Millions of us now have a hybrid work life, moving between home, office and on the go. And for many people, it’s the workstyle they prefer. ‘Do you do hybrid?’ has become a key question asked by interviewees, and if the answer is ‘no’, your talent pool is significantly reduced.
For the 5.5 million SMBs in the UK, getting hybrid work right for the business and employees has many challenges. But solutions are available, and the SMB market holds great potential for resellers if you know what the pain points are and how to address them. In this article, we take a close look at where SMBs are now, the stumbling blocks they face, what the hybrid workplace encompasses and how to problem-solve with the right technology.
Hybrid work is different and harder than how we worked before
Since 2020, hybrid work has become a fluid experience for many SMBs, from the initial rush of adopting technologies to just keep the business running to today, when hybrid work has bedded in as a permanent workstyle. But that doesn’t mean it’s efficient and effective for the business and employees yet. In fact, 93% of SMBs ranked hybrid workplace as a top three priority in 20221, pointing to the fact they know their current solutions are falling short. But with 98% of all meetings now having at least one remote participant2, SMBs have to consider a successful hybrid work strategy mission critical.
A shortage of skilled people and too much choice
SMBs realise that technology is integral to business success, but the segment doesn’t have enough people skilled in cloud, security and data. Many report that choice and complexity in selecting appropriate technology is causing adoption inertia, with 61% ignoring technologies even though they might be helpful1. SMBs are undoubtedly searching for guidance and the right technologies. This is good news for resellers as 87% of SMBs seek a channel partner for advice, opening the door to new opportunities1.
What do SMBs need to consider to provide a successful hybrid experience?
Every SMB will have different priorities and be in a different stage of their hybrid journey, but there are key components that they need to consider:
1. Secure and resilient access to their network, data and applications, whether employees are working in the office, at home, or anywhere else
2. A seamless, rich and inclusive collaboration experience to employees that extends to customers and partners as well
3. Office space(s) to work and collaborate
4. Systems, solutions and devices that connect and communicate with home technology to create a similar experience wherever employees work
5. Centralised management of users, applications and devices
6. Real-time performance visibility to achieve the desired experience
Create the Hybrid SMB with Cisco
That list is a useful summary of what a hybrid work solution encompasses, but what does that look like in real life? How does an SMB achieve those things? This is where Cisco comes in. With Cisco’s cloud-lead portfolio, reseller partners can deliver flexible solutions that provide an ideal hybrid work outcome for any small or medium business.
It starts by addressing three key areas:
- Enabling people
- Enhancing workspaces
- Empowering IT
Enabling people
SMBs need to enable their people to do their best work from anywhere. Cisco makes this possible. With Cisco’s solution, employees can connect, collaborate and create, no matter where they are. There are two ways that Cisco helps to enable people. Firstly with secure and resilient access to their network data and applications, with multi factor authentication and cloud delivered security to all devices. Secondly, Cisco provides seamless collaboration services with calling, meeting, and messaging and events capabilities for both personal and office devices. This supports productivity, inclusion and engagement - keeping people focused on their work, not the shortcomings of the technology they’re using.
Enhancing workspaces
To make hybrid working a success, SMBs must consider how to enhance their employees’ workspaces, whether they are working from home, the office, or anywhere in
between. With Cisco, SMBs can create a powerful, secure network that elevates the experience by building smarter workspaces. At the office, this can mean more choices, such as hotdesk spaces and quiet rooms equipped for collaboration sessions. Plus, intelligent workplace technologies can drive efficiencies through automation and analytics – good news for the business.
Empowering IT
IT professionals in many SMBs are struggling to achieve a satisfactory hybrid experience, thanks to complicated infrastructure and multiple tools. Cisco’s solutions sweep away complexities, empowering IT professionals with real-time, end-to-end performance visibility and control over all network and security infrastructure. With centralised management and orchestration for all devices, endpoints, applications and user access, SMB IT teams can deliver the hybrid work experience that the business has been waiting for.
Building blocks to create tailored solutions
No two SMB customers will start their journey in the same place. And that’s fine. Cisco's SMB portfolio enables partners to join customers at any stage of their journey and construct a tailored solution – one that fits their needs and their budget. What’s more, Cisco’s technology can grow and adapt, so SMBs are always ready for whatever comes next for hybrid work.
Working with Ingram Micro – more power to you
With SMBs actively investing in hybrid work solutions, there is a ready market. And we can help you capitalise with Cisco by providing you with the team you need to close more deals. Through Ingram Micro, you have access to pre-sales, solution architects and the Cisco team to support you in creating the solution your customers need. If you want to offer managed services as part of the deal, we can act as your MS team too. This is only part of what our reseller partners can tap into through Ingram Micro. For more information about Cisco opportunities for SMBs, please get in touch.
Sources
1. TechAisle. 2022.
2. Cisco Global Workforce Survey: The Rise of Hybrid Workplace Report, Oct 2020