As businesses reopen their workplaces, one of the challenges is streamlining their IT processes and managing costs. This is on top of re-thinking office layouts for physical distancing and other employee safety guidelines.
Not only that, businesses need the agility to pivot back to a secure remote work environment if needed.
Then there’s the need to manage and balance operational expenses and capital expenses. Especially on the IT side. There’s a lot to consider. But when it comes to IT processes, the right productivity software or apps and tools can support businesses’ in their reopening efforts.
Let’s take a look at how Microsoft 365, Google G Suite apps and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) can help a business stay agile.
Maximizing Microsoft 365 and Google G Suite
Since the apps offered under Microsoft 365 and Google G Suite are used to produce information, they’re often referred to as productivity software or productivity apps. While a business may use office productivity software, it may not be cloud based or on the same productivity platform.
For example, a business may operate a traditional on-premise server model. With an Exchange server for their email and calendaring, but use Slack for their chat or Instant Messaging. Yet, for their video conferencing they use Zoom and File Server or SharePoint for their file storage. The business in this example not only requires more IT knowledge, but also more support, time and resources. Not to mention, the integration of these different platforms can be tricky.
By consolidating all productivity apps under one platform like Microsoft 365 or Google G Suite, it reduces app management. Plus it makes updates and security on Email systems, such as MS Office 365, easier. Reducing a business’s overall IT costs.
Also, Microsoft 365 and Google G Suite are both cloud based technology solutions for emails, calendars, meeting scheduling, cloud storage, video conferencing and Instant Messaging.
The added bonus of maximizing Microsoft 365 or Google G Suite means businesses can manage their costs by moving to a OpEx model versus a CapEx model on ageing hardware and licensing.
Why consider Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Businesses should explore working with Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) if their goal is reducing IT costs and increasing responsiveness.
Using VDI means running employee (end-users) desktops on a Virtual Machine (VMs), which is hosted in the cloud or an on-premise server. Essentially, VDI helps an employer reduce their hardware costs.
With VDI, a business’s employees can use their own devices. Eliminating the need to provide employees with company issued devices. Plus, the employer does not need to manage the devices their employees are logging in from. This reduces the costs associated with securing, managing and supporting the end user’s hardware.
By considering ways to consolidate productivity apps as well as unify and secure environments; plus, lowering hardware costs using VDI, businesses can ensure they’re nimble enough to meet their business goals moving forward.
If your business is interested in maximizing Microsoft 365 and Google G Suite, or learning more about VDIs, connect with Clarity. Helping businesses identify and deliver clear technology solutions is what we do.
Author Snippet:
Dennis Wong is a Partner and Head of Marketing and Sales at Clarity, a Canadian based data center and technology solutions company. With over 21 years in the tech industry, Dennis understands both the technology side and the business side. As Clarity’s Head of Marketing and Sales, Dennis oversees Clarity’s marketing and sales teams and customer service.