Mobile App Dependency
Imagine a world in which trauma is incurred due to the failure of an app. Perhaps it is not so hard to envision should an incorrect medical diagnosis, due to faulty IT systems and data, result in personal harm.
But, suppose the distress is suffered due to faulty pizza delivery information transmitted by a vendor’s app?
While this may seem like an exaggeration, in truth, Domino’s pizza recently received negative press when consumers realized the accuracy of their transmitted pizza creation and delivery process was in serious question. When recounting errors in Domino’s mobile app, one user indicated “The first traumatic experience I had with the app was over the summer,” when her pizza was delivered late.
Individuals and businesses have come to rely so heavily on the performance of their apps and online tools that it is understandable when a user believes “If you’ve taken the time to create this technology to try and be engaged with your customer, can you do it correctly at least?”
Precisely.
Arguably, computer technology has been foundational infrastructure for businesses since the introduction of the IBM 701 in the early 1950s. Plenty of tabulators, calculators and the UNIVAC had been in use, but the 701 was among the first widely used and fully electronic data processing systems. Progress in information technology has been rapid since then, and especially exponential in the last few years.
The accompanying graphic from CA technologies, which depicts The History of IT Infrastructure since the advent of the 701, was presented to both illustrate the evolution of the systems and tools on which businesses have grown dependent, as well as question what technology components businesses are missing. Since this graphic’s publication in 2015 new technologies have surfaced that prove enormously useful, if not dispensable, to enterprises looking to retain and expand their businesses – without digital mishaps.
The current explosion in the usage of mobile devices and the accompanying personal and business applications have left few 21st century employees and users experiencing the luxury of a disconnected lifestyle. Further evolution of IT systems has placed ample mobile apps in our hands for access 24/7. The cryptocurrency bitcoin alone has a host of apps for your Bitcoin Wallet.
As we near the end of 2017, what are the major mobile applications for small businesses and enterprises? Here are just a few for various devices…
For remote business collaboration Business News Daily likes Slack for its ease in implementing audio, text and video as shared communications tools. For simplified file synching their recommendation is Dropbox which provides an easily manageable productive and connected environment. Similar to, but not as powerful as Microsoft Office, Google’s G Suite offers businesses and individuals free (to a point) access to spreadsheet, document and email creation. Calendar and cloud function is accessible there as well.
Weighing in on mobile apps specifically designed for business use is PC Magazine who recently compiled a useful list of twenty applications that will enhance mobile functionality. NetSuite tops the list for “one-stop shopping” for ERP, finance and CRM processes. For those that need to collaborate digitally at a moment’s notice, ClickMeeting is recommended for video conferencing, screen sharing and streaming. To help track and respond to sales leads while on the road, PC Magazine HubSpot which is available for iOS and Android devices.
Smaller businesses might consider a visit to Nerdwallet where they have neatly organized their top app choices by business function, such as communication, time management and finance.
At SDI, we recognize how critical innovative technology is to a business. The many services we offer are underpinned by a robust suite of technology solutions ready to meet your needs. Let us help.