Before 2019, corporate IT departments had an efficient strategy for end-user computing in offices. However, the pandemic completely disrupted this model, forcing IT departments to enable remote work overnight. As a result, the emphasis of end-user computing has permanently shifted towards remote access. Even as office-based work resumes, IT departments now need to support a hybrid workforce by providing online collaboration tools and access to enterprise systems.
This shift has also impacted the way technology is managed. IT departments now focus on providing the necessary applications for employees to be productive, often by shifting to cloud-based solutions. The traditional model of managing large estates of on-premise desktops and laptops is no longer the norm, as most organizations have moved their IT infrastructure to the cloud.
Even in companies that have returned to the office, the idea of enabling remote and home workers has become ingrained in IT culture. This shift has required a shift towards an internet-first mindset and the adoption of technologies like Zoom and Microsoft Teams for collaboration.
To support a hybrid or remote workforce, there has been an increase in proactive IT support using software that provides insights into endpoint devices and network connections. Tools like TeamViewer have been used to provide remote IT support, enabling IT teams to visualize and address technical issues in real-time.
Enabling remote support also means employees can receive assistance regardless of their location, and PC manufacturers now offer fully configured devices that can be shipped directly to end users. This trend towards automation and remote support is expected to continue as hybrid work becomes more prevalent.
In summary, the pandemic has permanently shifted the focus of end-user computing towards remote access and hybrid work. IT departments are embracing cloud-based solutions and remote support tools to enable productivity and provide assistance to employees regardless of their location.