, the number of devices grows with it. And it’s not only computers and phones in the spotlight. Companies are connecting alarm systems and even refrigerators to their online ecosystem. But how are they doing it? The Internet of Things (IoT) allows businesses to remotely manage operations, enhance security, and elevate performance. IoT is revolutionising how technology interacts, but without a reliable and fast internet connection, none of it matters. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common devices businesses are using today and the importance of having a digital infrastructure you can rely on.

Digital phones

With the PSTN switch-off looming, businesses will soon need to move from analogue phone lines to digital systems. This is a great opportunity to embrace modern communications systems such as Hosted telephony systems and Microsoft Teams calling, and take advantage of how much they offer. They provide more flexibility where employees can take calls from anywhere and on any device. And with telephony integration into Microsoft Teams, employees now have a single application through which they can do all their communication, whether internal or external. And because many of the apps and services used are cloud-based, remote workers can fit in seamlessly with the in-house workforce; in fact work is no longer a place, rather a thing we do.

Security systems

Modern security is very reliant on internet connectivity. You can protect your business by connecting to a wide range of security devices, including HD cameras, smart locks and online alarm systems, all of which can be managed remotely. You can access security camera feeds from anywhere, receive notifications if an alarm is triggered and even allow someone into your premises without having to be there in person. As it stands, many of these systems currently use traditional phone lines, so they’ll need to be upgraded by 2025.

Sensors for smarter operations

IoT sensors are revolutionising how businesses track and manage resources, allowing for a potentially endless list of ways businesses can use them. For example, supermarkets can use IoT sensors to track stock levels or storage temperatures, factories can use them to get feedback about the current condition of their machines, and offices can use them to detect how much time people spend in certain rooms. With no limit to what you can do with sensors, they’re likely to become a key feature for the future of business.

Voice assistants

If you’ve used Alexa, Siri or Cortana, you’ve used a voice assistant. While smart devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home might be considered consumer items, they can also be useful in a business setting. Voice assistants can handle everything from controlling office lighting to managing meetings. They can also conduct customer interactions and improve overall efficiency.

Virtual and augmented reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology have limitless potential for businesses. In the consumer market, VR headsets like Facebook’s Oculus Quest have sold well to gamers, and they can easily translate to virtual meeting iterations and interactive training for businesses. Meanwhile, AR is already making waves in enterprise settings, with devices like Microsoft HoloLens winning major contracts. AR has the potential to transform practically every industry, from medicine to engineering, enabling users to see relevant information on top of their view of the real world.

Other smart devices

Just about any electrical item you can think of can become an IoT device. Air conditioning, lights and even fridges and toasters can be connected to the internet or controlled by a connected IoT accessory. Adding internet connectivity to devices enables them to be controlled remotely or automatically send or receive information.

How everything fits together

These connected devices are not just isolated systems. They work together in an ecosystem that creates an efficient and seamless workplace. For example, your light system might trigger the alarms, or your mobile phone might sync with your office documents. The opportunity for a more productive working environment is available to you today. You just need to ensure you have a fast, reliable network to keep everything running smoothly.

Stay connected and future-ready

The surge in connected devices means internet connections will need to be faster and more reliable than ever before. That’s why we offer fast, reliable broadband running over the renowned BT network. We also provide ITS/Alt-Nets solutions, promising reliability and flexibility without breaking the bank, ensuring your operations remain online around the clock. Contact us today to find out how we can help your business embrace the future of connectivity.