Advances in technology have permanently changed business processes and made it possible for small businesses to have tools to manage themselves better. Perfect examples of software that allows businesses, governments, and even organizations to create secure digital ecosystems through the SaaS (software as a service) model are available these days.
In this article, we explain what digital ecosystems are and their importance, and we give you some examples of the options available in the market to choose the correct one for your company.
What Are Digital Ecosystems?
A digital ecosystem is a set of information technologies that are interconnected with each other. It is all the applications that a business uses to manage its activities. Email, social networks, office automation, and CRM are some examples of its components.
These types of systems allow, among other things:
- Have better internal communication with customers and suppliers.
- Streamline processes
- Greater productivity and cost reduction.
- Have data from all areas of the business.
- Automate tasks.
- Save time to focus on activities that do add value to the customer.
- Accelerate the creation and launch of new products.
Types of Digital Ecosystems
There are different options to create a digital ecosystem. Among these, we can speak of two main types: local and cloud-based.
Local
These refer to the programs that must be installed on each user’s computer. They regularly require a great effort to be able to be managed and kept up-to-date on each computer. In addition, its local nature prevents access to information in other locations, even when required.
Cloud-Based
As the name implies, these applications are hosted in the cloud and are accessible from any device with an internet connection, no matter where you are. In addition, they do not require installation and are kept up-to-date at all times, without the need for you to download files or carry out any additional action.
Another great advantage of these apps is the backups. Since all the information is stored on external servers, your data will always be backed up. Even if your equipment is stolen or an accident occurs, you can be sure that you have not lost your information.
The great advantage of working remotely, not having to install anything, and having all the information protected make these types of ecosystems the favorites of companies today.
Individual Apps Vs. App Suites
In addition to choosing if you want to use a local or cloud-based ecosystem, the choice of applications must also be made. In this aspect, you can buy individual programs or complete software suites, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Individual Apps
It refers to using applications from different developers that meet specific needs. For example, we could use Gmail for email, Zoho CRM to manage sales, and Microsoft Word for document creation.
Hiring different suppliers allows you to get the best of each one to meet your business needs. However, it has two significant disadvantages: database compatibility and handling.
In many cases, connecting the apps is impossible, which hinders the transmission of information and efficiency. Added to this problem is the fact that each app has a database that must be managed independently, which can complicate processes and increase workload.
Application Suites
On the other hand, software suites are applications that can be easily integrated and are usually developed by the same company. Paying for a group of applications is generally cheaper than paying for individual services and generates greater synergy.
In addition, it solves the problem of databases. Since all the applications come from the same developer and are connected, the databases are unified and easier to manage. This makes it easier for them to stay up-to-date and makes it difficult to lose information.
This ease of interaction between applications, integrated database, and low cost make more and more businesses move towards using suites of apps instead of individual programs.
Digital ecosystems allow companies to have more efficient processes, reducing costs and improving customer treatment and response time.