Keeping Up with Technology Can Help You as a Business Owner

It has never been a secret that technology today can either make or break the success, transformation, or expansion of any small or medium-sized business and its business owner. It doesn’t if you’re a startup local coffee shop or an online beauty products boutique; internet-enabled IT systems can make businesses better organized, smarter, faster, or doom it to failure when technology is ignored.

So if you’re a business owner, one of the best investments to prioritize should be using technology and keeping up with it so you’re not left behind by the competition that also uses the same technology.

Use CRM to keep up with customers

Small and medium business owners can use customer relationship management (CRM) systems to meticulously plan out their interactions with customers in record time. With a CRM, you can keep all of your customers’ contact information in one place, alongside detailed information on the products they have purchased, the feedback the customers give out, and the marketing materials that have been used. Keeping track of this makes it easier to offer outstanding customer service, as well as targeted marketing materials based on your customers’ habits and preferences.

Use accounting software to manage your finances

Keeping a close eye on income and cash flow is an integral part of managing a successful small business, but this process can quickly turn into unnecessary time consumption if you don’t have the right technology. Accounting software can access up-to-the-minute reports on where your business stands at all times especially if it has easy-to-use user interface and simple setup to invoice your customers and keep track of payments.

Create an open and communicative environment

By centrally locating the performance appraisal information within a formal online framework, business owners can more easily communicate business strategy and create measurable goals for their employees that will support overall company objectives. It also allows for greater visibility, thereby allowing employees to see the whole picture and understand better how individual goals fit into the company’s business objectives. This creates energized and engaged employees that will definitely raise the work productivity of the business.

Connect teams virtually

Create employee portals and team sites to help people work productively inside the business or when they need to be out in the field, no matter what location. You will eliminate “silos” that effectively cut off communication because employees can utilize technology to reach out to others working on similar projects or find experts to answer their questions inside the business.

Performance, progress, and productivity analysis,

Naturally, employees in any business want to be appreciated for their hard work. Business productivity software can bridge the gaps in communication and convey to each member of your team that they are valued. With your people working at their highest capabilities and your business aligned from top-to-bottom, you will be creating a workforce that is engaged, productive and loyal. Feeling valued is the key to employee loyalty which leads to greater business productivity, and technology can help with this aspect.

Tech trends That Need to Bid Farewell This 2017

Technology is constantly moving, either on a fast forward pace or backwards, but never still. The rapid advances in technology, coupled with accelerating innovation, are transforming our lives every day. And as we entered 2017, expect that existing trends such as the AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) will step up to the next level. We've become increasingly connected to our devices, smart machines getting smarter, and a new IT reality has surfaced.

The thing about trends, whether tech or otherwise, is that you might be able to start one, but you can't end one. They are a reflection of society's growing needs and desires. Still, that doesn't keep us from trying to get rid of a few trends every year that we think need to die. Here are some of them:

Insecure Internet of Things

One of the most disastrous cyberattacks in the US happened September of last year, when a vast network of infected baby monitors and other IoT devices took down a DNS provider, knocking dozens of major websites offline for a few hours, including Spotify and Twitter. According to security experts, the devices' poor security is as much to blame as the hackers who target them. There's not much you can do but to make sure that you create a very strong password for your next router or wireless baby camera.

Default Location Tracking

Apple's iOS offers app developers the power to decide how frequently they'll track your location. You, the smartphone owner, can completely turn off location tracking anytime, but it's up to the developer whether or not you see the option to only share your location when the app is running. This year, Uber stirred quite a bit of controversy when it announced it would track locations until five minutes after a trip ends. The privacy implications of allowing dozens of apps track your current location whenever they want to is quite worrisome, and we're all for giving device owners more control over how their location is shared.

