Back to the Future: Key Technology Trends that Will Change Small Business
Are you and your company ready for the future? As technology is constantly evolving, so is the way that small and mid-sized businesses operate. Thus, to be successful, SMBs need to be constantly aware, staying on top of the latest technology trends. Here are a few technology trends that every SMB should implement.
Cloud Computing
Nowadays, small businesses are becoming more and more comfortable with putting information and data into the cloud. According to a Microsoft Infographic, 9.6 million U.S. SMBs are currently using cloud-based services, and 98% of them say that it’s is a critical factor in their success. Co-founder of the research firm SMB Group, Laurie McGabe, says, “There are a host of technologies available in 2016 that are giving small and SMBs the applications and devices they need to level the playing field against larger companies.” She also states cloud computing is one such technology. Forbes concludes that the growth in the use of cloud-based services will be due to the benefits they provide. As McGabe puts it, “Reduced upfront investments in hardware and software, quick access to application updates and new capabilities that help them serve customers better and contribute to market growth.”
Going mobile
Nowadays who doesn’t use an iPhone, Android, or other smartphones to gain access to the Internet? Acces to the internet through a desktop computer is slowly becoming obsolete. As more and more people are accessing the Internet through their smartphones while on the go, SMBs need to ensure their websites and applications are mobile-friendly. According to a new survey by B2B research company Clutch, about 50% of small businesses should have a mobile application this year, and most their online traffic will be through mobile access. Viktor Marhonic, the CEO of the app builder Shoutem, says, “Three years ago, a small business might see 10 percent of its total traffic coming from mobile, but right now it’s closer to 70 percent. Within the next couple of years, a shift to a mobile app or a mobile-friendly site will become obvious.”
Remote Working
In the past, it was hard for small businesses to accommodate remote workforces, but with the introduction of innovative technologies like Zoom and Slack, SMBs have been able to make the most of an offsite workforce while significantly increasing the amount of work that is done. A Virgin Media Business survey predicts that by 2022, 60% of office-based workers will work regularly from home. According to Xero.com, “There’s a financial gain behind working remotely: the U.S. alone could stand to save more than $700 billion if those who had jobs suited to remote work could do so. As asynchronous communication through email and chat services becomes ubiquitous, remote workers can batch their tasks and use the long uninterrupted times to get more work done.” In addition, not having to maintain an office space can offer significant savings to small business owners. A Stanford University study stated that remote workers also report a higher job satisfaction, log more hours, and log less sick days than their in-office counterparts. They study also noted that remote working can save a company $2000 per year per employee.
As a leading provider of CRM and ERP integration apps, Commercient is on top of all these technology trends. Contact us today.
