Are you ready for the future of work?

17 October 2019 | SMB, Digitalisation, Software-as-a-Service | 5 min read

A computer or laptop is almost a necessity for most businesses. But that is not an indication of how digitally savvy your operations is.

How do you store and manage your data – in physical files or online folders? Can you collaborate with colleagues who are not based in the office, share files easily or communicate remotely?

As government and industry leaders move towards industry 4.0, digital transformation is more than just a buzzword. It has become a reality for many businesses who will benefit the most from this era of cloud computing.

The numbers speak for themselves: Local small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who have gone on a digital drive have projected or enjoyed cost savings and revenue gains in excess of 20 per cent, according to recent survey* by Microsoft.

Despite the data, not all businesses are convinced or prepared for change. In the same survey which polled over 1,000 SMB business leaders across 23 industries in Singapore, only half (56 per cent) have adopted digital transformation strategies.

What is holding the rest back? The perceived high cost of digitalisation, with almost a third of the SMBs identifying cost as the most difficult barrier to overcome.

But high cost is more a fallacy than fact. Microsoft 365 brings together the familiar Office 365 productivity suite, with the addition of device management and security solution to connect people and information in an intelligent new way.

The digital transformation journey is not only easy, but also cost effective.

In today’s digital economy, some have argued that data – instead of oil – is the world’s most valuable resource. But how do you manage and protect this asset?

Previously, a strong firewall, antivirus software, and local file backups were sufficient to safeguard your data. Not anymore.

As large amounts of important data are pushed into the cloud, they are open to cyber attacks – with SMBs often targeted due to their weaker security defences.

With Microsoft 365, your data is safe. It comes with in-built defences to protect against phishing, ransomware, malware and other advanced threats. The entire ecosystem – from application to operating system – is protected by multiple security layers which are virtually impregnable.

Sensitive business information can be managed and shared with ease, with customisable user access controls such as rule-based security policies and device level protection.

Some of the other defences include: sandboxing to keep apps isolated from one another, multi-factor authentication when it detects suspicious login attempts, as well as data loss protection included in the Microsoft 365 suite.

Sip coffee at a café while having work meeting with your colleagues in the office. Welcome to the age of remote working, which is not only a fashionable but also feasible option for many employees today with the help of technology.

The traditional boundaries of time, space, and organisational structure are quickly blurring, as work can be done anywhere, anytime. This is why it is important for communication and information sharing to be effective at coordinating teamwork virtually.

It is possible with Microsoft Teams, which features intelligent AI-enabled video conferencing solutions that generate subtitles and share a digital whiteboard in real-time.

Attend meetings without being present in person, start a live collaboration within a Word document or PowerPoint presentation, and communicate with colleagues through Microsoft Teams.

File sharing is made simple too, with seamless integration with OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online. Users will be able to share their work files easily and safely.

Microsoft 365 also offers a PSTN integration function with Singtel’s telephone network, allowing for calls to be made through traditional land-lines over the internet protocol.

Adopting new technology and adapting to changes in work processes may not be easy, but businesses are not alone on this digital drive. With Singtel, be assured of dedicated local support at every step of your digital journey.

We will work with you in your digital transformation journey by bridging the gap with Microsoft 365 – from the initial deployment and migration consultation to post-sales support. We also offer a simplified billing experience.

Singtel is a Gold Partner of Microsoft, offering solutions including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, as well as Office 365. Partner with Singtel as you transform the way you work.

* 2018 Microsoft Singapore Survey