As the world starts opening back up, it’s obvious that even thought people might talk about “getting back to normal,” a lot of life as we know it will never be quite the same. Almost every facet of life – business, entertainment, food, healthcare, travel, etc. – has been affected and the only certainty we can see in the future is change.
As providers of high-speed internet to rural homes and businesses in the Central California area, we’ve been keeping our eyes on ways technology might change and how it might affect our business, as well as the lives and businesses of those we live and work with here. There is much yet to be discovered, but for now here are some of the ways we see how the pandemic has changed the future of internet use and technology.
- Automation technology will boom: In a post-coronavirus environment, it’s almost a certainty that businesses will begin adopting automation wherever possible and will continue to invest in such technologies going forward.
- Flexibility will be the new normal: Businesses are embracing things like flexible work schedules and remote work policies to provide a better employee experience and the ability to adapt to sudden changes.
- Cloud usage will accelerate: Using the cloud is the smartest way for businesses to gain the flexibility needed to handle any eventuality. Cloud-based systems are user-friendly, secure, affordable, and flexible and can be accessed anywhere, anytime, as long as you have internet access. With the right devices and a stable internet connection, anyone in the company can access the same programs, systems and information they need to do business – perfect for situations like the pandemic. (See: “How Cloud Computing is Changing the Way Companies Do Business.”)
- More computer time, less phone time: According to the New York Times, Americans are seeking out entertainment on streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, and spending less times squinting at their smart phones. With the rise of social distancing, we are seeking out new ways to connect, mostly through video chat on computers where kids and families can all chime in.
- Education unleashed: Schools of America have all moved into basements, living rooms and kitchen tables and nothing is having a more profound impact on online activity than this change. School assignments are being handed out on Google Classroom. Meetings are happening on Zoom, Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams. The future of education is changing at the speed of light, and will most certainly depend on internet-based connectivity.
One thing we can always count on is change and no matter what we’ll be here to take that journey together. If you have any questions about your Softcom service or how you can use your internet access to connect to new technology that your home, work or school is using, we’re here for you. Just call our customer service teams at (800) 982-7675. One thing we can guarantee that won’t change? Our commitment to you!