Joint use management was made for the cloud. While joint use does not provide a great revenue stream, mismanagement opens an organization up to reputational, regulatory and legal trouble. A cloud-based joint-use management solution, like SSP’s SPANS Product, mitigates these risks while enhancing efficiency.

Joint Use relationships have no financial upside. Regulatory agencies mandate a 0% margin for pole owners. Additionally, there are risks for regulatory and legal entanglements along with liability exposure from design or construction deficiency. Most joint-use conferences feature a panel of lawyers discussing recent cases and rulings. Efficient and well-documented communication mitigates the risks.

Simultaneously, joint use workloads are increasing. The government is pouring billions of dollars into broadband expansion increasing the demand for pole space. At the same time, economic conditions create downward pressure on headcount. Joint use departments are expected to do more work while maintaining or losing resources.

Cloud-based joint-use management combined with industry-leading experience shines a little light into this thankless environment. Technology can be a force multiplier if expertly integrated with business procedures and institutional culture. The right technology integrated with well-defined processes that enable self-service increases a department’s capacity.

Joint-use management software allows all parties to view a common database of correspondence, design documents and event dates. This transparency streamlines dispute resolution since all parties have a common operational picture. The cloud provides a convenient and efficient location for business partners to securely access information which is managed by a third party, and clearly communicates workflows and expectations.

Web-based products, such as SPANS, require limited IT resources and management. And since the product is web based there is no software to install and no additional security requirements such as modifications to the firewall. Most organizations have systems already installed to secure web traffic.

Cloud computing providers such as Amazon Web Services provide industry leading network security and engineering as part of their standard offerings which ensures the highest level of security and reliability.

SPANS migrated from on-premises servers to cloud-based servers in 2016. Over 1,000 users from both power and telecommunications companies log into SPANS each month. The cloud-based infrastructure has simplified security audits and reduced the need for related security infrastructure while enhancing reliability. SSP has observed both the power and communications industries moving towards the cloud to save money and improve service.

Cloud-based applications have many advantages. And joint use benefits from a common software application. Together they make a productive solution.