August
2013 VCI-Group President’s Message
This month I
would like to focus on those companies that ensure that we have jobs—because
they continue to implement new strategies and provide various services—those
are our Alliance Members.
We look to
these companies to set the direction of the industry and to transform it. We expect them to have the foresight or a
crystal ball to develop what will be needed in the next 3 to 5 years. We are seeing legacy manufacturers developing
applications for the iPad, tablets and smart devices. Storage is moving from hardware to the
cloud. They are looking at verticals who
themselves are transforming due to federal regulations, demographics and the
need to provide “satisfaction” to their client; be it a patient or a student.
Our Members
have been addressing the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) revolution and understand
that we must make these devices work with our legacy infrastructure. However, there is an influx of new companies
in our industry who are really pushing the term “virtual”. Consider that you will no longer need to have
a receptionist at your facilities – that there is a “virtual” receptionist who
can provide you with access to the facility.
What about finding a way through the facility or searching for the nearest
restroom, restaurant or public transportation—enter wayfinding.
Are we
implementing these by the hundreds or thousands? No, not yet – but, it is only a matter of
time. Very soon you will only need to
know one (1) telephone number for an individual. You will not need to know someone’s office,
cell, video number – one number will dial the individual on whatever device
they are on; be it their desktop, laptop, tablet or cell phone – just one number or 1 SIP URL or an email
address.
I encourage
you to visit our web site and the Industry Sourcebook where we have listed all of our
Alliance Members with the products and services that they offer. Also, bi-monthly we publish our Newsletter
and have information from our Alliance Members on any products or services that
they may have introduced. Lastly, each month
we are conducting a webinar with one of our Alliance Members (Alliance Member Spotlight) who will present and discuss their
latest product or service—this is an opportunity for you to stay abreast of
what is happening in your respective vertical along with the industry at large.
It is our responsibility as End Users to
continually inform our manufacturers and service providers with what OUR clients
are asking for. Don’t be shy. Your input
will help make all of us better.
Toni Alonso
VCI-Group President