The Building Blocks of Flexible Working

Collaboration tools
Employees working at any location should be able to directly communicate and collaborate with colleagues, partners and customers. Effective collaboration doesn't just happen, it starts with a platform of unified communications, based on cloud, wi-fi, internet and security solutions, delivered in a way that suits the organisation. Workplace systems must be securely accessible from desktops, laptops and smartphones, irrespective of location. Voice and video calls, screen and document sharing, messaging, and presence, are all core components of an integrated collaborative environment. A great example of collaboration tools working together is when the “busy” presence indicator automatically changes when you’re on a Teams call.

Cloud Services
The hosting of business systems and information in a secure and accessible environment, along with business continuity protection against system failures and data loss are compelling reasons to invest in cloud services. Initial concerns around security and control have been overcome, and organisations are realising that legacy on-premise infrastructures are much more vulnerable than state-of-the-art cloud services. There’s an acceptance that one size doesn’t fit all, and the deployment of a bespoke hybrid cloud service that blend elements of datacentre, colocation, private and public cloud are vital for effective and secure hybrid working.

Networking & Connectivity.
The internet has changed the way we work, and life without connectivity is almost unthinkable. Reliable and secure networking is extremely important on both an employee and company level. One of the underlying positives of enforced homeworking has been higher levels of employee morale, due to the improved work/life balance and zero commute time. But, if staff can’t access a secure and strong internet connection, they can’t be productive. Our ‘always-on’ network has been recognised as critical national infrastructure for the islands, supporting vital connectivity and communication services. We connect people and businesses to the world through our state-of-the-art network via our dedicated points of presence (PoPs) in London and Paris, and onward routing to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Dublin, and back. On-going multi-million-pound investment has recently upgraded the network capacity, resilience and security to new levels of excellence.