Government Technology

The way in which we communicate and interact is changing and the uptake of technology is driving this at such a speed that organisations are often left struggling to adapt their processes and network infrastructures to gain maximum benefit and service efficiency.

Mobile technology is now an essential part of everyday life with more mobile connections than people and, according to the Mobile Data Association, there are more than 1 billion text messages being sent in the UK every week - more than the total for the whole of 1999! Additionally, more than 8 million households now shop online via a high speed link that also provides them with access to information and anytime contact to organisations the world over. Combined with the explosion in instant messaging and social networking sites it is easy to see how many prefer to interact and consequently how organisations need to adapt to accommodate such preferences.

We are already seeing these technological advancements influencing the way in which we as employees wish to work. Flexible working is one of the most sought after benefits by today’s workforce and with the flexible rights contained within the 2002 Employment Act, employers have to consider how they could accommodate such practices.

For the Public Sector Organisation (PSO), gaining tangible benefit from these new forms of communication and adapting the way in which they operate is perhaps the biggest challenge of all. Usage policies, security, cost control, service efficiencies and improved citizen engagement are just some examples of the challenges faced.  
Service and technology providers such as Damovo have however, been developing their Unified Communications (UC) offerings to help address these challenges. With over 30 years’ experience in designing and delivering ICT solutions and services, Damovo has seen a number of new technologies impact the way people work and interact with their customers but UC brings a whole new meaning to enabling communications and the sharing of information.

Generally UC is a commonly used term for the integration of disparate communications systems, media, devices and applications including: the integration of fixed and mobile voice; email; instant messaging; desktop and advanced business applications; presence; voicemail; fax; audio, video and web conferencing, into a single environment offering the user a more complete but simpler experience. It is the utilisation of a UC infrastructure integrated into the mobile environment that is helping PSOs achieve their transformational goals but also their obligations in supporting sustainable communities.

For instance, working flexibly and adopting remote working (home and other locations) can reduce travel and the associated carbon emissions but it can also open up recruitment opportunities to a wider demographic; perhaps helping a very capable individual to work from home when travelling might otherwise make working impossible or even allowing parents (mums in particular) to return to work while continuing to support their families. The PSO benefits by employing very capable individuals that are prepared to work during ‘non-standard’ hours while allowing for the delivery of services at times that may otherwise not be achievable. Benefits are subsequently achieved for the environment and society as a whole.

Mobile technology is now firmly embedded into the social culture of the workforce and figures from a BT survey show that when deployed in the workplace, real benefit is returned.

Damovo has been working with a number of PSOs to create an integrated mobile environment that utilises technology advancements that we are familiar with in our social lives. These environments are providing full PBX functionality to the mobile device, irrespective of device type, which includes access to corporate directories, contact centre functions, manager secretary links, single number contactability, single voice mail, call recording, mobilisation of corporate IM services e.g. Microsoft OCS and much more.

Not only are we now seeing organisations benefit from improved service delivery, but cost efficiency is created by transforming the way in which communications infrastructures are delivered and operations are conducted. Providing further argument that flexible integrated mobile communication solutions help to appease the Compliance, Security, and Financial decision makers with endless other benefits.

If you are interested in finding out more on UC, mobility or other ICT solutions and services visit www.damovo.co.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .