Google, Virgin and Vodafone discuss how small businesses can thrive when they embrace technology
The operations of small businesses are become increasingly mobile, and the use of smartphones, tablets and apps that save time and make it easier to collaborate is skyrocketing.
“Australians are increasingly researching and buying via their mobile phones, so it’s vital that small businesses have a strong mobile presence,” said Richard Flanagan, head of small business marketing at Google Australia. “And business owners can also benefit from the move to mobile, saving time and money by managing their business on the go.”
Along with more options to go more mobile, cloud computing is enabling businesses to cut costs and is taking IT mobility to new heights.
“We know many small businesses have moved to the cloud or are considering it,” said Andrew Chanmugam, general manager of business at Vodafone. “There’s no question that if you’re looking at high IT costs, need more computing power now and in the future, or if you want to truly mobilise your business operations, the benefit of a
Peter Strong, CEO of the Council of Small Business of Australia, added that streamlining technology effectively gives business owners more of what everyone is poor in: time. “Small business owners often have to be highly involved in all aspects of running their
“The cloud is one of the greatest advances that small business can take advantage of in 2015”
business, from accounting, sales and marketing right through to operations, and being able to conduct their business while being mobile is vital to their success.” A number of aggregators already offer cloud- based CRM systems, including PLAN/FAST/Choice’s Podium system and Connective’s Mercury platform,
which store all documents and details online for access from any device.
Recent months have seen the launch of several
