In the last decade, we’ve seen a rapid growth in technology. Things, like touch screen phones, seemed like a dream ten years ago. They’re now the reality. Technology has affected almost every aspect of life. No more so than the business industry. Growth in certain technology has had a huge effect on majors parts of business. Here’s a look at some of the big technology advancements that have re-shaped business.
Internet
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The internet has been around for many years. But in the last decade, it’s grown massively. In 2005 less than 16% of the world’s population had internet access. Last year, that number had grown to over 40%. We had just over a billion internet uses ten years ago, now we have just under three billion. The growth of the internet has changed the business world. We now have a whole new type of business; online business. Businesses can now operate solely online, without needing a store to sell goods. Customers can now contact businesses through their website, rather than physically walking into an office. The internet has made things a lot easier for everyone.
Mobile
Mobile technology has blown up over the last decade. We’ve gone from having simple mobile phones to touch screen smartphones and tablets. Mobile technology has changed a lot in the world of business. Businesses now need their online sites to be optimized for mobile, to succeed. Mobile Apps have also revolutionised business. Most companies now have an App Developer to help them tap into the mobile app market. Businesses can use Mobile apps as a source of more money and profit. Mobile Apps have become a business in their own right too. There are many companies that are born directly out of app development. All they do is develop apps and sell them.
Digital Media
The rise in digital media and digital media technologies has dramatically impacted business. Digital media has changed the way businesses now market their companies. Before digital media, they’d use more traditional marketing methods, like billboards and posters. Now though, they can conduct a marketing campaign online. The growth in digital media tech available, like website analytics, has helped businesses. They can now analyse their sites and look at the best ways to market their business. Social networking sites have also contributed to the changing of things. They can be used to market a business and talk with customers.
Communication Methods
Things like email, mobile phones, Skype, social media, have all played a part in improving business procedures. It’s now a lot easier to contact clients and work colleagues. Applications like Skype and Google Hangouts have changed the ways business meetings are conducted. You can now host a meeting with someone on the other side of the world, and you don’t have to leave your desk.
In general, the advances in technology have made things a lot easier in the business world. Stuff that used to take a long time now takes a matter of minutes. Even browsing the web in 2005 was slow compared to now! Embracing new technologies is a must for every business. If you don’t advance with technology, you’ll be left in the dust.