“We need to talk!”

Sydney, [field date] // As digitalization continues to spread, interaction with partners and customers is becoming increasingly important for businesses. Efficient communication processes are therefore going to be even more important as one of the key drivers in the success of a business. Global Enterprise Messaging provider Retarus has identified seven trends that will have a decisive impact on corporate B2B communications this year:

1. Workplace of the future

The modern office is moving to the cloud. In order to meet the growing user demand for collaboration and mobility and the IT demand for central and dynamic IT management, many businesses are moving to cloud-based solutions such as Microsoft 365. To ensure the best possible protection of their communication in the cloud, businesses should extend Microsoft 365 using additional modules for e-mail security, compliance, and usability. Specialized e-mail security providers already offer reliable functionality that goes far beyond the basic functions Microsoft 365 provides.

2. Connected business

In the future, the success of a business will greatly depend on the extent to which it can abandon its old self-perception as a clearly defined unit. Developing extended cross-company ecosystems is going to become more and more important. Successful companies are no longer merely the suppliers of a given product. They rather have to continually interact with partners and customers, exchange information across platforms, and cooperatively make decisions. By using Enterprise Messaging Services companies can significantly optimize their communications processes.

3. Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming an integral part of the business supply chain. According to Gartner, around 25 billion devices are going to be interconnected via the internet by 2020. For these to reliably and automatically communicate with each other, divergent standards must be reliably linked at a global level. In the crosslinking of people, processes, data and things, businesses benefit from Application Integration Services which enable the conversion of received data, irrespective of the original file format, into the appropriate predefined target format which can then be utilized for automated onward processing.

4. Increased security requirements

With the growing interconnection of devices in the IoT, the potential for exploits and malware attacks is on the increase too. Networked devices therefore must be able to reliably recognize and securely communicate with each other and detect intrusions early. Enterprise Messaging Services offer comprehensive encryption and authentication technologies thus supporting businesses in securing their communication networks.

5. Increased acceleration and innovation

In the age of digital transformation, companies have to fulfill customer wishes more quickly than ever to stay ahead of the competition. In addition to small batch sizes and a great product variety in conjunction with short innovation cycles and a short time to market, tailor made and reliable communication processes are of particular importance. Innovative communications solutions from the cloud seamlessly integrate into existing IT infrastructures and easily adjust to new requirements at all times.

6. Multi-channel communication

With increasing mobility, customers buy when, where, and how they like it. In order to not miss the “magic moment” in which the customer actually is willing to purchase, businesses must be able to target their customers with relevant offers at any time and any place. The quality and reliability of the various means of communication are of utmost importance in this respect. When using a web-based transmission platform, information is sent to each recipient by their preferred method. Moreover, a homogeneous corporate design will help creating a high level of recognition for the brand and the service promise behind it.

7. All-IP

A large number of telecommunication providers in Europe, such as, for example, the Deutsche Telekom, are going to completely switch to an IP-based data transmission system in the coming years. Businesses will therefore have to progressively focus on meeting the accompanying challenges. Massive data losses and connection failures can occur for example when sending fax documents over IP-based networks. This in turn can result in substantial disruptions to business related communication. With the help of managed fax services, businesses can ensure flawless fax communication in VoIP environments. “The boundaries between the physical and digital worlds are becoming increasingly blurred. Many businesses, however, still struggle with the implementation of digital strategies. Yet, investing in digital communication will more than ever be a decisive factor in a company’s success in the coming years,” says Martin Hager, CEO of the Retarus Group. “As an experienced partner, Retarus supports businesses worldwide in the digitalization of their communication processes, providing them with a secure and efficient flow of information.”

About Retarus

Retarus is a global provider of APIs, gateways, and applications for messaging, email management, and the exchange of structured data for business processes – with top performance, security, and data protection, provided from the company's self-operated data centers around the globe. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, Retarus is owner-managed and proud of its innovation power. The company employs a staff of around 500 at 20 locations on four continents. Retarus' services are leveraged by the world's leading companies. The services are sold directly by Retarus or in close collaboration with selected partners. Analysts constantly commend Retarus' outstanding quality and reliability. More details: www.retarus.com