Organizations are creating seamless user experiences by bridging different technologies and operational domains. In this session of Cisco 2023 Live Conference, IT leaders Rebecca Stone, SVP, Customer Solutions Marketing; Stephen Orr, Distinguished Sales Architect, Cisco – Distinguished Speaker, Will Eborall, Assistant VP, Edge Solutions Product Marketing Management, AT&T; Edward Villacres, Principal Network Architect, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Jack Satterfield, CTO, Pima Community College, explore technology platforms that distribution partners can help connect customers with. These platforms can deliver simple, unified experiences and accelerate an organization’s journey to a cloud operating model.
Stone likened implementing unified platforms for improved customer experiences to slot machines, which suited the Las Vegas venue of this year’s conference. Originally, physical coins and cumbersome buckets were necessary for slot machines. Then, printed paper tickets became popular over time, which allowed players to collect and redeem tickets from various machines. Today, participants can effortlessly use a card and connect to an app that streamlines their entire experience, whether in the casino or using the card at the property’s restaurants and shops, which simplifies and creates a unified process. Stone said, “This is the perfect example of how technology has changed the experience of customers. If you think about all of the different connections, the technology has to connect to understand who your user profile is to make sure that it goes into the app so that the app can then be used to charge at all the different stores. This process throughout the devices is powered by networking technology.”
Despite the seamless experience customers enjoy, the reality for businesses is often far more complex. Siloed platforms, multiple vendors, and various connections result in a fragmented infrastructure that presents significant challenges. Additionally, the increasing number of security threats add another layer of complexity. According to IDC, by 2024, 40 percent of CIOs will not be able to deliver the infrastructure they need to get that end result of a unified experience to their customers. Organizations need to look at their journey to the cloud to solve these challenges.
To overcome these obstacles, partners must help organizations start with their journey to the cloud, considering both on-premises and cloud management. While some organizations remain on-premises due to regulations or system requirements, others have adopted hybrid approaches to accommodate specific operational needs. By focusing on simplification, predictability, and outcome-driven solutions, organizations can create a unified platform experience for their customers.
Unified platforms are needed to transform customer experiences and simplify operations. By integrating various systems, simplifying management, and enhancing security, organizations can deliver seamless customer experiences. As organizations continue to navigate the evolving digital landscape, adopting unified platforms will be essential to meet customer expectations and drive successful outcomes.
To access the Cisco Live 2023 conference session and learn more about unified platforms, click here.
