Guest contributor |
The mobile workforce has traditionally been seen as a lower priority when it comes to corporate unified communications (UC).
Historically, UC systems were geared towards in-office phones and optimised around the needs of an office-based workforce. But those employees now represent only a fraction of today’s increasingly mobile workforce, as companies continue to adopt hybrid and remote working models or hire ‘deskless’ frontline workers, such as repair technicians and in-home service providers.
This is why businesses around the world are increasingly embracing a mobile-first or mobile-only approach to UC, with many adopting ‘bring your own device’ initiatives as the norm. In fact, in the Cloud Communications Alliance’s survey, The State of the Cloud Communications Market in 2024, the ‘importance of mobility services’ was ranked as the largest focus growth area.
Advances in mobile phone eSIM support are helping these initiatives by enabling organisations to turn mobiles into native extensions of UC platforms like Microsoft Teams. An eSIM can be configured as a separate business line in any mobile phone, allowing the user to utilise their existing business identity, such as their Teams number, on their personal device.
Furthermore, the mobile phone can be configured with separate personal and business personas. This means that business communications can be recorded or analysed whilst personal communications remain private.
A survey of 800 enterprise IT leaders conducted by Cavell Group and commissioned by Tango Networks found that 96 per cent of IT managers in the USA and Europe are willing to use eSIM technology to replace fixed-line desk phones. The research also showed that 90 per cent of the surveyed workers are prepared to allow an employer to install and control an eSIM on their personal phones.
Not only is it more convenient to carry just one mobile device, but by reducing the number of desk phones and company-provided mobile phones, business can also save up to 40 per cent on communications costs.
These previously disconnected workers can now collaborate and communicate more efficiently with coworkers and clients, boosting productivity, job satisfaction and engagement.
Lee Essex is senior vice president of global sales and marketing at Tango Networks
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