The world is becoming increasingly dominated by social media and technology that gives instant access. The pervasive use of mobile devices has given way to a global digital transformation market, and it’s just the beginning. The increased demand for industrial automation is the primary driver for the growth of digital transformation market size.
“Today’s connected world has led to the age of the customer: Powered by technology and the internet, customers have higher expectations than ever before. Mobile has led consumers to be always on, connected and in control. Social has created a digital influencer community; voice has brought instant gratification and convenience.” [Preethy Vaidyanathan for Forbes]
In mid-March, businesses faced a choice between pro-investment and cost cutting strategies.
Many companies lack the technology infrastructure structure to offer remote work without some sacrifices to "business as usual." However, one unexpected outcome of COVID-19 is that companies realize the benefits of fast-tracking digital transformation. [Bernard Marr for Forbes]
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, there was some progress made in telemedicine; however, public health officials are pushing healthcare systems to expand their telemedicine through smartphones and other tools.
Along with many in-person conferences being canceled worldwide in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, some are switching them to be virtual events. The first conference to cancel due to safety concerns was Mobile World Congress, the annual gathering of electronics makers. Google Cloud Next ’20 became Digital Connect and promised that what once was a three-day conference to be a “free, global, digital-first, multi-day event” that would use the Next ’20 content.
As the globe is going largely digital, business leaders are recognizing the long-term benefits of digital transformation.
From the dot-com bust to 9-11 to the 2008 financial crisis, disruptions have stymied digital strategies. CIOs even have a cost-cutting playbook that starts with hardware haircutting and elimination of new projects, according to Forrester Research. But organizations that contained costs during past disruptions felt pressure from companies that took a pro-investment approach when the global economy rebounded.
Given the direction the digital transformation market is headed, experts suggest businesses take a pro-investment approach to not only survive the COVID-19 crisis, but to emerge strong and ready to compete. Continue or initiate sound operating models that incorporate the best people, processes and technologies, which remain critical in good times and bad.
“You have to avoid the tendency to slash and burn your transformation and revert back to your traditional working model, which is human nature,” Steve Bates, global leader of KPMG’s CIO center of excellence, tells CIO.com.
Many technology companies are rolling out tools that can support companies and organizations when going remote for extended trial periods or for lower fees. Here are a few:
- Google is allowing free access to advanced features that normally have a fee every month for Hangouts Meet to all G Suite and G Suite Education customers for several months.
- Microsoft offered a free six-month trial of its top tier of Microsoft Teams to enable schools, hospitals, and businesses in China to keep operating even with the restrictions of coronavirus.
- U.S.-based video-conferencing provider Zoom saw its stock price rise during the crisis; clearly people are seeing the value of remote-working tools. Zoom lifted the 40-minute limit from its free Basic plan for China when coronavirus hit the country. Doctors in China from more than 1,000 hospitals used the service for online consultations.
- LogMeIn is offering healthcare providers, educational institutions, non-profit organizations access to its video conferencing tools, including GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar.
- Cisco is fortifying its Webex tool to properly support companies during the coronavirus in the 44 countries its available in, including offering 24/7 assistance for businesses using the tool.
Rolling employee recognition into your digital transformation strategy can do more than put you ahead of the competition–it can ensure your employees are connected, appreciated, engaged, and confident.
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