Increase social and app collaboration via cloud

With over 54 million employees worldwide working remotely combined with the increasing globalisation of business, the challenge of facilitating effective workplace collaboration has never been greater. Cloud computing is the number one way savvy businesses are engaging their mobile workforce, enhancing employee collaboration, improving productivity and unleashing innovation.

So, how can business increase collaboration by leveraging the cloud? Cloud computing creates a virtual network which allows employees to interact in real time, access data from anywhere, and create and share content, no matter their location.

With the rise of smartphones, tablets and laptops, mobile applications are now the first port of call for users. It makes enormous sense then that workforce collaboration tools be made available via mobile apps first and foremost. Cloud-based app technology puts collaborative tools directly in the hands of employees and meets their personal preferences.

There are several cloud-based apps that endeavour to improve workplace collaboration, yet the market remains fragmented, creating a significant challenge for IT departments looking to select the right apps for their organisation. So, what should IT managers be looking for in mobile collaboration apps?

Multidevice accessibility and data synchronisation. With Gartner forecasting that by 2016 personal cloud will employ up to six different mobile devices, it is critical that mobile collaboration apps are accessible across devices, with a strong focus on file and data synchronisation. Files need to be able to be seamlessly accessed, without the need for the transfer of data from device to device. This has the added benefit of preventing duplication and also improves version control.

Open, unstructured and social. Mobile collaboration apps should be open and unstructured to allow for flexibility and growth. When app workflows are too structured and defined by the business, it is inevitable that gaps will appear which employees will plug with other tools and applications, forcing the workplace to become much more fragmented. A more unstructured approach readies workplaces to adapt and also provides employees with more flexibility.

Apps must also be highly social, allowing for employees to communicate more effectively, update each other on projects, and share tips and advice in a less formal and more intuitive setting.

All-inclusive and strategic. Many businesses initially introduce mobile collaboration apps to solve a particular workplace issue. Their approach is more tactical than strategic in nature. It is expected this will evolve over time as businesses realise the untapped benefits to productivity and engagement. Forward thinking businesses will forecast their future needs and will think of the big picture and select all-inclusive collaborative apps.

As the workforce continues to become increasingly mobilised and dispersed, workplace collaboration will become a key priority for business. Cloud computing will be the key driver of workplace collaboration, efficiency and engagement now and into the future. Are you prepared?

*Currently the Senior Director for ANZ & SEA, George Chondros has been with ClickSoftware for 11 years in a variety of roles ranging from professional services, key account management and sales. Previously he worked in various business and technical roles at Deloitte Consulting, Armaguard and 80-20 Software.