Benefits for businesses

> Click here for examples of businesses already benefitting from superfast broadband

The improved speeds of superfast broadband for both download and upload as well as its assured bandwidth mean new opportunities for small businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Below are some of the new wave of applications you can enjoy with superfast broadband - and where specific examples are given a quick internet search will reveal plenty more choices. Of course, even more new uses will emerge over time. Businesses in Cornwall will be able to access superfast broadband before most businesses elsewhere in the UK, so please do let us know of any new and innovative ways you use superfast broadband in your business.

Cloud Computing

There is a real buzz around this at the moment, and the cloud is here to stay! There's no need to get blinded by jargon, all it means is that some of your data and software applications are hosted remotely in a data centre - it's called the cloud because you don't really need to know where it is. You may well be using cloud services already - things like Facebook, Dropbox and Hotmail are based in the cloud. With superfast broadband, you can make use of the new wave of useful applications.

Many cloud based business applications are now available - ranging from office software like Google Docs and Office365 (email, calendars, word processors and spreadsheets) to more sophisticated business software like customer relationship management (CRM) systems such as Salesforce.

For small businesses in Cornwall, there are big benefits. Cloud solutions are very scalable - you pay on a per user basis for what you need. Headaches disappear - you no longer need to worry about back up, security and upgrading, and you will be able to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection. If you are at all concerned about storing your data in the cloud, check with the provider - they should be able to reassure you that it is stored in a highly secure environment, simultaneously in separate data centres, most likely making it more secure than it is at present!

Communication

Superfast broadband can revolutionise your communication with customers and colleagues.

Telephony bills can plummet using a VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) system, ranging from basic systems like Skype to more sophisticated and intelligent systems which enable you to manage call routing and voicemail, ensuring incoming calls ring in the right place every time.

Video communications now have something for everyone - from widely used solutions, again, like Skype and Apple's Face Time to life sized high resolution video conferencing suites. You will have less need to travel for business meetings and the time and money saved will help your bottom line.

And it doesn't just need to be 1:1 communications - teleconference calls are commonplace, and video conference calls allow people to join in from various locations, even internationally. At the budget end, Skype will allow 4 people to join a group video call.  An internet search will quickly uncover other top end solutions supporting greater numbers and enhanced functionality.

Collaboration

Connect people and ideas, share information and work in real-time or over a period of time ... from anywhere! It may sound too good to be true, but superfast broadband makes this a reality for businesses in Cornwall. With platforms like Huddle you can make use of the cloud to enable a range of users to share a secure workspace and collaborate on projects. You can collaborate on documents, share videos, use shared whiteboards, all in a completely paperless way!

Web Conferencing lets you meet in real-time, and allows you to combine not just video but desktop sharing, so you can see real content and the people behind it!

Social Media

You just can't go anywhere without hearing about social media. Twitter is used for everything from exposing celebrities to organising revolutions, and Facebook is building a huge global network of people.

Businesses can use these networks too, to connect with new and established customers and add value - using competitions, 'how to' videos, fan pages and review sites amongst other things. There are a huge range of platforms, ranging from the all-pervading Facebook to more specific tools like using YouTube or Trip Advisor - so plan carefully and resource accordingly.

With superfast broadband, uploading better video and photos takes a fraction of the time, so it is now far easier for you to make the most of social media for your business.

Data Transfer

Upload fresh new content to keep your eCommerce and other websites bang up to date, gives you an advantage over slower moving competitors. With superfast broadband, you can very quickly send and receive huge video and graphics files, large dump files and whole application development spaces.

Remote Data Storage

Superfast broadband will ensure you can regularly back-up your data remotely. So as well as being ready for any disaster, such as a completely corrupted hard drive, you will be able to easily retrieve the odd document that seems to have mysteriously disappeared from your desktop. And for a top end solution, why not investigate real-time remote back-up services?

Remote Access

The faster upload speeds and assured bandwidth of superfast broadband make remote access to data much more efficient, whether in the cloud or locally hosted. Flexible working will increase productivity, reduce travel and save money.

You can think creatively about your remote access. Try remote desk topping from an iPad to your desktop or server. If your business is bandwidth hungry, as long as your remote machine is connected to a superfast broadband connection you'll be able to work on those bandwidth hungry tasks from wherever you are!

Multiple connections

Many workspaces and homes cram the content for multiple devices down a single broadband service. A single superfast broadband connection will support multiple devices connecting to it simultaneously, so you can work from home whilst others in your family are watching catch-up TV, uploading photos or enjoying online gaming. Superfast broadband will also support an efficient office with everyone enjoying high speed internet connectivity at the same time.

The future is yours...

Many innovative businesses in Cornwall will see the arrival of superfast broadband as an opportunity to invent the future. They will become producers rather than consumers of new content and applications, for example creating new cloud applications, making better use of video for marketing and playing a part in the upcoming transformation of health, care and education services. We're always keen to hear about new ideas, and help these innovators get the support they may need to help them turn their ideas into reality.