Data Security: Three Reasons to Take Your Business to the Cloud

choruscx on March 20, 2023


The shift to cloud computing has been one of the most significant tech trends of the past few years, with many businesses embracing the host of benefits the cloud can offer.

From reduced IT costs and increased flexibility to improved security and boosted application performance, the cloud brings about the potential for innovation and new capabilities — especially for businesses that rely on telecommunications to conduct their business.

Communication has never been more critical in the rapidly changing (yet always competitive) world of commerce. Thankfully, effective communication has also never been more accessible thanks to cloud communications.

So, if this is the case, why are business owners still resisting the switch?

At its most basic, ‘the cloud’ refers to any software or service not located on a personal computer or device. Instead, data is stored off-site and lives solely on the internet.

For some, this framework may seem untrustworthy and raise alarm bells about data security. But cloud data isn’t just floating around unprotected. In fact, sensitive data is often a lot safer in the cloud than on-premises — and here’s why…

1. Data loss prevention

Surrendering data to the cloud can feel like the digital equivalent of a trust fall.

But if organisations aren’t investing in a cloud computing solution, all valuable data is inseparably tied to its office computers. So, why’s this an issue?

Computers and hardware can malfunction for many reasons — from viral infections and age-related deterioration to simple user error (we’ve all been there…). And if any physical equipment experiences a problem, valuable data could be lost — permanently.

Alternatively, if data is stored in the cloud, all that information is secure and accessible from any device with an internet connection. So, no matter what unforeseen circumstances arise, that data can be retrieved and accessed from a backup server.

2. Round-the-clock security

Did you know cloud networks are under constant surveillance?

Previously, businesses always stored data in privately owned servers. But that requires having your own IT department and premises to keep the servers, continually updating hardware and software and developing stringent contingency plans in case of a data breach or an unforeseen disaster, like a fire.

So, for most organisations, 24/7 data security isn’t a cost they can afford.

On the other hand, cloud providers have full-time staffing and a round-the-clock security operations centre (SOC) that constantly monitors network infrastructure — keeping your data secure.

Protecting sensitive information is a top priority for any business (especially with security threats like call spoofing, malware and denial of service attacks swirling around)…

Cloud communications providers offer security measures like data encryption authentication protocols to keep communications safe. So, if hackers intercept a person’s data during its transfer to or from the cloud, they’ll be the only user with the information needed to access their files.

3. Safer collaboration

Collaboration is an integral part of most business operations, and transitioning to the cloud can provide team members anywhere in the world with the tools to work together both safely and efficiently.

With new cloud solutions like unified communications software, we’ve entered an era where the workday is no longer confined to a specific desk, phone or computer screen. Professionals now have the freedom to work remotely and share their skills globally — all they need is the right device and a cloud connection.

Unified communications solutions enable a higher level of interaction, making sure that everyone has access to the same secure system and that shared information is protected with end-to-end data encryption.

And the best part? We have the perfect solution for you — packaged into one easy-to-use, intuitive app…

The future of unified communications 

ChorusCX Flow

is our Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solution that unites telephony, PBX, instant messaging, video meetings and call-centre functionalities under one umbrella.

What does this mean for businesses? Boosted productivity, more flexibility, cost savings and improved data security — with access to IT support for all your company’s users, no matter where they are.

The options are endless with ChorusCX Flow — from both a partner and end-user perspective. Gone are the days of investing in separate data sharing and communications systems. Now, cloud-based unified communications solutions can provide a complete package of interconnectivity between teams, making working together simple, secure and efficient.

Are you ready to make the move to the cloud?

With ChorusCX Flow, you can revolutionise the way you work without compromising your data security. Get in touch with our team at sales@invosys.com to learn more about ChorusCX Flow and our other telco solutions. We’re more than happy to help.

Connectivity: Extending the UK FTTP Footprint

choruscx on September 9, 2022


Copper wires have been the backbone of UK comms since 1911, so the task of replacing this sprawling network is a mammoth undertaking.

For years, BT Openreach and Virgin Media — the UK’s biggest telecom carriers — have dominated the market. But with just three (and a half) years left to upgrade the country’s entire copper cable network to full-fibre, a whole host of smaller challenger firms are eager to get a slice of the action.

Probably a good thing, too, if we’re to achieve ‘gigabit-capable connectivity’ across the country by 2025 and create a UK broadband network that’s any sort of match for online streaming and the internet of things…

 Show us what you’ve got, AltNet providers

The goal of a typical AltNet (alternative network) provider is simple: provide fast, reliable and resilient internet connectivity.

At the moment, there are around 100 AltNets ready and waiting to deploy fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) across the UK. BAI Communications, Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, CityFibre and Gigaclear are just a few of the start-up telcos looking to take a bite out of Virgin and BT.

These AltNets are growing rapidly and are expected to spend around £12 billion supporting network builds that could reach 30 million premises by 2025 — collectively, at least. Individually, they’re still trumped by the old guard.

But funding is being pumped into the growth of FTTP before the 2025 switch-off, and the AltNet sector has been buoyed by announcements of more than £2.5 billion of private sector investment.

Then there’s Project Gigabit: the UK government’s £5 billion investment designed to bring fibre broadband to more than 15 million hard-to-reach homes and businesses. The project will undoubtedly open doors for alternative network providers, serving up the golden opportunity to take on the two mainstream providers.

It’s the chance of a lifetime for telecom start-ups with an entrepreneurial spirit and the drive to build networks that challenge the status quo.

What’s life without a little competition?

The UK is already on track for one of Europe’s quickest ultra-fast broadband rollouts, but AltNets will undoubtedly provide the telecoms industry with an extra boost, reducing the digital divide between metro regions and underserved rural areas.

After all, BT Openreach and Virgin Media could do with a little healthy competition — and AltNets are just the thing to level the playing field.

If we want the telecoms industry to thrive, competition is the answer. Not only will it help to reduce costs, but it’ll also speed up the delivery of gigabit broadband and ensure it quickly reaches the remote places BT and Virgin overlook.

Plus, whereas the big guys provision the cable networks first and THEN try to attract the customers, successful AltNets will flip this approach on its head — identifying the locations and communities of interest before figuring out the cost of getting the broadband services to that location. So long as they balance the costs and partner with trusted suppliers that can boost their connectivity, they can expect a good return on investment.

Yet, the question remains: can these alternative network providers REALLY compete? Virgin and BT already have the infrastructure, so they’re one step ahead. And whilst many AltNets are off to a flying start, they cannot hope to deliver in a siloed approach. With the right connections, though? Then we’re talking.

With so many players in the market and competition heating up at pace, some AltNets will inevitably join forces, building their services around the existing infrastructure. And that’s certainly not a bad thing if we want to future-proof the UK’s long-term broadband infrastructure…