Chicago is home to a number of large nationwide, and multi-national, companies – including 31 Fortune 500 companies. Most, if not all, of these companies – as well as countless other Chicago employers – have acquired other companies over time. One of the most common challenges faced by businesses after an acquisition, is figuring out how to manage multiple IT platforms, or merging them into one.
With today’s growth of cloud technology, acquiring businesses may find they are faced with tying together on-premise and cloud-based IT environments. United Airlines, who we’ve discussed before on this blog, found that moving to cloud computing not only improved scalability, but was successful in creating a single IT infrastructure following its merger with Continental Airlines. When integrating divergent IT systems under a common platform, and choosing between on-premise and cloud specifically, business must take into account how your workers work.
Planning for various environments and methods employees work in reduces staff frustration while improving your chances for success. This could include where workers are based or often perform work functions, and span across web conferencing, document collaboration, email and instant messaging. Compiling a list of requirements and parameters from the start helps IT decision makers objectively evaluate each potential system. One IT platform also improves efficiency for IT workers in charge of managing your company’s systems.
Cloud-based platforms, such as Microsoft Office 365, provide the most flexibility, affordability, and features for workers. Simultaneously, Microsoft platforms offer access to local Microsoft partners who provide personalized support during the migration process and provide advanced tools and add-ons for your company – such as training programs or custom management applications. All told, cloud technologies help companies improve productivity while reducing total cost of ownership for IT.
To see how our cloud productivity suite can help your business, visit Microsoft’s Office 365 for Business page and then find a local Microsoft partner who can help you improve your IT environment and streamline multiple IT systems into one via Pinpoint.