Top Technology Trends for Businesses in 2022
Technological advances continue to make strides and impact the way you live your life and conduct your business. Businesses looking for competitive advantage need to utilize as many new technological tools as possible. Here are some top new technologies available to businesses for 2022.
Hybrid Workforce Solutions
Businesses are adapting to having a more remote-based workforce. The benefits of remote work include cost savings for companies and increased employee efficiency. There are a variety of new tools available to assist companies in transitioning to remote operations. Communication applications allow for the use of a virtual phone number so telecommunications can occur in any location. Remote meeting tools are also available to enable virtual participation in business meetings.
Many businesses are employing a virtual private network to reduce cybersecurity risks. Requiring remote workers to log in to a virtual private network dramatically reduces the risk of hacking and interference from cyber-criminals. A virtual login is easy for a business to implement and well worth the added protection it provides to internet use.
Productivity software has become more widely used for entities using a hybrid work model. Technological advances have improved the capabilities of these monitoring programs. The software provides useful data to company decision-makers to ensure that productivity goals are being met.
Edge Computing
Many businesses currently rely on cloud computing to store an ever-increasing amount of data. Cloud storage has its downside, including slow response time and the requirement of a connection to transfer data. Edge computing moves the storage of data away from a centralized location out to the individual devices that are being used to process the information. Decentralized computing allows for faster transfer speeds and is helpful for time-sensitive applications. As remote operations become more popular, edge computing can help businesses eliminate the need for centralized data storage.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a computerized code circulated by users, and each user adds a layer to the block to create the finalized code. Cryptocurrency is a well-known use of blockchain technology and is used as a payment method. Blockchain is very secure and difficult to hack because of the circulation of the chain among peer users without any one person having a license or ownership. A business can make many uses of this technology to secure its data and intellectual property. Companies can also use blockchain to protect their computer systems and platforms. In addition, blockchain has applications in procuring raw materials to help verify suppliers and reduce waste.
Artificial Intelligence
The use of artificial intelligence has grown significantly over the past ten years. This technology uses algorithms to produce the desired result. Typical uses of artificial intelligence include everyday use for voice commands on smartphones and object recognition. Businesses can make use of artificial intelligence in a variety of business processes. Computer algorithms can be used in research and development to simulate tests and get results at a scale not possible with physical specimens. Sales and marketing can use artificial intelligence to predict customer response and gather data to further revenue goals. There are also many uses of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, as this technology can create efficiencies and generate cost savings in the process. Machines are equipped with learning capabilities to calibrate themselves and adjust production accordingly.
5G
5G is the new gold standard for internet connectivity. This bandwidth offers significantly increased speeds over its predecessor, 4G. As businesses focus on more remote operations, more equipment and devices need to connect directly to the internet. 5G capabilities further the potential for direct connections due to the increased speed. Everyday items that rely on direct internet connection include self-driving vehicles. An expansion of 5G infrastructure can allow a business to convert more of its operations to automated processes. This conversion can enable companies to reduce their carbon footprints.
As companies rely more on virtual outlets to conduct their operations, technological advances are essential to efficient and effective performance.