Top three trends in business internet connectivity

Reliable, high-speed internet connectivity is no longer optional — it’s an essential business tool. Increasingly more business applications and processes live in the cloud, requiring a powerful connection that considers factors such as reliability, scalability, security and performance. Organizations rely on the internet and cloud-based applications to keep businesses moving, and it's a given today that every organization needs internet connectivity. 

That connectivity need comes with certain challenges. As usual, businesses are operating in an accelerated world where markets shift overnight, and the rules keep changing. But even more than usual, politics, supply chain disruptions, trade negotiations and the responding evolution in customer behaviors are in the mix for every business. Immediate and secure data transfer and communication are called for daily. To do more than just survive, organizations must look beyond the connectivity baseline and focus on performance, immediacy, and innovation.

The report published by Spectrum Business, Enterprise-class connectivity: Turning challenges into opportunity for 2025 and beyond  looks at some of the risks and challenges businesses face in selecting, deploying, and maintaining the network infrastructure necessary to meet today’s compute and data immediacy requirements. It outlines the pillars for success in achieving enterprise-class connectivity. Further, it offers a series of questions all organizations should be asking themselves and their partners. These questions get to the roots of improving operating efficiency, ensuring flexibility for the future, and delivering outstanding experiences to their customers, employees, and partners.

But for our purposes here, let’s take a look at the trends we see in driving connectivity choices today. 

Predictability and reliability as the new business internet value metrics

Enterprise data today is richer, more distributed and more time-sensitive than it was just a few years ago. Video and latency-sensitive collaboration tools now dominate the workforce. The Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time data collection are critical to manufacturing and automation systems. Computing workloads run both from the laptop and from the cloud. Moreover, AI-based applications and real-time data insights enable seemingly instantaneous customer engagements and operational decisions. It’s here that the quality, reliability, and consistency of bandwidth matters, where jitter and delay can render data unusable.

Data access is good, but data immediacy is better

More data is collected — and processed — at the network edge than ever before, while data storage is increasingly distributed across hybrid, multi-cloud systems. While access to data was enough a few years ago, data immediacy and the ability to gather, process, and use real-time data is the new norm. This has become key to the ability of an enterprise to manage business operations and meet customer and client expectations.

IT moves beyond business support to proactive business enablement

The role of information technology (IT) and IT professionals within enterprise organizations has also evolved, becoming more dynamic and more challenging than it was just a few years ago. No longer confined to deploying, managing, and supporting technology (the old help desk model), IT departments have become key enablers of business success. It’s no longer about choosing the right technologies (e.g., Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi, Data Center vs. Cloud, or DSL vs. Internet) but choosing the right mix of technologies that meet evolving needs. 

By proactively driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and aligning technological capabilities with strategic goals, IT now plays an integral role in shaping the future of business as a strategic partner, essential to the overall growth and success of the enterprise.

New technologies, evolving customer and market requirements, and shifting business models can challenge even large enterprises that can build deep technical expertise and deeper financial resources. 

How Spectrum Business can help you today and tomorrow

Spectrum Business delivers comprehensive enterprise-class connectivity solutions designed specifically for Small, Mid-Market and Large Businesses. Our approach combines robust infrastructure with expert support and management services, creating a foundation for business success that grows and evolves with clients’ needs.

Our end-to-end connectivity offerings encompass everything from high-performance fiber and wireless networks to advanced SD-WAN and security services. We provide cloud connectivity optimization, comprehensive monitoring and management tools, and U.S.-based technical support and consultation. This integrated approach helps ensure that clients receive a complete solution that drives business value.

Find out more about how our solutions are tailored to your connectivity goals.