Small businesses, like other businesses, rely on technology for most of their operations. Today, modern technology trends transform how companies run while expanding future possibilities. It is, therefore, imperative for small business owners and their employees to adapt and embrace new technology and systems.
Here are the top technology trends to explore in 2022:
VoIP Phone systems
A VoIP phone system is a technology to make phone calls through your internet connection instead of a regular landline phone. Your willingness to leverage VoIP phone systems for your small business improves customer relationships and guarantees business success in the future.
Work-from-home is now a widespread phenomenon, and VoIP supports mobility and flexibility for agents without negatively impacting the customer experience. The workplace culture continues to evolve with a hybrid workforce, and it is here to stay. Small businesses should adapt to enjoy increased accessibility, scalability, and more advanced features of VoIP phone systems.
Automation
According to The 2021 Zapier report on small and medium businesses, automation enables workers to be more efficient and focus on tasks that only people can do. In addition, 65% say that using automation at work makes them less stressed.
Further in the research, 66% say that using automation at work allows them to focus on more creative tasks, while 63% say using automation has helped them fight burnout. Many small businesses are already using automation, and this trend will continue this year.
Cybersecurity
In 2020, the FBI reports a 300% increase in reported cybercrimes, while Google reported a significant jump in COVID-19 related phishing attacks. You can no longer see cybersecurity as a low priority as a small business. In fact, according to Semrush, 28% of data breaches in 2020 involved small businesses.
Cybercrimes are not stopping any time soon, and small businesses need to be proactive in keeping their data secure. The cybersecurity industry continues to innovate Smart security technology, and companies should start allocating bigger budgets to data security to protect against inside and outside attacks.
Video Conferencing
With small businesses continuing with hybrid or full work-from-home options, it’s safe to say that video conferencing is here to stay. Video is an on-demand communication expected of today’s small businesses among employees and clients.
A unified video conferencing solution has a central user interface, allows for real-time instant messaging, live chat, live streaming, screen sharing, etc. It ultimately improves quality employee and customer relationships.
5G
5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. It provides higher speed, lower latency, and greater capacity than 4G LTE networks. Up to 100 times faster than 4G, 5G creates unprecedented opportunities for people and businesses.
Statista forecasts that there will be continued growth in 5G subscriptions to reach 3 billion by 2025. 5G will be the new global wireless standard. Because of its super-fast data speeds and network reliability, 5G can help small businesses with enhanced experience of AR, VR, and 3D, instant video, audio, and image streaming, customer connections in real-time, personalized customer experiences, and so on.
Cloud Printing
Cloud printing enables printers to be accessed over a network through cloud computing. Unlike traditional printing, cloud printing eliminates the need for printer drivers, servers, and cables. Instead, it routes print jobs from any web-connected device to an internet-connected printer.
Modern small businesses more than ever need short-run jobs printed quickly, and cloud printing serves this purpose. Though it won’t soon replace traditional printing, it is incredibly valuable because of its fast turnaround times, new inkjet printing processes, and environmental friendliness.
Tech for Sustainability
As technology evolves, businesses are becoming more eco-conscious and are building a better future through sustainable products and practices. We see AR/VR glasses helping to reduce carbon footprints. Remote work reduces travel, and we expect to see technology cause more significant shifts in how and where people live, work and engage with their communities.
The rise in sustainable materials will minimize the need for chemicals in the manufacturing process and help bring manufacturers closer to carbon neutral. Recyclable materials will become more readily available for product development. Tech will continue to transform as businesses build solutions that help customers offset their environmental impact.
Monitors
Through cutting-edge software solutions, Monitors will soon have all the features necessary to be the next central hub for the office and home. Users will be able to work seamlessly through single and multi-display window controls. And, with 5G, the built-in tech will be faster, extend functionality to support devices, and possibly allow for a thinner, more compact design.
Investing in modern monitors will transform the work experience for small businesses with increased comfort and capabilities. Monitors will offer IT managers and customer service representatives easy remote asset management.
Summary
According to Semrush, 80% of small businesses are not taking full advantage of available technology. However, the 20% will do and stay ahead of the curve! As a small business in 2022, be flexible enough to embrace these technology trends and explore new growth opportunities.
