by Renee Bean | Dec 18, 2023 | Business Management, Business Marketing, Communications, Remote & Video
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the ever-evolving landscape of business demands a forward-thinking approach. Technology continues to reshape industries, consumer behaviours are evolving, and the very nature of work is undergoing a profound transformation. In this article, we’ll explore 10 key predictions that will shape the world of technology in business in 2024. By understanding these trends, business owners can position themselves strategically, ensuring they stay competitive and thrive in the years to come.
How AI and automation are changing the way businesses run
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation is no longer a novelty but a necessity. In 2024, businesses will witness an increased reliance on AI-driven solutions to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and make data-driven decisions. From customer service chatbots to predictive analytics, the applications of AI are vast, providing businesses with unparalleled opportunities for growth and innovation.
The growth of remote working opportunities and its effects on businesses
The global shift towards remote work is here to stay. The year 2024 will see businesses embracing flexible work arrangements, redefining traditional office structures. Adapting to this trend requires robust digital infrastructures, secure communication tools, and a focus on employee well-being. The businesses that thrive will be those that can seamlessly navigate the challenges and capitalise on the benefits of a remote workforce.
The importance of data analysis for optimising business operations
In an era flooded with data, the ability to extract meaningful insights is a game-changer. Businesses in 2024 must prioritise data analysis to drive informed decision-making, enhance customer experiences, and optimise internal processes. From predictive analytics to machine learning, harnessing the power of data will be a cornerstone of success.
Challenges and opportunities with leveraging social media for marketing
Social media remains a powerful tool for reaching and engaging with audiences. However, the landscape is evolving rapidly, presenting challenges and opportunities. In 2024, businesses will need to stay agile in their social media marketing strategies, understanding emerging platforms, harnessing the potential of influencers, and addressing issues of privacy and authenticity.
Understanding the importance of a secure digital infrastructure
As technology advances, so do cyber threats. The year 2024 will mark a new era of cybersecurity, where businesses must invest in robust measures to protect their digital assets. From advanced threat detection to employee training on cybersecurity best practices, businesses must prioritise creating a secure digital environment to safeguard sensitive information.
How sustainability initiatives are becoming more necessary in the face of climate change
Sustainability has become essential in business and in 2024, consumers will increasingly favour eco-friendly and socially responsible businesses. Companies will need to integrate sustainable practices into their operations, from supply chain management to energy consumption, to not only meet customer expectations but also contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
Considerations when expanding into new markets
The global marketplace is dynamic, with emerging markets presenting untapped potential. Businesses in 2024 must carefully navigate the complexities of expanding into new territories, understanding local cultures, regulations, and consumer behaviours. Strategic market entry and adaptation will be key to successful international expansion.
Ways to embrace innovation and stay ahead of your competitors
Innovation is the lifeblood of successful businesses. Stagnation is not an option in 2024. Embracing a culture of innovation, whether through internal R&D or strategic partnerships, will be crucial for staying ahead of the competition. Businesses that foster a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability will thrive in the rapidly changing business landscape.
Exploring the possibilities of using freelancers for work projects
The gig economy continues to reshape the employment landscape. In 2024, businesses will increasingly turn to freelancers and contract workers for specialised projects, allowing for greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Successfully navigating the gig economy requires businesses to build agile teams, foster clear communication, and leverage digital platforms connecting freelancers with businesses.
Exploring the potential use cases for blockchain technology
Blockchain technology is more than just the backbone of cryptocurrencies. In 2024, businesses will explore a myriad of applications for blockchain, from secure and transparent supply chains to smart contracts revolutionising legal processes. Understanding the potential of blockchain and its implementation will be crucial for businesses looking to enhance security, transparency, and efficiency.
In conclusion, 2024 promises to be a transformative year for businesses across all areas of business technology. By anticipating and adapting to these key trends, business owners can position themselves for success in a future that demands innovation, flexibility, and a keen understanding of the evolving technological landscape. Stay informed, stay agile, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic world of business.
Are you prepared to elevate your business strategies in 2024 and beyond?
Contact us today to explore how our innovative solutions and expertise can empower your business for sustained success in the evolving landscape.
by Renee Bean | Jun 17, 2022 | Business Management, Business Marketing, Business Telephone Systems, Cloud, Communications, Digital Marketing, Disaster Recovery, I.T., Love Local Brisbane, Microsoft, Remote & Video, Services, Solutions, Teams, Telecommunications
Businesses are struggling at the moment due to the aftermath of the pandemic, staff and supply shortages and the cost of living increasing. Here at KeyTech, we want to relieve some of your business burdens with our technical expertise and reward you for introducing us to your associates.
By referring us to your business connections, we can unite and support each other in the local business community during these challenging times.
Terms and Conditions
*Referring business must be a current client of KeyTech and on a current contract with KeyTech
*Referred businesses will receive a 20% discount off their first month’s invoice
*20% discount will be applied to the referring business’ monthly invoice on the following month after their referral has converted to a sale
*There are no limits to how many referrals you make, each successful conversion adds 20% off. For example, if you refer 2 contacts and both take on services for 12 months, you receive 40% off your next month’s invoice and each of your referrals receives 20% off their first month.
by Estela Saldana | Mar 10, 2021 | Remote & Video
Like all businesses, we don’t change our IT infrastructure every year. We upgrade and improve it over time. Even while providing the latest infrastructure to clients, including cloud-based systems, there was no ‘cloud’ switch to flick built into ours, and we were a very office-centric business.
That said, a move to Teams has been on our radar for a while. It makes business sense: Teams makes it easier to collaborate, share, and it means assets are accessible from a variety of places and devices. It means we can save on equipment and be more responsive and dynamic as a business.
