Digital transformation: lifeline and driver of innovation

The economy is facing the challenges of the current polycrisis – especially for smaller craft businesses, it is not easy to advance important digital projects now.

This article is part of the special feature GründerNavi – for founders and young companies

The coronavirus pandemic has barely subsided, and now geopolitical conflicts are once again threatening global supply chains. While large companies have the resources to weather these crises, many smaller ones have long since run out of steam: Between 2021 and 2023, the number of corporate insolvencies among small businesses in Germany rose by almost 19 percent , according to a recent Creditreform analysis.

Transformation as an opportunity – but how?

Digitalization is considered a silver bullet: it creates resilience , conserves resources , relieves the burden on employees , enabling companies to scale better and save costs overall. While most businesses have already completed the first phase of digitalization , the second wave is now underway. Whereas previously the focus was on mothballing fax machines and filing cabinets, today, even in the skilled trades, we're talking about integrating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence , the Internet of Things , and augmented reality.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also benefit from this. However, the complexity of digital projects, the shortage of IT specialists, and tight budgets are hindering the transformation. The pressure to digitize is increasing, and the obstacles are overwhelming many SMEs . They don't know where to begin.

Now it's important to stay calm and find the right digitalization partners, because getting started is usually easier than you think: Even small changes, such as using a high-bandwidth mobile and internet contract, can open up new possibilities and, for example , make mobile working easier . As a strong partner for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Telekom understands the challenges they face and offers active support. As part of its SME campaign, it is therefore offering SMEs its most powerful mobile plan without a basic fee until the end of 2024.

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The "Business Mobil XL" plan includes unlimited data on Telekom's 5G network and offers a 50% discount on additional SIM cards . This presents an ideal opportunity to equip employees with mobile devices and drive digital transformation . From January 1, 2025, companies will have the option to retain this plan or choose a different option. This offer is valid for business customers with a Telekom broadband/internet connection but without a mobile contract. If needed, the desired broadband connection can be ordered to take advantage of the mobile offer.

Digitalization is no longer an option, but a necessity. With Deutsche Telekom as a strong partner, even SMEs can optimally integrate state-of-the-art digital tools into their operations. Dr. Torsten Brodt, Senior Vice President SMEs, Deutsche Telekom Business Customers GmbH. Photo: © Deutsche Telekom

Following this initial step, small businesses can gradually address further important areas of action through individual consultation – whether in Telekom or partner shops, online, via the hotline, or with personal contacts. One goal can be to improve collaboration by providing high-performance communication solutions or intuitive software and platform solutions . With Telekom as a partner, even smaller businesses can successfully undergo digital transformation – tailored to their individual requirements, at their own pace, and within their budget.

Further information about the Business XL tariff and legal notices: https://geschaeftskunden.telekom.de/dein-mein-business.

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The Business Mobil XL tariff (without mobile phone)

✔️ No base price until the end of 2024

✔️ Unlimited surfing and calling on the best network

✔️ Flexible tariff change from 01.01.2025

✔️ Personal contact person for the best advice

✔️ 50% discount from the first additional card

The Business Mobil XL tariff (without mobile phone)

Challenges: SMEs struggle to advance digital projects, especially during global crises.

Digital transformation: Digitization is crucial for resilience and cost savings.

Overcoming obstacles: Complex projects, skills shortages and limited budgets make digitalization difficult.

Partner selection: Choosing the right partners for digital transformation is crucial for success.

Start small: Even a new mobile phone plan can trigger big changes.

Individual solutions: Tailor-made solutions help SMEs to approach their digitalization in a targeted manner.

DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!