In a post-pandemic world, we will most likely see long-lasting effects as industries continue to undergo significant change. There is however, one industry that has experienced limited disruption in the last year, which is the Technology and Software sector.
Though many adaptations were allocated, much of the work that falls under this sector was already virtual (pre-pandemic). Technology and Software went from being partially virtual, to 100% and because of this, the integration and transition to the remote workforce for many IT companies, was much softer than most. Additionally, as the pressure for companies to stay connected and competitive accelerated, our digital dependence was amplified, and IT applications were signaled and reinforced as they became foundational to the success of many businesses.
Cloud Continuity – Facilitating our Rise to the Pandemic Challenge
A fundamental practice that has gained many adherents over the last year is the Cloud. As virtually all countries implemented stay-at-home policies, usage grew significantly, and Cloud demand undoubtedly shifted. To this day, some organizations remain apprehensive when it comes to cloud migration, because the idea of distributing your company’s private information across different ecosystems seems both intimidating and insecure. And though most Cloud providers have reputable recovery teams, sometimes a breach can occur. Yet, despite this plausible outcome, the public Cloud infrastructure facilitated our rise to the pandemic challenge, allowing companies to pivot quickly, adapting new business models and applications to allow millions of workers to stay connected.
The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council partnered with Techno Metric to survey and assess small businesses in the United States to find out what impact the Cloud had on their software throughout the pandemic. Of those who were interviewed, 84% said that Cloud services were an essential life preserver this past year and 74% went beyond that to say that they would not be able to operate their core business offerings without the Cloud. Conclusively, it was found that the most indispensable element of Cloud software this past year, was the way in which it allowed companies (of all sizes) to stay connected both in and out of the office.
Thrive Instead of Survive
The pandemic was a reality check for many businesses who were previously reluctant to embrace digital transformation. They found themselves unprepared amidst the crisis and their business struggled because of it. On the other hand, those who had developed digital strategies like the Cloud, prior to the pandemic, were able to surpass their competitors and function relatively well. This is not to understate other challenges related to COVID-19, however, having already have had these digital tools at their disposal, allowed them to navigate their way through an unprecedented time.
If you or your company are still reluctant to embrace cloud computing, or any IT strategy for that matter, ask yourself this: What would happen to your business if there was another recession like that of 2008? An earthquake? Or even another pandemic in a few years from now? Would your company survive? Would your data?
There is a reason why the Technology and Software sector has been able to thrive over the last year, with minimal evidence of erosion. Adopting IT applications is no longer an option and instead, a necessity to keep moving forward.
It is the difference between thriving and surviving.
For more information on Cloud migration, email: info@newvaluegroup.com
Source:
“Survey Results: How Cloud Software Helps Small Businesses”. Sales Shoptech. (2021). Survey Results: How Cloud Software Helps Small Businesses – Shoptech
