Get Familiar with the Route
It would be unwise to begin your migration without a plan in place. You’ve got to know where you’re going and how you’re getting there. Let’s get the basics down before we embark.
What is a legacy system?
If you’re reading this guide, this is likely your point of departure. A legacy system is outdated hardware or software that’s become a barrier to your digital transformation. Legacy technologies are difficult to support, impossible to update and resistant to integration with other, newer systems.
Despite all that baggage, these legacy systems are unfortunately still critical to your business operations. After all, it’s not like you can just shut the phones down for a day. This is the crumbling village you’re trying to leave behind.
What is cloud communications?
This is the destination we’re shooting for! In the simplest terms, cloud communications is an internet-powered service, where your data storage, applications and switching are managed entirely by your service provider.
It’s more than just the latest VoIP solution. It’s an entirely new way to build, deploy and manage modern communications.
What is digital transformation?
If legacy systems are what we’re leaving behind, and cloud communications is where we’re headed, digital transformation is how we get there. Digital transformation is the process of fully integrating all the technologies across your business operations. We’re talking about data analytics, collaboration platforms, project management tools and UCaaS. They all come together to unify your workflows.
Digital transformation will enhance the way your organization operates, communicates and collaborates. You’ll be able to deliver more value to your customers and team members. The organizations that have embraced digital transformation and adopted cloud communications have not only simplified and unified the way they work, but have improved productivity and profitability as well.
Why now?
You may be wondering what the rush is. We’ve been getting along just fine. Maybe we’ve had to find some workarounds… but is this digital transformation business really worth the hassle right now?
The truth is that the digital transformation has been in progress since the worldwide web hit the scenes back in the eighties. Even emails were groundbreaking at one point. Imagine! All of the sudden having the ability to send and receive virtual mail from someone across the globe in a matter of seconds. Preposterous!
We’ve come a long way since then, but the need to keep up with the latest technology trends hasn’t changed. You may not see the benefit of cloud communications quite yet, but there’s no doubt your competitors do. Can your organization really afford to start lagging?
In the next chapter, we’ll dive into all the ways your legacy system is getting in the way of your organization’s potential success in today’s marketplace.
