Switching Between Devices and Platforms: Core to Collaboration

In this era of globalization, seamless collaboration is more important than ever. We need to communicate not only among ourselves, but also with other organizations and enterprises around the world. We also have more freedom in the ways we work, as the home and work spheres merge into one. No longer are we chained to a computer or wired-in piece of technology to communicate. We collaborate with our mobile devices, tablets, laptops, and more. Our work is available to us wherever we go.

In light of this shift, communication providers are coming up with new and innovative ways to collaborate. Leading the charge is Cisco Spark, which revolutionizes the way we communicate in the workplace. While we can connect with friends and family using apps and social media platforms, we’ve always had more limited ways of communicating at work. Cisco Spark has changed that. Learn how it’s revolutionizing the industry.

Understand Cisco Spark

Cisco Spark addresses the changing face of the workplace. The bring-your-own-device movement has workers communicating across multiple channels, platforms, and operating systems, and it doesn’t take a tech genius to see how this can cause collaboration breakdowns. Anyone who has tried to work on projects from both Mac and Windows operating systems, for example, probably knows what I mean. Spark promises to change all that.

After using Cisco Spark for two weeks, I find that one of its best features is its ability to switch seamlessly between devices and operating systems. I use a combination of Mac OS, Windows OS, and Android OS across desktop and mobile devices on a daily basis. Cisco Spark works with each operating system, so switching devices and continuing a conversation has never been easier. I can chat and use video on all my devices through Spark, which has improved my ability to collaborate with team members and clients across platforms.

Create an Efficient Workplace with Cloud Technology

Spark is, at its most basic element, a messaging platform that allows users to collaborate in virtual meeting spaces and use other forms of communication to connect and get work done. For example, workers may choose to leverage voice, messaging, video, or content-sharing mechanisms to collaborate instead of trying to get everyone in one room. One of the nice things about Cisco Spark: It has no proprietary email platform to protect, so it is truly committed to making collaboration seamless.

If an enterprise or organization uses Spark, employees may join using almost any device, such as Android, iOS, PC, or Mac. Participants simply need to download the app through their app store or via web browser. Spark is a cloud-based solution that allows workers to collaborate anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection.

Demand Efficiency in the Global Marketplace

In today’s hyper competitive digital economy, businesses need every advantage possible. I believe Cisco Spark will give your business that edge. If we believe that time is money (and I believe most of us who have been in the trenches of business do), then Spark will save your company significant sums. Truly seamless integration between our devices is something the business world has been waiting for since the BYOD movement went mainstream. Being able to collaborate regardless of operating system or device has real business value. Consider how it will benefit your organization:

• Increased collaboration, in an instant. Spark’s collaboration tools make sharing truly instantaneous. Employees can be in front of any of their devices, not just the devices that run the app or tool you’re using. Collaborate over any device, anywhere.

• Quicker, more informed decision-making. Content sharing means key members of management can have access to the information they need to make well-informed decisions. We no longer have to wait for them to read and answer emails. Every minute we save is a new opportunity.

• More attractive to the emerging workforce. Today’s younger employees not only use collaboration tools—they expect them. Having communication platforms such as Cisco Spark will help recruit, and retain, new talent for your organization.

I think the future of Cisco Spark is bright. It brings a consumer-like user experience to the corporate environment. With continued third-party integration, I think it will revolutionize the way we do business.

Images from Cisco Spark.