Enterprises continue to evaluate and consider the switch to cloud communications, continuing a trend that’s been developing in which IT teams look for opportunities to reap the benefits of cloud services for various areas of technology. While the momentum continues, it seems that some of the reasons for considering such a switch are in flux.
A survey released by Nemertes Research finds that while cloud communications is still a priority for digital transformation, the motivation behind the interest in cloud services may be changing. The benefits of cloud services are numerous and relatively clear, but the weight of those reasons on the decision to move to cloud seem to be undergoing some reordering.
While the number one motivation for moving to a cloud solution in the past was cost, that factor is being pushed aside by a desire for business agility. Companies value the ability to roll out a feature quickly once it’s been determined that it adds to the customer experience, reduces costs, or improves performance. If it’s considered a feature that has significant impact on a key business initiative, then it’s more important than ever that the feature is quickly accessible.
This finding demonstrates a shift in how enterprises are making decisions about cloud communications. Those prioritizing agility as the biggest driver comprised 44 percent of the respondents, up from 29 percent only a year ago. The shift seems to be away from cost as the primary factor, down to 33 percent in the current findings, from 49 percent two years before.
When it comes to cloud adoption, enterprises clearly choose the provider that supports their goals for digital transformation. It also goes deeper than simply offering the latest bells and whistles; enterprises value a provider that works to understand their business and proactively finds ways to support their business goals. Those two areas were identified as priorities by 36 percent and 27 percent, respectively.
The survey’s findings also show a continued preference for hybrid, where many enterprises discover a kind of sweet spot between a pure cloud communications choice and a legacy system. Hybrid allows for the optimization of performance and cost.
To learn more about the benefits that cloud communications can offer your organization, contact us at Cloud Source. We understand the importance of agility, cost, and other factors in helping you achieve your business goals.