We’d like to thank Jeff Floyd, President of CMIT Solutions of Round Rock, for taking a few minutes to chat with us about his business technology predictions for 2019. Before we take a look at the future, however, let’s reflect on the past.
What were the Top 3 business technology boons in 2018?
Information Security
As the number of data breaches reported by companies of all sizes grows, business owners are paying more attention. Their major concerns are the resulting profit loss and damage to reputation.
Internet of Things (IOT)
You can connect many things to the Internet: printers, alarms, cameras, thermostats, you name it! There is most likely a version of the product that can be connected to a Wifi network. These devices definitely provide a lot of conveniences, but at what cost? Make sure you understand the impact of the connecting these devices to a wifi network has on your data security.
Instant Message Platforms
This is not your father’s IM. Current instant message platforms allow staff to coordinate activities and communicate in near real-time, both efficiently and effectively. And with API technology, these platforms are easily integrated with project management apps, email, etc.
What were the Top 3 technology busts in 2018:
Free
Remember when your mom told you, “you get what you pay for!” She was right when it comes to free apps – they are worth what you paid. Free email, free antivirus, free you name it. In many cases, if you read the fine print on the user agreement, you are agreeing to give away privacy or other rights upon installation and use of the product. Do you want an anonymous email admin scanning your email so they know how to market their products to you or your clients? I don’t!
Security Awareness
Many business owners think they are safe because they are small. This is a false sense of security. Many business owners think they haven’t been compromised because they don’t see a red “x” on the computer screen. Again, a false sense of security. Hackers are targeting small and medium businesses because they think the security barrier is low. Hackers also don’t want business owners to know that their systems are compromised, so they can continue to see the screen, logging keystrokes, and collecting data.
Social Media
Social media took quite a beating in 2018. Without mentioning any names, various social media platforms have been accused of political bias, privacy leaks, full-fledged security breaches, and platform mismanagement.
Now let’s grab your crystal ball and talk about 2019. Where do you see business technology headed this year?
Security
Why do you say this?
it is no longer sufficient to install an antivirus package on the computer and call your systems secure. The threat landscape has changed dramatically over the last couple of years. Your business needs to review security risks and deploy a layered security approach to protect sensitive data. There is no one-size-fits-all package that will keep your data safe.
How likely will this happen and when?
It can happen in the blink of an eye. All it takes is a staff member going to the wrong site or clicking on the wrong link to compromise data security.
Action step:
Talk with an IT expert about the security risks that can exist in your business and then together plan an approach to keep both your data and your business safe.
Windows 10
Why do you say this?
The end of support for Windows 7 is near. When this happens Microsoft will no longer provide patches for Windows 7, leaving anyone using it open to an attack. The possibility of a data breach also increases.
How likely will this happen and when?
It will happen in January of 2020 and Microsoft is not likely to extend the support.
Action Step:
Talk with an IT expert to see if the software and tools used in your business are compatible with Windows 10 and create a project plan to either upgrade existing systems or purchase new systems.
Mobile Communications
Why do you say this?
Businesses will see a huge impact from 5G cell connections. You can expect better mobile communications, better high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas, and higher-quality, faster streaming video.
How likely will this happen and when?
We will see initial deployments in 2019, with wider deployments happening in 2020 and 2021.
Action Step:
No action needed right now. Just keep this in mind when making any long term plans.
As you can see, one common theme that will never go away is that business technology depends on having an Internet connection. What you need to focus on now is making sure this connection is safe, strong, and used properly. Businesses also need to keep up with technology trends such as Instant Messaging and technology upgrades such as Windows 10. It can be time-consuming and confusing, we know.
Have questions or need help implementing any of these tips?
Let CMIT Solutions Round Rock worry about your data security so you don’t have to!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
