The Reality of Virtual Office

Informational technology revolution has identified itself with the 21st, century.  It is playing a very important role in the business world. The five fundamental branches namely, computer, digital information, communication, software and hardware of information technology could be found everywhere. Companies that have already built a suitable infrastructure supported by remote environment are bound to succeed. Now they can utilize their multi-location businesses as selling points. Recent advances in information technology are offering immense opportunities to people to work without being hindered by distances. Now virtual office is everywhere. 

Virtual office is advantageous to the companies as well as employees. It is productive. It is a step in positive direction.  The companies save in expenditure on infrastructure including energy. The employee saves himself from the negativity of daily commuting. He saves valuable time wasted in journey. The employees have more time to look after the family. 

People still disagree to the concept of virtual office. They talk about physical environment that a traditional office provides. They are of the opinion that a direct communication enables better collaboration and management. There is little scope for misunderstanding, confusion and oversight.  However, we are witnessing that the advancement in information technology is providing solutions to such hurdles.   

For the success of a virtual office, the management can implement a simple but thoughtfully planned IT infrastructure.  It can have a tab on the team. It can provide quick connectivity between the management and the members of the team. This may need integration of certain customized software into normal routine.  A two-way communication flow would negate the need of physical interaction. There are several apps available to ease out such hurdles. There is Skype, Facebook Messenger, Google one-drive, Outlook, tempo, dropbox, Google Hangout and many more that bring employees more near than across-the table interaction. These low cost communication facilities are boon for a virtual office. 

The software and the hardware have a direct contribution on the efficiency of a virtual office. Software of choice would enable a person to become proficient in seamless communication. A reliable set of hardware such as uninterrupted and stabilized power source, desktop with a robust CPU instills confidence. An unlimited Wi-Fi hot spot helps better output. Smart phone and tablets combined with such facility further enhances efficiency.  It is highly dependent on the speed and efficiency of communication. 

At present, we find that a weekly or fortnightly review meeting among the employees on physical basis is required to update certain issues and resolve some intricate job in hand. Such interactions are also healthy from social pint of view. The most remarkable point is that the world is adjusting itself to the concept of virtual office with positive set of mind. 

The tailpiece could be the security issue. With everything on stake online, there is every chance of breach of security. Hacking of international kind is always in the news.  The technology is aware of such misadventure. There are software such as VueZone, Log Me, eLock and eKey that are providing enough shields against such security breaks.