Collaboration is vital to success in today's fast-paced business environment. Companies that invest in fostering strong communication channels and teamwork are more likely to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing market.

Businesses must hence ensure that their employees can access the digital tools they need. The right tools can facilitate efficient information sharing, enable real-time co-creation, and streamline decision-making processes, empowering staff to enhance their productivity and effectiveness. 

1.   Modern communication and collaboration

The modern office is enabled by a plethora of powerful services that have emerged to support communication and collaboration. The tools used in a typical workplace might encompass the following.

·       Video conferencing for teams to conduct meetings and discussions regardless of their physical locations.

·       Online file-sharing platforms that offer the ability to access and collaborate on documents in real time.

·       Cloud management tools to seamlessly track progress and keep projects on track in a central online space.

·       Instant messaging apps for instant communication and to streamline decision-making among team members.

·       Generative AI services to automate routine tasks and free up time for more strategic initiatives.

Of course, the above services rely on Internet access. In many cases, less-than-robust Internet connectivity can severely disrupt workflows or even impede work. For instance, slow or unstable Internet can cause video conferences to lag or disconnect, render shared files inaccessible, or culminate in miscommunication as vital information is lost or delayed.

These issues can lead to frustration, time wasted on technical troubleshooting, and decreased overall productivity in the workplace. At its worst, it might even lead to mistakes or conflicts that require cumbersome face-to-face sessions to resolve.

2.  The importance of reliable business Internet 

Access to reliable, high-speed Internet is no longer optional for businesses. A robust Internet infrastructure not only supports seamless communication and collaboration with uninterrupted access to essential online services but also helps organisations stay competitive and agile in an increasingly digital world.

As the backbone of modern business operations, dependable Internet connectivity is crucial for the smooth functioning of various online services and platforms. By increasing the efficiency of these services, robust Internet connectivity ultimately contributes to the overall success of the organisation.

It is worth noting that not all Internet connectivity is created equal. Less visible but vital metrics such as latency, packet loss, and jitter can significantly impact the experience of the digital services and platforms that run atop. For optimal performance, the onus is on businesses to invest in the right Internet plans to meet their specific needs and requirements.

This calls for a careful evaluation of organisational demands to determine suitable Internet solutions. Other factors to be considered range from the number of users, the desired amount of bandwidth, and its affordability.

3.  Selecting the right provider 

Here are additional considerations to watch out for when selecting the Internet provider.

Network: The overall strength of the network matters. Ask about the IP capacity out of Singapore and the strength of the provider’s domestic network and data centres.

Reliability: Instead of accepting vague assurances of reliability, ask about the service level agreement (SLA), an objective measure of availability. A promised SLA of 99.95% ensures that downtime is minimised, ensuring the smooth running of business operations.

Diverse offerings: Grow your business with just the right amount of bandwidth that you need. Ask if connectivity offerings can scale with your growing business as you move from Mbps to Gbps bandwidth over time.

On this front, StarHub has more than 300Gbps of international IP capacity and accounts for nearly 50% of the country’s broadband subscriber base. Moreover, shared fibre access via MPLS supports multiple IP addresses and allows us to offer efficient and affordable connectivity for businesses.

4.  Gearing up for the future

With the right provider and high-speed Internet access, businesses can drive innovation and move boldly into the future. In our rapidly changing world, having a reliable and fast Internet connectivity is crucial for businesses to innovate and adapt quickly to new challenges or opportunities.

Investing in a robust internet infrastructure now will ensure that your organization is well-prepared for whatever the digital future holds. By harnessing the power of the Internet through partnering with a trusted provider, businesses can unlock new growth, foster better collaboration among team members, and ultimately, achieve greater success in their respective industries.

Learn more about StarHub Value Internet here.