To be real, we’d been dragging our feet on this change. Any major change to operations means some interruption to how we work. But recent developments helped us make the move. Here’s what we discovered in the process, and some tips on your own transition to Teams.
Teams tip #1: flatten your folder structure.
When your files are sitting on a drive, you can organise them however you like. But in Teams, file paths being too long is a common issue. You might need to flatten your information architecture a little, by bringing the contents of some subfolders into their parent folders, for example. And it’s best to do this before moving files, cos frankly, it’s easier to move files on the desktop.
Teams tip #2: use search and naming conventions.
Nesting files under too many subfolders should be avoided in general because it makes things hard to find. In teams, finding files is a bit easier than searching. Rather than using folders, consider using naming conventions for files.
Teams tip #3: slow and steady wins the file transfer.
Teams is getting hammered right now as many businesses are moving their files into the cloud. It can take quite a long time to upload files, particularly when OneDrive times-out. It’s especially problematic at the moment with so many people trying to migrate to Teams at once.
Teams tip #4: you still need to backup!
Having files hosted by a managed cloud service will definitely boost the security of your data. It means they are invulnerable to any insecurities with your local network.
There are still reasons to backup your data though. What if for some reason or another you are deined access by the host? It’s also possible to accidentally (or on purpose!) delete files that you still need.
It is possible to backup Teams data. Our Keycloud Backup service is the best way we know of. We can draw down your cloud data and make sure a copy exists somewhere local, and accessible to you.
by Estela Saldana | Nov 27, 2020 | Communications, Microsoft, Remote & Video, Teams
With the massive growth in video conferencing in 2020, Microsoft have added some useful features to Teams, with the promise of more to come. Let’s take a look at some of the new functionality.
Together Mode
Instead of seeing all the users in a square or rectangular grid separately, you can see all of them together in a virtual space. This feature is the new “Together Mode” which is designed to build a virtual live avatar of all members of the team and negate their backgrounds.
Raise Your Hand
During a Microsoft Teams meeting, a participant can use the Raise Your Hand option to get the speaker’s and moderator’s attention.
Thanks to this feature, participants can signal that they want to talk without disrupting the meeting, and the moderator or speaker can see if anyone in the meeting wants to talk.
Raise Your Hand makes meetings more inclusive by encouraging participation from participants, and provides a simple, quick way to take a poll of participants.
Third Party Meeting Join for Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTR)
Microsoft Teams Rooms devices support a one-touch experience for joining third-party online meetings. When enabled, you can use a Teams Rooms device to join meetings hosted on Cisco WebEx and Zoom just as easily as you can join meetings hosted in Microsoft Teams.
Before you can join third-party meetings from a Teams Rooms device, you’ll need to do the following:
- Configure the Teams Rooms device’s Exchange Online room mailbox to process invites for third-party meetings
- Make sure your organization doesn’t have any policies that would prevent you from connecting to third-party meeting services
- Configure your Teams Rooms devices to allow third-party meetings
Breakout rooms
Breakout rooms allow meeting organizers to split up meeting participants into smaller groups to facilitate brainstorming sessions or workgroup discussions. Presenters can choose to hop between breakout rooms, make announcements to all breakout rooms, and/or close the breakout rooms that then bring everybody back into the main meeting.
Custom layouts (coming soon)
Coming later this year or early 2021, custom layouts allow for a more dynamic content viewing experience and enable presenters to customize how content shows up for participants during a meeting. For example, when a presenter is showing a PowerPoint slide, participants will be able to see the presenter’s video feed transposed onto the foreground of the slide they’re showing.
Teams is rapidly adding useful functionality to maintain its place as one of the leading videoconferencing solutions, while maintaining interoperability with other platforms. If your business is looking for such a solution, now might be a good time to hop on the Teams train.
by KeyTech | Feb 25, 2020 | Business Management, I.T., Remote & Video, Telstra
The recent outbreak and spread of coronavirus has sent shockwaves through world markets and underscores just how interconnected we are in this age of global supply chains and mass travel.
The ASX has shown signs of vulnerability, with major players such as Qantas down as much as 20% since the start of the outbreak, and markets still on edge for further flow-on effects.
So, with travel down, and the supply potentially affected, how much do you need to prepare and make contingency plans for your small business? Major governmental and nongovernment bodies emphasise that the crisis is far from something to panic over, and so far the response and adaptation internationally has been heartening.
Contingency Plans
Examine your supply chain for direct connections to mainland China, and it may be worth considering how to keep things running if those particular elements are cut off or run low in supply. For most of us with businesses directly relying on Chinese supply, that will be an urgent and specific issue to keep track of. But there’s also the indirect effect of a general slowdown affecting your bottom line, efficiency of delivery and cash reserves.
Coronavirus delays
Back to the news. Some products expected in early 2020 have delayed. Companies, including Apple, have been confirming their supply chain has been affected by Coronavirus, affecting all kinds of tech products. Apple has been the first to officially recognise this impact but you can bet they’re not the only ones.
What should you do about it? Keep your products and systems in good shape, and if your depreciation schedule is telling you it’s time to upgrade, don’t throw out the old ones until the new one’s have arrived! If you have any concerns about the health of your system or devices, we’re here to help you get the most out of them.
Lookout for coronavirus phishing scams!
There are also phishing scams a plenty around Coronavirus. Scammers pose as health officials, asking you to log into other sites. Businesses who host their own email and access it via old school IMAP (or even POP!) are vulnerable to such attacks as their spam filters are less powerful than those used by white label email services such as gmail and outlook 365. Talk to us about modernising your email, but in the meantime, rather than clicking a suspicious link, copy and paste it into your browser’s search bar and see if the domain matches the advertised link.
This event – so far – gives us a good opportunity to examine our systems and prepareness for untoward events, while falling short of worst-case scenarios. Use it to stress-test, and let’s hope it all fizzles out soon.
