Featured article by Calvin Paige, Independent Technology Author
There’s no escaping the fact that technology is now the primary driver of all business ventures. From marketing to accounts, the latest and greatest examples of IT in the workplace can improve productivity, security, and even boost profits. Knowing which technologies are useful and which are nothing more than a flash in the pan trends is absolutely vital. The problem for many is that tech is covered in the media with sensational headlines and bold claims that often have very little bearing on reality. If you want your business to grow stronger and more secure, then these are the technologies and IT trends that you should be looking at integrating into your business set up in 2019.
Chatbots for Conversions
While much has been said about the rise of AI in the business world, the fact is that the technology is not yet at sci-fi levels. However, the use of chatbots, especially in e-commerce, make use of a very basic AI setup that relies more on machine learning than Skynet levels of tech and is very easy to integrate into your customer service department. Look at using chatbots during those times of day when staffing levels are at a minimum, like overnight, and your sales can continue 24/7 whether you have someone operating a keyboard or not.
Data Mining
If there’s one tech development that the media have jumped on, it’s data mining. The use and storage of data has been headline news for a few years now, especially with the implementation of GDPR legislation. Your business should be using your data to understand your customers, and if you’re not yet doing this, then you can be sure that your competitors are. The more that you understand the needs and wants of your customers, the easier it is to target your marketing and special offers, boosting sales and securing your business.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Although this is a technology that gamers will be more familiar with than business owners will be, it remains an exciting new tool for smart entrepreneurs. Many business owners are already starting to implement augmented or virtual reality tools into their digital setup, and everyone from shoe manufacturers to estate agents are offering virtual samples of their products. Customers are able to easily visualize what a new wall color will look like in their home, take virtual tours of a new property, or even try on virtual trainers before they commit to a purchase. It might take some creative thinking, but both VR and AR could be the next commerce battleground of the future.
Security Essentials
Online security is a priority for businesses of all sizes and sectors, and there is a wide range of necessary online security measures and tools that you should be integrating into your business setup. For those that want to keep their business as secure as possible, securing containers are fast-becoming the essential must-have. A secure container implementation will compartmentalize your software and hardware, keeping it far safer from external threats or internal negligence. Restricting unauthorized access to the digital setup of a business is one of the most effective and useful methods of boosting security levels, and is the key security tech to be making use of this year.
It’s never been more important that business owners and their teams are aware of the most useful IT options available. Rather than jumping on any media-driven bandwagons, make sure that you have a solid understanding of which technologies will best suit your business, and find creative ways to integrate them into your future plans.
