The increased use of smartphone applications to deliver services has engendered an environment of customer convenience and instant gratification. Today, there exists an application to deliver almost any product or service available on the market, and the hassle of driving to a store is virtually a thing of the past. This consumerisation of technology has created a culture where consumers expect a level of automation and simplification in the delivery of all services, from booking a holiday to backing up and storing their data.
Data management service providers need to heed the call of their market. To do so, they should look to leverage technologies such as the cloud, data analytics and mobile applications to deliver backup and storage services in a more accessible, easy-to-use and flexible manner.
The market is calling
Data is no longer confined to an organisation’s servers or on-site systems. Data is everywhere. The rise of the mobile workforce and uptake of bring your own device (BYOD), coupled with mobile enabling applications, has freed the constraints of working from a specified location. As a result, company data is being generated from, and shared across, multiple platforms and devices. This data therefore needs to be protected, no matter where it is generated from, or by whom.
This diverse data spread has given rise to the challenge of storing and backing up of company data. Due to the controlled environment of an office, backups can be scheduled and carried out rather simply. However, the process is harder to manage when the workforce is scattered, along with valuable data and information.
There are certainly systems available for the storing and backup of this data, however, many users find the task onerous and, often, complex. Not backing up can lead to data losses and increases the risk of confidential or critical data ending up in the wrong hands.
The market is demanding backup and storage solutions that are simple to operate, efficient, safe and that collate data in a centralised location, for easy accessing from anywhere, and on any device.
Heeding the call
Data management companies need to align themselves to this pace of evolution, providing services which aid rather than hinder agility. In essence, a forward-thinking approach needs to be adopted, taking market trends and predictions into account. Technology will continue to progress, and customer needs will mould themselves to the technologies of the day.
Cloud offers the perfect platform for centralised storage and backup, enabling businesses to effectively access the data from anywhere, at any time. Coupling this with an application also means that users can backup data from their mobile device, laptop or tablet.
Customer first
Although applications and their ‘self-service’ approach is the way of the future, many customers still value a personal touch. It is important that technology enables interactions between service provider and customer. Retaining the ability to interact with customers on a personal level also maintains the flow of feedback.
Customers are looking for data storage and backup services which are easily integrated into their everyday lives. Technology, when supported by efficient customer service, will answer these needs accordingly and pave the way for future data and storage solutions.
For more information, contact Gabsten Technologies, +27 (0)87 654 1615, [email protected]
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