The future of the business world revolves around new technology, including cloud computing, social media and mobile devices. However, despite the importance and prominence of these trends, too few organizations are ready for the changes that lie ahead.
This is according to a recent IBM study of 750 global companies, presented at the IBM Edge2014 conference. Findings showed that fewer than 10 percent of all participants were ready to handle the rise of cloud computing, analytics, social media and mobile devices. Even so, 70 percent of the survey respondents noted that information technology is a vital part of their operations, especially when creating a competitive edge.
"Big Data is the transformative force driving every element of our clients' computing infrastructure – starting with environments of traditional applications blended with the new requirements of social, mobile and analytic workloads that demand faster access at massive scale," said Tom Rosamilia, senior vice president of IBM Systems & Technology Group and IBM Integrated Supply Chain. "The continued advances of our portfolio provide clients with a fast and easy way to close the gap between their data, the business decisions they have to make, and the mandate to use information to provide more personalized experiences for their customers."
Technology can help small businesses
While many organizations aren't prepared, small business that do embrace these changes are likely to succeed. A financial plan can receive a serious boost thanks to the cloud, social media and similar resources, so it is worthwhile to put in the time and effort to make the needed changes.
According to the BBC, a number of small businesses are using cloud computing to save money and allow employees to be more flexible. Sophie Devonshire, an entrepreneur with a company that spans three countries, told the media outlet that the cloud builds consumer confidence and improves customer service.
Thanks to the cloud, Devonshire's 11 employees are able to work from all locations, whenever they are available. As a result, they can be spread across the country and still be able to answer any customer demands quickly. Using new technology, her company can communicate with one another online, or upload a client request immediately and have responsive feedback.
Using new technology like the cloud can be a big benefit to any small business' financial plan. Thanks to these resources, it will be easier than ever to save money, remain accessible and be productive.