Dangerous AR Gaming

Don't get the wrong impression -- Augmented Reality is a promising new horizon for the video game industry. The problem is that people frequently try to multitask when they shouldn't. For instance is the Pokemon Go. After recent multiple reports about traffic accidents this past summer, some of which were fatal, Niantic, the game's creator, added a pop-up message that warns players when the app detects it's being used in a moving car. Texting while driving is illegal in most states, but no state bans all mobile phone usage for all drivers, so it's mostly up to AR gamers to regulate themselves. There's also the risk that people will walk into lamp posts, fountains, and traffic. So see to it that you stay safe while you're enjoying your AR game.

Unsecured Websites

The unencrypted Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) needs to go away. Major tech companies, such as Google, agree with this idea that even next year they are planning to make it obvious if you're visiting a website that's not switched over to HTTPS. Most commerce sites already use HTTPS to secure credit card information and other sensitive data of its users. Even Netflix and Wikipedia are encrypted now. However, other major sites like the New York Times are still 'encryption-free' so be cautious about that.

Online Harassment

Can Twitter finally get itself together and do something about all the trolls firing tweets with reckless abandon? There's also that YouTube comments section, which is a good breeding ground for negative and bashful comments. To compound the problem, much of the most trolling activities come from bots, including pro-Donald Trump fake accounts that spent much of the 2016 US presidential election spreading lies. Trolls even transformed Microsoft's artificial-intelligence-powered chatbot Tay into a racist monster that eventually had to be turned off.

Important Computer Skills that You Should Learn in 2016

Are there specific computer skills that are in demand right now? According to Computerworld and Technojobs, some of the top 10 computer skills in demand since 2010 that need to be learned for top job hiring are very much still in demand this 2016. Programming, application development, business intelligence/analytics, database administration, cloud computing, front end development, and networking infrastructure have been pretty much in the in-demand skills radar up to now, while a new player, IT architecture, is making its debut as an in-demand computer skill for 2016.

However, for 2016 alone, based on present technology and trends, these are the computer skills that are highly in demand and have high probabilities of getting hired faster.

Mobile App Development

The biggest tech news in the handheld market is usually the announcement of the next smartphone or tablet. With these gadgets becoming more advanced and continually revolutionizing the way we communicate and work, there will always be a demand for mobile developers to create new and exciting mobile apps for iOS and Android. The present app market shows no sign of slowing down. Programming languages for mobile such as C++ and Java still continue to be used for mobile development, as well as Apple Swift, for Apple iOS and watchOS that prove to be valuable skills in developing new and ground-breaking apps. Another one to look out for is Hybrid App Development, which is the cross between web and native technology. 50% of mobile apps could be hybrid by 2016 making it the new standard.

Digital Marketing and Social Media

Not all skills need to be technical as many businesses have become dedicated to improving their digital marketing and social media presence online. The popularity of platforms like Facebook, Twitter or company blogs always require user engagement and unique content to keep users interested and up to date with company and PR related news. This means developing engaging content that informs existing customers and gains a new audience through shared content and search engine performance. Individuals skilled in SEO, PPC, and graphic arts are very high in demand due to the importance of search rankings, content marketing, and graphical adverts.

Cyber Security

With the recent rash of cyber-attacks and system databases becoming compromised from cyber criminals, it’s become apparent that the security and protection of sensitive data is an absolute priority for businesses. Because of this businesses have found it very urgent to hire individuals with cyber security skills to help protect their data, customers, and reputation. Businesses require analysts, consultants and engineers to ensure they have a well secure system that is difficult to breach or compromise. According to a study by Technojobs, there has been a shortage of individuals with computer security skills all over the world.

Smart Gadgets That Will Add Better Security to Your Home

Over the years, more and more people are now integrating smart gadgets into their homes, and everyone seems to be lured towards the convenience that they offer. Well, it's really hard to say no to something that has the capability to unlock your door with a tap on your smartphone or being able to remotely control your lights and appliances. If you're digging these smart gadgets, then you are probably interested in integrating them in securing your home. Below is a collection of four smart security gadgets that you can use to secure your home.

