Cloud computing enables collaboration and will unlock all technology going forward. The next level in cloud computing will be the emergence of new tools for all-in-one business communications in the cloud.
So said Google SA's mobile head, Brett St Clair, at yesterday's ITWeb Business Communications event, at The Forum.
Collaboration enables innovation, and this is one of the four major trends impacting business today, he noted. The problem that most organisations face is legacy - 40% of businesses are still using Word 2003 as a result of this, he pointed out.
Organisations are failing to simplify processes for users and this inhibits their ability to adapt. Complex architecture and interfaces are built for business processes rather than usability, St Clair highlighted.
He stressed that the key to successful adoption is simplicity and affordability. “Organisations need to look at how they can use free enterprise technologies.”
By adopting new technologies, businesses are able to increase the amount of IT resources, focus on strategic projects, and improve core areas of business, St Clair noted.
He also gave a live demonstration of Google Hangouts - a video discussion of up to 10 invited people. In order to use this application, one has to be a member of the organisation's social network, Google+.
“People make the Web powerful today; it used to be a bunch of static pages and links - but now people are at the centre and play an important role in all that's done on the Web.”
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