In part two of this four-part series, we get more into the weeds about the tools, methods and capabilities needed for digital transformation, and why migrating to the cloud for a future-proof infrastructure is the only way to go.

A Pivotal Change in the Making

It takes cutting-edge technology at the foundation to support these demands and offer the flexibility to evolve. A single platform to streamline systems, processes and operations to foster collaboration, efficiency and productivity, and the enterprise websites and eCommerce solutions to drive revenue and growth.

Many companies have had to accelerate or pivot their digital end game due to the shockwave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Organizations with a modern technology foundation were able to adapt and scale seemingly overnight, delivering better experiences and new offerings to meet market demand. Retail and B2C organizations were especially prepared. But many B2B organizations are struggling to take control of their future in a new normal where digital behaviours are expected to continue post pandemic.

 

Mission-critical priorities

Because organizations are racing to support remote working capabilities, meet unpredictable levels of supply and demand, and deliver omni-channel customer experiences, they’re also trying to trim costs.

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are prioritizing spending that is deemed mission-critical over initiatives aimed at growth or transformation.

• IT spending was expected to all 8% in 2020 due to the effects of Covid-19 on the global economic recession. (Gartner)
• 80% of B2B sales teams shifted to remote working, and businesses rated digitally enabled interactions with B2B customers as being twice as important as traditional methods (McKinsey)
• 71% of consumers are ready for integrated ecosystem offerings (McKinsey)

 

 A future-proof infrastructure

With a strong infrastructure, the ability to rapidly deploy new capabilities and applications will turn technology from a cost to a revenue center. Successful organizations typically deploy more digital technologies, tools, and methods on the path to increased sales and growth, especially cloud-based solutions. Moving communications and core applications to the cloud helps improve availability, reliability, and resiliency—capabilities that are essential in crisis and in growth periods.

Especially advantageous and necessary now as businesses are forced to trim IT spending while investing in new technologies to meet consumer expectations and market demand.

 

Breaking it down

Building on a proven, secure, and innovative cloud platform, like Microsoft Azure for example, enables an organization to cost-efficiently scale and adjust on demand, as well as reduce IT costs associated with maintenance and operations. Azure is also the foundation for many tools employees are already familiar with, like Microsoft Office and collaboration tools for in-house and remote working, as well as powerful CMS and eCommerce solutions.

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