A little piece of advice though, the convenience offered by smart security gadgets may seem enticing, but they can also be used against you. For example, if a door can be remotely controlled or if a security system is based in the cloud, then this means it could get hacked if there are no security precautions were taken. Don't get lured by the security claims made by these gadgets and leave your home's entire security only to them. Make sure you do a research and make sure that your security system is secured against getting hacked.

1. Piper

Piper comes with sensors, a surveillance system and a home automation system to offer an all-in-one security solution. Its camera offers 1080p immersive video recording with 180 degrees view of the area -- enough to cover the entire room. In addition, you can also control the camera easily (pan, tilt, and zoom) and watch live recorded video remotely from anywhere on your smartphone with no monthly charges. Its sensors include Motion, Sound, Temperature, Humidity, and Light that are good enough to ensure that your house is safe from intruders and hazards.

If the device detects any unusual activity, it sounds a 105db siren (louder than a jet's sound 100 feet away) and notifies you via text, email, and phone call. Its home automation enables you to control the temperature, set up window, and door sensors for a security breach and control lights and appliances. Best of all, it comes with two-way audio communication so you can listen and talk to people/pets directly from Piper.

The Piper Classic costs $199.99. Some sensors and automation systems are sold separately or in bundles from Piper Store.

2. SkyBell HD

SkyBell HD is a video doorbell that is designed to make you answering the door easier from anywhere, at the same time offering some reliable security features. This device comes with an HD camera that lets you see the person whose at the door, and its two-way audio communication enables you to talk to them from anywhere with your smartphone and an Internet connection. SkyBell can start monitoring when the doorbell is pressed or there is motion detected, and you will receive a notification from your smartphone. This lets you have a view of what's happening at your front door and also prevents the risk of blindly answering the door. And with its Night Color Vision, you are safe and sound both during the night and day.

At the moment, SkyBell is only available in the USA with a price tag of $199.

3. Kevo Smart Lock

Kevo is considered as a convenient smart lock because it lets you open your house door with just a tap on your phone. You can use Kevo app on Android and iOS to unlock your door with a Bluetooth signal or use a FOB to open the door with a tap if your smartphone isn't supported. According to its manufacturer, the lock passes stringent key bumping, lock picking, and physical security tests and uses encryption for digital security.

You also have the option to upgrade to Kevo Plus to enable you to remotely open the door from anywhere using an Internet connection and also get the current status of the door, along with the notifications, as to when the door is locked or unlocked. You can also give eKeys to trusted family members and friends to let them lock and unlock the door.

The Kevo Smart Lock costs $199, while the Kevo Plus upgrade costs a one-time fee of $99.

4. iSmartAlarm

iSmartAlarm is a set of security devices (although sold separately) that is perfect to use to secure almost every aspect of your house according to your needs. You are not required to purchase a whole package -- just buy what you need and then leave the rest. Some of its well-known devices include an HD camera with night vision, 110db satellite siren, door and window sensors, lights ands appliances controller, and motion and temperature sensors. It also comes with a main control system to control all iSmartAlarm devices.

All iSmartAlarm devices are sold separately with various prices.

These Business-Related Devices or Technologies Might Become Obsolete in the Next 5 Years

As technology evolves faster and faster through the years, certain things are overtaken, outgrown, and become obsolete. For instance, though vinyl records are making a comeback, no one hardly use cassette tapes and CDs anymore. Even DVDs, Blu-Ray, and video discs are making their way to digital space and are facing near obsolescence. The smartphone alone has suddenly rendered many technologies obsolete, starting with ordinary cell phones.

So, what devices, gadgets, gadgets, and technology are now facing extinction in the business world?

Traditional Landline Phones
Sure, you could say that hospitals, call centers, emergency and police services, and sales offices still needed landline phones, but as mobile devices and smartphones improve, these can take the place of the landline phone. And if there are laptops and PCs around, think VoIP services that are cheaper than landlines.

