The COVID-19 pandemic caused education systems globally to undergo dramatic changes. For the first time, e-learning became the primary teaching methodology—undertaken remotely and on digital platforms.

"Digital transformation is a fundamental reality for businesses today." - Warren Buffet 

As organizations around the world move to digital, government agencies can't afford to be left behind. After all, they have millions of records and sensitive documents to protect. That's why digital transformation and IT modernization are necessary for government agencies to protect vital information assets, improve information accessibility for citizens, and keep up with citizens' increasing demands for easy online accessibility of services and speedy resolution of requests and queries. 

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought significant, long-term changes in the manufacturing industry. Now, it is digital technology that is disrupting the industry. The invention of smart and connected devices, the rise of intelligent technology platforms, and rapidly evolving consumer expectations are the key drivers for digital transformation in manufacturing. Although most senior executives in manufacturing companies agree that digital transformation is necessary, only a tiny minority are satisfied with their current digital strategies.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced organizations to relook at their office spaces. Companies, big and small, realigned their physical office requirements and adopted completely remote work or hybrid work strategies. Downsizing, work from home, and social distancing restrictions meant that suddenly, a large physical presence was not conducive to profitability and employees' health and safety. And maintaining expensive commercial real estate became a financial liability. As a result, moving offices became inevitable—and for some it was necessary for survival. 

In today's digital world, microfilm and microfiche may sound like outdated formats to store and archive information. You may be surprised to know that many institutions with old archives like older financial institutions, libraries, and government archives still hold legacy information in these microformats. 

The COVID-19 pandemic forced an acceleration of digital adoption in the vast majority of private sector organizations. Municipal or public sector agencies struggled to keep up with the pace of technological change adopted by the private sector. Funded primarily by taxes, municipal service fees, and financial aid from other government agencies or departments, municipal bodies lack the financial resources to undertake large-scale transformational initiatives.

COVID-19 undoubtedly accelerated the adoption of digital technology by companies across sectors and industries. Remote working and the resultant need for collaborative tools for geographically dispersed teams were the focus in 2020. 2021 brings in a new era in which organizations must consolidate their product or service offerings, staff requirements, and office spaces. They must review their existing technology infrastructure to prepare for the new normal—the hybrid work model. In this hybrid work culture, a certain percentage of employees will continue to work remotely. Teams will have to work collaboratively even if they are not in the same physical location. 

Working from home is a concept we've been familiar with for a long time now—but the COVID-19 pandemic turbocharged the remote working scene. Almost overnight, scores of people worldwide started working from home—even professionals like doctors, lawyers and teachers (who we never imagined would work remotely)!

Over the past year, the business world bridged the gap between physical and digital at a fast clip. The transition began years ago, but the pandemic accelerated its pace as organizations realized that remote working was a feasible option and that work still carried on—remotely.