With the pandemic forcing professionals to work remotely for nearly two years, the implementation of digital platforms for organisations swiftly increased
We saw the likes of Slack and Microsoft Teams flourish, both offering instant messaging and video call capabilities to create nearly seamless communication for organisations. This rise in popularity has led cynics to suggest that email is now an ‘archaic’ and unpopular system that only slows down an otherwise fast-paced business environment. However, when all the benefits are considered, it is clear to see the kind of leverage that email has over other mediums.
Email is a useful tool for business success, especially for the not-so-tech-savvy. It offers straightforward file sharing which reliably aids business interaction and engagement. With that in mind, here are three reasons why email is certainly not dead.
- Versatile Usability
As digital mediums continually adapt and change, many tend to get more complex, creating an issue for those who simply want to communicate efficiently. There are a variety of file sharing applications available online, but how does one know which is the best, the most effective or even the least complicated to use? For those unused to using newer tech, utilising email is a far easier option. Not to mention that it’s free – a checkmark in anyone’s book. An estimated 99% of email users are thought to check their personal and professional inboxes daily.
Email use by businesses has also remained steadfast and is the most well-known form for file sharing. 319 billion emails were sent and received worldwide last year alone, with this amount predicted to increase to 333 billion by the end of 2022. Furthermore, companies worldwide can maintain an audit trail so that sensitive information can be tracked, creating transparency and keeping communication flowing smoothly.
In addition, many websites needed for business use email address sign-ups to access the necessary online services and subscriptions. There is a wide range of companies that rely on e-newsletters for business exposure and can attest to its success, as around 31% of B2B marketers have expressed that email newsletters are one of the best ways to nurture any leads.
- Highly accessible, highly reliable
With the ability to quickly and easily send electronic files – documents, images, data sheets and more – to contacts located anywhere in the world, email has become the default option for businesses worldwide, now ingrained into a vast range of processes. The DMA has revealed that the majority of individuals keep their email addresses for 10 years or longer, demonstrating the longevity of the platform and the attachment people have towards it.
Email enhances reliability in business as it increases productivity, efficiency and therefore business readiness. It is a cheap and convenient option, as the same message can be delivered to multiple people, where it can be stored until the recipient is ready to read them. These email chains document when messages are sent so users can keep accurate track of liaisons with correspondents.
- Reinforcing Security
In recent years, as conversations increasingly take place online, cybersecurity has become a key consideration for businesses. Although some email providers have integrated ‘unsend’ functions, which can recall an email after it has been sent, they are renowned for their temperamental nature.
Incorporating dedicated email security software can provide stable message revoke capabilities, alongside encryption to protect the sensitive information held within emails and engage customers with full compliance. Encryption works by scrambling and disguising email content, including attachments, ensuring that only the intended recipient can read emails. Security can also be further strengthened by the use of two-factor authentication via SMS message or code. With this in place, email users can be certain that important information remains out of reach of the wrong hands when handling sensitive documents.
Email is certainly not dead
Email use remains steadfast, and businesses will continue to rely on it heavily. Naturally, the popularity of email makes it the perfect target for phishing and other cyber attacks. However, having the right parameters in place can enhance email security and therefore reduce business risks.
Companies acknowledge the importance of email encryption as it protects confidential information and prevents sensitive data from being intercepted. Being a widely used medium, it is increasingly important for companies to invest in email protection so that the content of sent messages is only read by the intended recipient.
Email is certainly alive: it’s reliable and accessible and as global corporations continue to advance within the realms of technology it will continue to provide a platform for smooth communication and security within businesses.
About the Author
Paul Holland is CEO at Beyond Encryption. We’re building the world’s most secure digital communications network, one message at a time. It’s our mission to give businesses the freedom to engage with their customers. We develop superpowers that put security and simplicity at the heart of your communications. Identity drives us. Our digital identity is made up of all the footprints we leave in our online interactions. Organisations have a duty to protect the information they hold for customers, but many unknowingly expose data to unsecured channels, putting identity at risk.
Featured image: ©Peshkov
