Going Global Faster with Cloud and Mobile

I have been in the midst of looking at how companies use mobile, focused data, cloud and ultimately analytical support.  So have developed interest in how all these elements work together.

An article by IBM Midmarket General Manager John Mason recently published “When Small Businesses Use Cloud and Mobile to Go Global” on IBM’s Smarter Planet Blog was pointed out to me.  It suggests that the Cloud and Mobile were causing company globalization at a faster rate than every before.

I knew that focusing data could speed agility, and that it was natural to deliver it with mobile solutions,  Especially when data was changing rapidly due to context or domain volatility.  Added analytics with the right cloud access can result in value added solutions.

But I had never considered that cloud and mobile would lead to faster globalization.  That was a provocative thought I had to consider.   Agility is the key.  Managers traveling into new areas, gathering new data, but constantly needing information and analytical methods to support their
needs.

I had seen an example where a retail compliance system linked images taken on site could be quickly transmitted to experts at headquarters, analyzed and questions sent back to the aisle.   In another example presentations based on demand volumes were developed by artists and shipped to people on site.  Agility and the ability to transfer analytical solutions to the field based on data from the field.   In another proposed project, construction of local buildings by contractors was checked by distant engineers.  International compliance examples are common and ache for this integration of methods.  This is agility and speed by linking distant expertise.   Available now to all sizes of businesses.

Besides the software provided, the social constructs are also invaluable.  To quickly determine the answer to key questions, local needs and communications methods.   I find this mobile agility useful when traveling even for my personal needs.  Imagine its value when focused for a business.

So I much like the idea and if we prepare for global and agile integration using cloud, mobile and analytics methods, we can progress in the right direction.    Faster and with fewer errors. I will think of  this for future applications.

This post was written as part of the IBM for Midsize Business program, which provides midsize businesses with the tools, expertise and solutions they need to become engines of a smarter planet. I’ve been compensated to contribute to this program, but the opinions expressed in this post are my own and don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.