Standalone GPS Navigation System
Smartphones are rendering standalone GPS navigation system almost unnecessary, especially if GPS is widely used for business purposes such as in trucking and delivery services or for construction vehicles. Some vehicles today are sold factory fresh with their own GPS systems that can easily hook up with any smartphone. And of course, with the improvement of Google Maps and Apple Maps, you don't need to pay a monthly fee for GPS functionality.

Alarm Clocks
Some may argue how is this business related? Well, what have you been using to wake you up in the morning to get to work? However, chances are, in the last 5 years or so, you no longer use a standalone alarm clock, instead relying on your cell phone and then later on your smartphone. With a smartphone, you can even choose your favorite tune.

Dial-up Internet Access
With today's technology, it's hard to see why anyone would use a phone line to connect to the Internet when there are so many feasible alternatives. Dial-up may seem to belong with smoke signals and carrier pigeons on the communication scrap heap, but back in the late 90s and early 2000s remember that it was all the rage.

Wristwatches
Again you could argue that professionals still wear a wristwatch to work, but let's be honest since these people grew up with watches; now watch the younger generation. Honestly, the younger ones know that smartphone and iPads or tablets can tell the time when you're out and about, and virtually every appliance in your home - from your refrigerator to your coffeemaker to your television to your DVD player - has a clock.

Business-related gadgets and devices actually are the first to become obsolete, and all you need to do is remember, when was the last time you saw a manual or electric typewriter, a fax machine, or sales professional using a beeper? These are all gone by now. Recently, aside from those listed above, even the USB Flash Drive is going to be obsolete because of cloud storage services on the Internet. Also, let's not forget the short lifespan of the PDA or Personal Digital Assistant that incorporated note taking, voice memos, and calendars, and given the fact that they used a stylus, they just disappeared pronto from the business scene.

Approach The World of New Technologies with Confidence: It's Not That Hard to Keep Up with It

Technology is considered to be the greatest agent of change in the modern world. While never without risk, positive technological breakthroughs promise innovative solutions to the most pressing global challenges of our time, from resource scarcity to global environmental change.  

One problem facing technology is the lack of appropriate investment, outdated regulatory frameworks, and gaps in public understanding prevent many promising technologies from achieving their potential.

Another problem, and the one that hits home with the masses, is attempting to keep up with technology, and failing.

It’s true that even while some technologies fail due to what was mentioned in the first problem, in the field of communications and the Internet, this is not so. In fact, many complain that it is hard to keep up with technology because the smartphone or app they buy today may be obsolete in just 6 months. But then, when we say “keeping up,” is it keeping up just to have the latest in technology, like the latest iPhone or the latest tablet, or is it merely keeping up to improve how to do things at work or at home?

When we attempt to keep up just to stay in trend, then the true purpose of technology is lost. A new smartphone model with new features that come with it may benefit some but not all, and this applies to all technologies. Technology should be bought and used as we need them and how useful they are to us, and not merely to just “keep up.”

So instead of just keeping up, here are a few technologies that we can all face with confidence because somehow in the future, we will need them.

Brain-computer interfaces

It is already possible to type just by monitoring the electrical activity of your brain, but as the technology advances, it could be possible for people with disabilities to operate wheelchairs using only their thoughts.

Body-adapted wearable electronics

Whether worn on the body, embedded in clothes or even under the skin, these devices can track information, such as heart rate and stress levels, giving people real-time feedback about their health.

Screenless display

A 3D image projected into space, or simply a screenless display, can convey information that a 2D image presented on a screen cannot, and is close to becoming a practical reality. One of the more frustrating aspects of modern communications technology is that, as devices have miniaturized, they have become more difficult to interact with; for example, no one types out a novel on a smartphone. The lack of space on screen-based displays provides a clear opportunity for screenless displays to fill the gap. Full-sized keyboards can already be projected onto a surface for users to interact with, without concern over whether it will fit into their pocket. Perhaps evoking memories of the early Star Wars films, holographic images can now be generated in three dimensions.

Nanowire lithium-ion batteries

New batteries based on silicon and using tiny silicon nanowires can have a longer life, charge more quickly, and hold up to three times the power of existing batteries.