
Where we came from…
Sure, even in the early 90’s some employees began taking reasonable arguments to their employers on why the should or could work remotely – at least some of the time – and they even sometimes won those arguments and were allowed to do so. I had an employee try this in the 90s and I went as far as I was allowed to at the time accommodating his request because I started the 90’s thinking a home office or home business was the way to go. My mind was going there anyway – I’ve been focused on that for 25+ years. Ahead of my time? Hmmm.
Fast forward 20+ years and look where we are now. I’ve been working from home non-stop since 2006 (almost 9 years now) and desktops – at least in my mind – are a thing of the past. Mobility is what it’s all about and the cloud – or running application software using internet enabled devices like laptops, yes…desktops, tablets, smart phones and a few other devices (though not ones typically found in the office environment like TVs and Xbox’s, etc.) – is what it’s all about. But is it how you want to run your business? Can you really run good business management software in the cloud? The answer, of course, is a resounding “Yes!”
What about security? What about collaboration?
What about security and are there good cloud services available? I’m happy to state that even though nothing is entirely secure – with today’s cloud services your organization is really no more exposed than it was operating outside the cloud a few years back. And business productivity software is primarily focused on availability in the cloud – unlike 3-5 years ago. I’m an IT consultant and project manager, so I’m very focused on things like project management software, file management software and software that helps manage software performance and customer relationships (CRM).
Managing, collaborating, and sharing documentation among team members and employees is key to productivity in the workplace right now and in the foreseeable future. One example of this - Autodesk PLM 360 - helps organizations manage people, projects and business processes very effectively on the cloud. With collaborative cloud-based software apps like this, your entire team or organization can collaborate, communicate and share ideas and documents – in the cloud – from anywhere…anytime. Yes, times have changed… much for the better.
Summary
How about your business? Looking for better cloud-based software that allows for increased collaboration and a cohesive work environment – even if you have a distributed organization with team members and employees located around the country or around the world? Look out there – nearly everything is available for the cloud…safe and secure with the right cloud services option. Find one with the security you are looking for at the price you can afford. They are available in all shapes and sizes.