What do we mean by ATAWAD?
ATAWAD stands for Any Time, AnyWhere, Any Device. According to a 2017 digital survey (baromètre numérique), the smartphone is the most widely used channel for online browsing (42%). Many people use their phone to access the Internet for work or personal reasons.
The ATAWAD system lets people connect from any workstation, whenever and wherever is convenient.
What are the characteristic features of ATAWAD?
ATAWAD is implemented in business and academic applications, which can be accessed from any connected device.
Another trend is for SaaS, implemented in the form of online platforms that users can join by entering a login and password.
This solution is increasingly prevalent in our personal lives too: according to marketing experts, smartphones will account for 59% of all Internet connections by 2022.
The polling institute OpinionWay goes further, explaining that since the COVID health crisis, 1 in 4 French people have used their mobile phone at least once to make a purchase. Half of Internet users now shop at online stores. Reflecting this new reality, ATAWAD is becoming the norm.
Nowadays, it is possible to log in from any location, for work or personal reasons.
Pros and cons of ATAWAD
From a user’s perspective, ATAWAD is a very good solution, and the concept has significantly boosted the e-commerce market. It has also transformed the way people work. For example, this functionality lets a business manager track their company’s P&L in real time. Sales representatives can check the latest market trends and tweak their offering. Similarly, a marketing director or community manager can monitor web traffic minute-by-minute, instantly detecting any derogatory comments that might tarnish the company’s reputation.
Mass adoption of ATAWAD is impacting all professions, leading to better organization, greater independence and higher quality work.
ATAWAD also has some drawbacks, generally relating to security. The ability to log in from any location renders the company’s IT system more vulnerable to cyber attacks. SaaS platforms manage the security aspect as part of the service; the same cannot be said when developing an application or an intranet. ATAWAD approaches let employees log in using any device. Before authorizing a connection, it is important to check that their phone or computer is equipped with antivirus software and a firewall. A VPN can also be useful.
EFC, the French accounting academy, allows students to access lessons from their phone or computer. An intranet system and a dedicated application were implemented to enable this. Students can use these two digital platforms to submit their assignments and consult additional information about their courses. This solution means they can log in and work from home, on public transport or even from their vacation destination.
