2020 was filled with unprecedented challenges that nobody expected. One major thing that businesses should have learned during this time, is the fact that technology is not an optional tool for success. Whether it is using the Internet for sales, helping employees work from home or any number of other things, digital-first companies could navigate the difficulties much better than others. Crowd1 has always aspired to help people by unleashing opportunities and give people around the world the opportunity to reach success.
With this in mind, make sure you can harness the power of technology in 2021 by tapping into the the three digital trends identified in this article from Crowd1.
1.Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has been a major digital trend for the past few years, and it is showing no sign of slowing down. The need for businesses to operate through uncertainty is making the appeal of cloud computing even stronger. By transitioning some or all of your technology to the cloud, you will not need to have staff on-site to support it. Cloud computing services such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services have been proven to be effective in virtually every industry. In addition, they can actually help you to save money in your IT budget over time. If cloud computing isn’t a part of your digital transformation already, make sure it becomes one of the main focuses for 2021.
2. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
People have been talking about AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning) for decades. However, today these things are becoming a reality. There are already various practical uses for these types of technologies, and putting them to work for your business is a great idea. Whether you use artificial intelligence for automated customer support, to plan marketing or any number of other things, you will find it to be an effective way to improve results while reducing expenses.
3. Remote Work Capabilities
No matter what happens with COVID-19 in 2021, it has become abundantly clear that remote work is a critical tool for most businesses. Not only is it a necessity when there are dangerous pandemics, but it is also a convenient option that can benefit both businesses and employees. Using Citrix environments, cloud solutions, and other tools, employees can be just as productive when working from home as when they are in the office. Allowing employees to work from home will help boost morale and reduce your facilities costs. Privacy Focused Tech One of the biggest trends in all of the technology today is a focus on privacy. Businesses and consumers are becoming increasingly worried about how their data is being collected, stored, secured, and used. Taking steps to move toward technology that is more focused on privacy can be very beneficial to any business. There are many established tools that do a great job with privacy available today. Some options you could consider include:
- Using Password Management Solutions
- Transitioning to a Privacy-Focused Web Browser like Brave
- Using a VPN to Mask User Location
- Auditing All Customer Data Annually
- Using Remote Data Storage Solutions
Of course, the specific privacy solutions that are right for you will depend on your industry and many other factors. The main thing to keep in mind for 2021 is that protecting your data, and the data of your customers is absolutely essential. Digital Pay Solutions The use of cash has been steadily dropping for years in favor of digital payment solutions. Thanks to the Coronavirus, paper money has fallen even more out of favor. With this in mind, your business should evaluate your digital pay solution options and make sure you are able to accept the type of payments your customers want to use. Obviously, this will start by making sure you accept all major credit and debit cards. You may also want to look into accepting things like PayPal, ApplePay, Google Pay, Venmo, and others. To get ahead of the curve, consider accepting cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin either directly or through a service. The more types of digital payments you can accept, the easier it will be for customers to purchase your goods or services.
Plan Your Digital Strategy Today
The digital trends listed here are just a few of the many different types of technology that can help benefit your business in 2021. Whether you are looking to gradually implement more technology into your company, or you are looking to engage in a full digital transformation, these trends can be helpful today and long into the future.
