Alcon Laboratories is the global leader in eye care, with a history spanning more than seven decades. The company offers a broad portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Each year, more than 260 million people in 140+ countries rely on its surgical and vision care products to address conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and refractive errors.

In this new series of Now on Now stories, we share how we use ServiceNow products internally to transform our operations and create great experiences. We hope our stories will inspire our customers and partners to harvest even more business value and resiliency from the Now Platform®. For more information, visit the Now on Now Workflows Book of Knowledge.

Enterprise services management. What’s that? Isn’t it all about IT stuff? You know, IT service management (ITSM)? Same/same? Right? Well, the answer is, “No, not really.” It’s about that too, but today it’s moved well beyond its original meaning and context.

Students throughout the U.S. faced massive technology and connectivity gaps before the pandemic. Now, with COVID-induced remote learning, the situation is more urgent than ever. Many students cannot afford internet connectivity. Many don’t have personal laptops or tablets. And school districts are struggling to obtain the resources needed to support students who are now dependent on distance learning.

In a global marketplace, competition is stiff. It's hard enough to get the attention of your prospective customer, but once you have it, you don't want to lose it. This kind of drain can mean the end of your business. Any small business owner knows that the life's blood of their business is loyal customers. It is well worth the trouble to keep your customers happy and have them continue to give you their business. When they are satisfied, they naturally tell others about you. This is business growth.

As I sit here writing this blog, I can’t believe how much things have changed. No more chats in the hall or booking a conference room. With this pandemic, everything is virtual. My laptop and mobile are my lifeline. They are the only way I can work. I know I’m not alone. How many of you are reading this blog at the kitchen table—or, if you’re lucky, in your home office? And I suspect it’s not going to change any time soon. If ever.

Reflect on 2020 and hear from ServiceNow leaders as they discuss some of the most significant trends of the year – from cybersecurity to customer and employee experiences – when the global health crisis is creating new realities for all of us. Take a fresh look at the trends shaping what’s next in the workplace. Industry Trends in Vulnerability Response with Dr. Larry Ponemon Today’s cybercriminals are tenacious, well‑funded, and smart.