Technology changing everything, and it's only just begun
Although only a fraction of companies around the world would consider themselves to be in the technology business, increasingly the great majority of them rely on technology to stay in business.
But John Roberts, Gartner vice-president and chairman of this year's Gartner Symposium, held on the Gold Coast this week, says businesses are still working out how to extract maximum value from technologies, including social media, mobile communications, big data and cloud.
Even chief information officers say only 43 per cent of technology's potential has been deployed in their organisations.
"They think they're not even halfway. They've done the easy part, to date - networks, data centres, ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems are in place," Roberts says.
"Through cloud and software as a service, everybody will be able to play in the same space, and they'll have to. It will be the next wave of what used to be called e-business."
Finding a babysitter has traditionally been a low-tech affair but Sydney taxi driver Edward Atra plans to drag the process into the digital era with MySitters. His online marketplace enables families to find and book local sitters using smartphones' geo-location in minutes. The app uses PayPal to avoid the late-night hunt for cash.
Former teachers Michelle Jones and Ron Geritz are transforming their business of growing ornamental trees and shrubs into an operation with international reach.
The pair own Blerick Tree Farm, in Neerim South, Victoria, and run a garden design service. They scored a juicy consultancy gig with a fledgling tree farm in China, courtesy of their "excellent web presence", according to Jones.
Full story: smh.com.au/it-pro
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Digital technology is revolutionizing traditional businesses by enhancing their operations through tools like social media, mobile communications, big data, and cloud services. This transformation allows even the smallest businesses to manage their operations more efficiently and reach a broader audience.
According to chief information officers, only 43% of technology's potential has been deployed in their organizations. This indicates that there is still significant room for growth and innovation in leveraging technology for business operations.
Cloud computing plays a crucial role in modern business by enabling companies to access and utilize software as a service. This allows businesses of all sizes to compete on a level playing field and is considered the next wave of what was once known as e-business.
Yes, an example is the babysitting service. Traditionally a low-tech affair, it is being digitized by platforms like MySitters, which allows families to find and book local sitters using smartphones' geo-location features and PayPal for payments.
A strong web presence can significantly benefit a business by expanding its reach and opening up new opportunities. For instance, Blerick Tree Farm in Victoria secured a consultancy gig in China due to their excellent online visibility.
Businesses face challenges in maximizing technology use, such as fully integrating advanced tools like big data and cloud services into their operations. Many are still figuring out how to extract maximum value from these technologies.
Technology adoption is crucial for small businesses because it allows them to streamline operations, reach new markets, and compete with larger companies. It provides tools that can enhance efficiency and customer engagement.
The future outlook for technology in business is promising, with ongoing advancements expected to further transform operations. As businesses continue to adopt new technologies, they will likely see increased efficiency and new opportunities for growth.
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