Trend: Integrated Communications

In 2020 and 2021, organizations rushing to adopt cloud tools did so in an often haphazard manner. This led to a mishmash of apps running on the corporate network. In fact, companies average seven cloud communications and collaboration tools, Middleton said. The lack of cohesion frustrates employees and creates “significant and unnecessary inefficiencies,” as Middleton put it.

A recent 8×8 survey indicates that 87% of leaders consider integrated cloud communications the future of their businesses. Achieving this requires channel partners’ help. Managed service providers, consultants, advisers and other third-party technology experts should step in, help determine which platforms to keep and which to toss, and oversee that process. This will allow customers to reduce costs, improve revenue, increase efficiency and productivity. And, importantly, clients will be happier.