There have been many important advances in business management technology this century, almost all of them enabled by ubiquitous broadband internet access, improved software development tools and the scalability and reliability of data centers.

Here are 12 technological advancements that have had a significant impact on how businesses operate and how business users interact with prospects and customers.

1. Business Management Applications

Cloud computing has revolutionised business management. Simply put, cloud computing is computing based on the internet. In the past, businesses would run applications or programs from software downloaded on a physical computer or server in their building; cloud computing allows businesses to access the same kinds of applications through the internet. It effectively enables computing resources to be accessed and shared as virtual resources in a secure and scalable manner. It is flexible, secure, cost effective and provides instant access to business management application anywhere, at any time and on any device.

2. Email and Office Applications

For many businesses, cloud hosted email services have eliminated the need for an in-house email server, and even for a desktop email client. Not only does this improve efficiency and security, it’s also a very cost effective email management solution.

3. Integration Of Applications

Due to robust APIs and the absence of corporate firewalls, integration among cloud-based applications can be just a few clicks away. This enables:
Easy flow of information between software applications within or outside your company

• Consolidates your data collection efforts and eliminates the redundancy of separate data collection and storage
• Creates a single point of access to information
• Encourages collaboration between employees
• Streamlines processes that involve multiple software applications

4. Customer Self-Service

The transition from “live human” customer service to comprehensive and automated self-service has been a bumpy road. For years, online self-service left a lot to be desired. However, between dedicated support applications and social customer service offerings, customers can get most of their questions and concerns addressed quickly online.

5. Customer Feedback

Feedback applications have allowed software developers to enhance the end user experience based not only on what they think customers need, but also on what customers say they want. Over time, these applications have also added customer self-service functionality.

6. Web Conferencing

The rapid growth in usage of web conferencing applications has provided a greater number of salespeople and customer support representatives with an easy way to visually communicate with prospects and customers.

7. Mobile Apps

Mobile apps for business users have proliferated. Now, business users can use mobile apps to access a CRM system, view or update shared documents, make and receive phone calls via their organization’s IP phone system, participate in web conferences and more.

8. Content Management Systems

Now that companies can build entire corporate websites on platforms such as WordPress, gone are the days of static websites that require someone fluent in HTML, CSS and JavaScript to create and update. Business of all sizes can easily modify most content without having to hire a web developer. However, there’s still a place for specialists, as these platforms can be extended and optimised in a variety of other ways that change and develop all the time.

9. Video Audio Hosting

Business use of Internet video has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 15 years. Many companies are making YouTube, Vimeo and Wistia an essential part of their marketing and training strategies.

10. Other Social Networks

While not all companies benefit to a measurable degree by having a presence on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest, many companies do benefit. For certain types of companies, customer and audience engagement on these platforms is critical.

11. E-commerce

It’s now easier than ever for businesses to set up shop online. With a plethora of open source E-commerce platforms available, as well as reputable and secure paid services, there is no shortage of options for businesses to sell online.

12. Virtualisation

On premises computing is still alive and well, but the days of IT staff having to spin up a separate physical server for every application are waning.
Through server virtualisation, IT departments have been able to manage multiple servers much more easily and with fewer physical resources. With virtualisation software, servers can also be provisioned more economically by hosting providers.

Call Revolution IT today to find out about our cloud-based business management technology services. We can work in partnership with you to get your business network delivering the right information to the right people at the right time and at the right price.