Thanksgiving is almost here!
You’re probably looking forward to a much-needed break and the chance to spend time with family and friends. Thanksgiving also reminds everyone to reflect on things they’re grateful for. What are you giving thinks for this year? At NCC, we have lots of things to be thankful for — including emergent business technologies that will help us take Texas businesses to the next level. What sorts of innovative solutions are we referring to? Here’s a short list of some tech that’s on the radar for 2020:
Artificial Intelligence
Not that long ago, AI was the stuff of science fiction. Now it’s driving everything from economics to advertising — and in some cases, it’s even literally driving our cars.
AI is already impacting the way customers interact with brands through intelligent websites and chat bots, and these tools are becoming increasingly integrated and more accessible. AI is also managing the pay-per-click advertising that drives consumers to those websites.
“The largest impacts across all industries—from retail to healthcare, hospitality to finance—are felt when AI improves data security, decision-making speed and accuracy, and employee output and training,” head of growth and education for Smith.ai, Maddy Martin, said in a June press release.
3D printing
3D printing offers a solution for the low volume manufacturing of complex parts, as well as fast local production of difficult-to-find products. As more affordable products become available, opportunities for this industry will continue to grow. Many entrepreneurs and small business owners have already made names for themselves selling custom 3D-printed items in stores or online (like this Etsy seller who makes 3D-printed LEGO mini figure versions of real people.)
5G
5G is fast…as fast or faster than broadband internet. (Yes, that means your phone’s internet will soon be faster than the cable hookup in your home.) What this means for connectivity is game-changing, and that means big things for companies that are always on the move or working in remote locations. In Texas and in the Gulf, petroleum companies are very reliant on mobile, reliable wireless connectivity as just one example.
And one major reason why nearly every business will soon be benefiting from better connectivity is…
The Cloud
The cloud is still rising to the forefront of business tech. No wonder! Cloud has made it easy for businesses to cut costs and optimize their operations without making compromises. Regardless of the size, location, or industry, any business can benefit from the cloud.
Centralized Data
With the cloud, businesses can centralize software and data in one, easily accessible location. Business owners and IT professionals can also make use of administrative controls in cloud platforms. This make for easier control, tighter security, and more manageable IT.
Storage and Backup
The cloud makes easy work of modern necessities like data storage and backups. And gone are the old security concerns about cloud storage; recent developments in security tools and data center management can make the cloud an incredibly safe place to store and backup data.
Ease-of-Use and Accessibility
Increased accessibility is another huge cloud benefit that many business owners enjoy. Collaboration, sharing, project management, and remote working all become possible. Cloud for business frees you and your employees from your desks, giving everyone the freedom to work from anywhere at any time.
