It can be challenging to keep up with everything that is happening in the technology world, so we’re bringing you a quick list of what you need to know. If you run a small business and wonder which tech trends are relevant and which are not – read on. First – let’s talk Microsoft 11, arguably the most talked-about upgrade over the last several months.
According to insiders, if you have yet to install Microsoft 11, you may want to wait just a bit longer. Microsoft update KB5010414 for Windows 10 and 11 users was released to address the bug that revealed inaccurate tooltips when hovering over the taskbar. However, users of the platform have been reporting issues caused by the new update – such as overheating and printing glitches. Microsoft is working on resolving the issue for its Windows Insider Program participants, the only eligible users at this point. So while a few bugs are worked out, you may want to hold off. Still, Microsoft 11 offers many benefits to small businesses, so ask a professional about the pros and cons for your specific company requirements.
Let’s Talk Tech Trends
As per a recent Forbes article, here are the trends we need to watch.
- Go with the Flow: Asana Flow delivers connected workflows for seamless multi-team coordination, especially relevant in our new reality of remote work environments. Asana Flow manages the start to finish workflows with employees working from their homes and includes third-party apps in its template library. They are in the process of joining forces with additional workflow apps such as Google Drive. The new Flow monitors work progress and shows how to optimize productivity for your business. Those who already enjoy the powerful benefits of Asana should absolutely take advantage of a demonstration of Flow’s capabilities.
- Not Just a Dance Party: TikTok and Instagram are just silly social sites, right? In reality, the two have become essential platforms for small businesses to market to fresh new audiences, utilizing a blend of innovative content, paid advertisements, and partnerships with influencers and creators. Both platforms offer business analytics to monitor and track how well your content is doing with your key demographics. Anyone with a visual story to share – and that’s all of us, in some way – can benefit from these unique new opportunities for business.
- Bing Gains Ground: Tech website and podcast provider The Verge asked listeners if they ever used Bing —Microsoft’s search engine offering —over Google. The results may surprise you, as a good number of respondents reported that Bing was a faster, more reliable search engine and offered rewards – such as Starbucks and Amazon gift cards as points on subscriptions for XBOX – that kept them coming back. For some, Bing is their go-to search engine. Given that you may get more advertising bang for your buck, is Bing worth a shot for some demographics? It appears it may be. As always, it comes down to understanding who is using the platform and if they are a group you want to speak with.
- AI helps Call Center Talk the Talk: Artificial Intelligence company NLX has introduced a conversational AI focused on the travel and hospitality industries, hard hit by the pandemic. The tool is meant to help relieve customer service workers and customers, providing a digital assistant that remains on the call after the issues have been resolved, following what the client sees to ensure they are taking the proper steps. The AI is infused with more human-sounding phrases and is meant to provide some relief to customer service agents while not rushing clients through the issue resolution process.
Final Thought on Microsoft 11
Microsoft has been more adamant about pushing Windows users to use a Microsoft Account lately. Currently, Windows 11 Pro users have avoided a Microsoft Account by disconnecting a PC from the internet during setup and creating a local user account instead – but the new version requires internet connectivity during setup. This new twist to Windows 11 Pro might not be welcomed by those wishing to avoid Microsoft’s data and telemetry gathering in Windows.
Call Alliance IT today if you need help with Microsoft 11 questions or are simply looking for professional advice as to the best tech tools to drive your business. Our team of experts can provide consulting, outsourcing support, or a full suite of managed services to bring your Sarasota business to the next level.
