Leveraging APN services for a remote workforce

Hybrid and remote work are here to stay. Businesses need to adopt new technologies to enable their employees to work efficiently from home – technologies such as an access point name (APN), which is a gateway between a mobile network and a computer network. An APN allows employees to use their smartphones to access the company’s IT network and collaborate with one another when working remotely.

APNs are also given to employees in the event that they are out of the office for a while, such as when attending customer meetings. The APNs are configured in a way that it becomes an extension of the office network – connecting to the SIM, which routes to the office network.

As companies adapt to new working models, the workplace has become more digitised. Hybrid and remote working environments allow people to choose where they work from, which boosts morale, employee satisfaction and retention.

A recent study from McKinsey found that 87% of employees will take the opportunity for remote work when given the chance. The study also revealed that flexible work is one of the top three motivating factors for finding a new job.

According to Gartner, the global digital workplace market will grow at an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.3% over the next 10 years. This means that companies need to invest in new remote working technologies and digital infrastructure if they want to remain competitive and attractive to potential workers – especially the younger generations.

How APN services improve remote work

Remote working environments hold several benefits for employers and employees. If hybrid and remote work is to be successful, then certain digital technologies need to be leveraged, including connectivity services that enable remote access to networks and digital systems. Without these technologies, employees will not be able to work.

An APN allows employers to manage connectivity across various end devices and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This gives employees secure remote access to the company’s IT network and digital infrastructure. These services allow for the following:

1) Secure network authentication and employee verification.

2) Simplified data management.

3) Improved data bundle allocations for employees.

4) Mobile device and SIM management.

5) Greater spending control and expense management.

APN services give employers and IT managers complete visibility and control over the company’s IT ecosystem without having to go through a mobile network provider for support, allocation changes and SIM set-ups. Giving employees access is easy but secure – it provides them with full connectivity through their smartphones, tablets and other end devices.

Why encourage remote work?

As the trend of remote work continues to gain popularity, it is becoming clear that this process holds numerous benefits for employers and employees. It helps to save costs on overheads, such as utilities, office supplies and other expenses that come with having employees in an office.

It has also been proven to improve productivity through a more comfortable and flexible work environment. With fewer distractions, less stress and fewer interruptions, working from home can improve productivity. This not only increases employee motivation and commitment but also helps to attract more skilled and qualified talent.

Lastly, remote work fosters business continuity. In the event of another global pandemic or widespread natural disaster, employees will be able to work from home without any upset or additional stress. Business can continue, provided that employees have secure and reliable access to the necessary IT ecosystems.

This is why it’s vital to have true workforce mobility. Connectivity services will foster these working environments and technologies such as APN services will help to keep employees connected and productive. For more information about our connectivity services or to get a quote, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

For‌ ‌more‌ ‌information‌ ‌on‌ our internet and voice solutions, ‌follow‌ ‌us‌ ‌on‌ ‌‌LinkedIn‌,‌ ‌‌Facebook‌ ‌or‌ ‌‌Twitter.‌ ‌Keep‌ ‌an‌ ‌eye‌ ‌on‌ ‌our‌ ‌‌news‌ ‌section‌‌ ‌for‌ ‌insightful‌ ‌articles‌ and relevant news stories on African ICT, internet connectivity and our leading cloud and security solutions.