Evolution, rather than revolution

If Covid-19 has taught us anything, it’s that businesses need to evolve if they don’t want to become extinct.

Following our management buyout from the Raynors nearly two years ago, the new Abbey team recognised the importance of becoming a full service telecoms and IT firm to serve a changing market.

Ongoing strategy had to evolve, encompassing IT whilst maintaining our strong telecoms base. The current lockdown has emphasised this even further.

Integrating IT and telecoms for secure remote working has exploded and can range from a simple call divert, through to collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams fully integrated into the telecoms infrastructure.

Any remote solutions need to be secure and meet business need. Not all companies require fully integrated video with collaboration tools - an ability to take calls and email is sometimes all that’s needed.

For example, a business with an existing telephone system can use remote IP phones to allow staff to take home their desk phone. This can be connected to their office phone system with some minor programming. It’s quick, simple, secure and low cost. Add a secure VPN and you have full office operation at home.

If you were already looking to upgrade, the best choice may be a new cloud/hosted solution integrating your IT and telecoms infrastructure. An application on a smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac provides advanced features such as video calling, instant messaging collaboration and CRM integration.

There’s no one solution to suit every business, however the correct partner will ensure you get the best fit for your organisation, cost effectively.

• To read this feature in full and access further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View magazine or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.