text: Cloud migrations have been increasing rapidly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, companies have been moving more data, services, and applications to the cloud as a means to become more streamlined and productive. Businesses migrating information to the cloud is not a new trend. The move toward cloud adoption, however, has been picking up steam during the worldwide lockdown with some interesting results:
  A major shift to remote working
  Reduction in capital investment
  Innovative business models adapting to a major shift in consumer habits
  Welcome to the Cloud
  Worldwide demand for cloud services is swelling as more people have shifted to telework and online classes during the coronavirus pandemic. Many universities are preparing to present lectures online into next year and businesses are allowing their employees to work from home for an indefinite period.
  But not all companies have become comfortable operating in the cloud yet. In their scramble to find a quick solution, many have chosen non-enterprise, consumer communication, and/or collaboration products, offering free licenses in response to COVID-19. However, quick adaptation to these apps may result in haphazard, disorganized, and non-secure systems.
  Selecting the right tools and a trusted source for doing business in the cloud can make all the difference between a successful transition or a nightmare problem. Selecting a mega-provider may result in your business getting lost in the shuffle. At Carolina Digital Phone, we aren’t the largest VoIP provider around, but we are the best when it comes to listening and providing the best possible customer service along with dependable and flexible solutions.
  The existing security features some providers have been operating under normal conditions are now being pushed to their limits as IT departments work to accommodate the sudden increase in the remote workforce. In a recent survey, cybersecurity firm OneLogin found that 30% of remote employees admit to having an online account compromised on a work device. And only 10% said they changed their password afterward, putting corporate devices at risk. While just 3.6% of US employees worked remotely before the COVID-19 outbreak, more than 62% of employees said they were now working from home, according to a Gallup poll conducted in April.
  Carolina Digital Phone believes strongly in strong cybersecurity. Our servers are in compliance with HIPAA privacy regulations. We make sure the data you store on our servers in our secure data center is protected and is only accessible by you and your authorized agents. We keep on top of the latest security features and keep our customers informed and up to date. Additionally, we have three 1GB fiber synchronous connections with full Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) routing for home and business customers. Our three carrier-class data centers are located in downtown Greensboro, NC, Research Triangle Park, NC (known as North Carolina’s MCNC.ORG), and in the Equinix Data Center in Dallas, Texas.
  Upgrading Does Not Need to Cost a Fortune
  In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are essentially two types of businesses today: those that can deliver digitally and connect to customers remotely and those that are still working to move into the cloud. On the positive side, companies in both groups are adopting cloud-based tools that support secure connections, and flexible hybrid system remotely accessible from anywhere. Rather than a major monetary investment in infrastructure, these companies benefit from a system where they can set up only the equipment they need with a much-reduced investment as well as long-term savings.
  Business Models are Adapting to Customer Needs
  Companies affected by shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders have either adapted with an increased on-line presence or temporarily closed their doors. Those successfully remaining in business have switched to curbside pickup and home delivery. Businesses that could not adapt and had to shut down completely tended to have a relatively weak digital presence to start with.
  The current global economic circumstances have put the focus back on cloud migration programs and digital conversion in business. Now more than ever, investing in a cloud communications infrastructure that not only supports remote teams, but allows for flexibility and scalability will be what puts successful companies ahead of the pack.
  The number of companies opting for a cloud-hosted business phone system will only continue to grow. Carolina Digital Phone offers a full range of cloud-based unified communications as a service (UCAAS) enterprise-grade features such as auto-attendant, voicemail-to-email, live call forwarding, video conferencing, and more. If you have been putting off making the transition to the cloud, you can no longer afford to wait.
  To learn more about reaping the rewards of seamless scalability and flexibility in your organization, contact the Carolina Digital Phone team today (336) 850-5400. We are a recognized leader in the hosted VoIP phone industry with decades of proven experience, and a large roster of satisfied customers. Your consultation is FREE.