Siemens Exec: The New Age of Cloud Communications

By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor

In examining trends that have played out in our past to better understand what the future holds, technology is one area that can pique the interest of many. In anticipation of the ITEXPO East event taking place this week, TMCnet’s Rich Tehrani spoke with Holger Stotz, director of Strategic Sales Support Voice Platforms for Siemens (News - Alert) Enterprise Communications.

When asked his opinion on the greatest technology trends in 2010, Stotz pointed to the cloud. As for what impact the continued growth of cloud computing will have on the communications industry this year, Stotz noted that it will gain momentum with increased security and functionality.

Stotz was also asked to share his belief on who will be the mobile winners in 2011, and he pointed to Apple, especially now that the iPhone and iPad can be used on the Verizon (News - Alert) network. As for the impact mobile technology will have on the tech space in 2011, Stotz noted that enterprises will have to find ways to adapt their business processes and ERP software to meet increased mobile device usage. Stotz also shared that the best opportunities in the tech space will be for those devices that handle more and more business needs. He also believes technology can change the world for the better with faster and wider deployment of information for interconnection.

In the areas of social media, Stotz believes it has provided more real-time outlets for companies to disseminate information. Internally, Siemens uses Yammer (News - Alert) in a closed group for collaboration. As for the greatest technological developments in 2011, Stotz points to application development for mobile devices. ITEXPO East attendees will want to catch his session to learn more about cloud communications. When asked what to expect out of Siemens this year, Stotz shared that we should watch for announcements in the mobility space, as well as the integration of social media components into voice solutions.

Their entire conversation follows:

What was the most significant technology trend in 2010 and what impact will it have in 2011?

In 2010, cloud computing really came into its own, particularly in areas related to communication. A lot of vendors have jumped on the bandwagon and are now offering communications tools that take advantage of the capabilities of cloud computing. In 2011, we expect this development to continue, with enterprises utilizing these solutions not only for end users, but also using them to improve their own corporate communications.

What impact will the continued growth of cloud computing have on the communications industry in 2011?

Cloud computing will gain momentum in 2011 with increased security and functionality. Increased development should result in customers having a greater number of choices in deployment options, especially in small to medium-sized enterprises.

Who will be the mobile winners in 2011 out of Google Android, Apple, Microsoft, Nokia (News - Alert) and RIM?

We believe it will be Apple in 2011 now that the iPhone and iPad can be used on the Verizon network, and as developers continue to release software to address specific business needs. Google Android will be a fierce competitor and will gain more market share later in the year.

What impact will mobile technology have on the tech space in 2011?

Enterprises will have to find ways to adapt their business processes and ERP software to meet the increased usage of mobile devices by their customers and employees. Those enterprises who have already worked to address security concerns with mobile devices will be ahead of the competition. In addition, vendors will be looking to provide increased functionality for mobile devices.

Where are the best opportunities in the tech space this year?

Large enterprises in particular will be deploying more mobile devices, and they will be looking for these devices to handle more and more business needs. We anticipate that application development for mobile devices will present the best opportunities in the tech space in 2011.

How can technology change the world for the better?

Faster and wider deployment of information makes the world more interconnected. Personalized content made available on mobile devices allows people to react more efficiently to changing events, from traffic updates to medical information. Sharing information and collaborating on projects will make everyone’s lives better.

What impact has social media had on how you interact with your customers?  How do you measure its effectiveness?

Social media has provided more real-time outlets for companies to disseminate information. It is still underutilized, but more widespread adoption has led to a greater abundance of one-on-one communication between an enterprise and customers. When a company can receive individual feedback from clients and respond, that shows the power of social media -- individuals can make a difference.

How have you leveraged social networking as an internal collaboration tool?

We use Yammer in a closed user group for much of our internal communication, which has improved our communicative efficiency. Our company now has thousands of users who utilize Yammer. For more intensive collaboration needs, we use our own UC application—OpenScape UC, which provides a platform for audio, web and video meetings.

What will be the greatest technological development in 2011?  Why?

We should see a lot of application development for mobile devices this year, especially for specific business purposes. As employees use mobile devices for a greater range of business needs, applications will be developed to meet these needs. It may be doctors viewing a patient’s medical records on an iPad, or a mortgage broker receiving customized information for their clients via mobile phone.

Why is your session a must-attend at ITEXPO (News - Alert)?

Cloud communications is this year’s must-see topic. For those who have not yet begun to implement cloud computing, it will provide insight into why you should begin to adopt the technology, and for those who have begun, it will offer additional information for making the most of the technology.

What other topics should be at the top of attendees’ lists?

The mobile workforce, collaboration, Web-based applications.

What new and exciting products/solutions can we expect to see from your company in 2011?

Watch for announcements in the mobility space as well as the integration of social media components into voice solutions.

To find out more about Holger Stotz and Siemens, visit the company at ITEXPO East 2011. To be held Feb. 2-4 in Miami, ITEXPO is the world’s premier IP communications event. Stotz is speaking during “Vendor Panel: Responding to Today’s and Tomorrow’s Enterprise Requirements.” Don’t wait. Register now.

(source: http://hosted-voip.tmcnet.com/topics/hosted-voip/articles/140304-siemens-exec-new-age-cloud-communications.htm)