Monthly Archives: February 2024

Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Small Business

SMB Technology, SMB Technology, SMB Technology, SMB Technology, Technology News

We hear so much about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what it can do, as well as cautions about it. But how can it help your business run more efficiently as well as deliver amazing results in customer service? Read on to learn more about harnessing the power of AI for your small-to-medium-sized business.

 

A Brief Summary of Artificial Intelligence

 

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is an enabling technology made possible by machine learning. Machine learning is the process of teaching machines how to react to different data types, based on probabilities. Large language models (LLMs) are trained on huge amounts of data, which makes them able to understand and generate language and other types of content, performing a wide variety of tasks. The data is fed into these models from humans, and this plays a role in the quality of data.

 

Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence

 

Because it is trained on vast amounts of data, AI has the power to automate repeated processes, freeing up time for humans and labor cost for your company. Employees can focus on other tasks while AI works in the background. It has potential to be embedded in customer relationship management software, and to find information about customers based on past interaction. That way, customer service representatives can have the information at their fingertips and serve customers even more quickly. Even outside business hours, your company can continue to serve customers with chatbots that mimic human-to-human interaction. Data analysis is more rapid, and this has implications for cybersecurity. Trained on data from network traffic, AI can quickly detect suspicious activity and help avert a cyber attack. The technology could even provide information that leads to new markets and revenue streams.

 

Considerations for Using AI in Your Business

 

Artificial intelligence is an amazing powerhouse, no doubt about it. However, a business needs to decide how the technology will help reach business goals. If you are a small business looking for quicker data analysis to enhance cybersecurity, for example, AI-enabled technology is a good choice. For communications with customers and within the office, AI can help generate and summarize content–once again saving time.

 

Since AI’s results are only as good as the data training the algorithms, care needs to be taken to evaluate the content, making sure it’s as bias-free and accurate as possible. Moreover, it shouldn’t contain any personally identifiable information, data which can be traced to an individual. Compliance and regulatory issues may come into play, too. Your company may need to overcome resistance from some workers who might fear losing their jobs to artificial intelligence. You will likely need to take time to educate and train workers to see AI as a valuable tool and to use it to best advantage.

 

Artificial intelligence has many money- and time-saving ways to help your business. For more information, contact your trusted technology advisor today.

Cloud Trends in 2024

SMB Technology, SMB Technology, SMB Technology, SMB Technology, Technology News, ,

Cloud Computing, long a fundamental part of digital transformation, is seeing even more changes in 2024 and beyond. From hybrid and multi-cloud to the intersection of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, and the security and compliance implications, digital transformation and innovation will continue. Read on to learn more about upcoming cloud trends. 

 

Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments Rising in Popularity

 

Hybrid Cloud environments, wherein some of an organization’s computing resources are in a private cloud and others in a public cloud environment, seem to offer the best of both worlds. Hybrid clouds offer the cost-effectiveness of public cloud, while preserving data privacy by keeping some infrastructure on-premise. The latter can benefit businesses in industries that must comply with data protection regulations. It will be vital for businesses using hybrid cloud to know where business data resides–not to mention your cloud service provider’s regulatory compliance policies. 

 

With multi-cloud architecture, numerous providers are used, and this provides flexible solutions and benefits to fit your business. What your company needs to consider, though, is that additional configuration may be required for the different services to communicate with each other, and how this can impact the experience for end users. 

 

Artificial Intelligence in the Cloud

 

Another trend is the connection between cloud computing and artificial intelligence. What the two have in common is automation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) with its large reservoir of data can help automate and streamline mundane processes and free up time to work on the company’s strategic goals. Artificial intelligence, an enabling technology, can analyze data and provide insights that can lead to even more precise strategy. Cloud and AI can work together to enhance customer experience. Software as a Service (SaaS) will integrate with AI more and more in the coming years. 

 

Security and Compliance Continue in Importance

 

As always, with the advance of technology, security of data and systems and compliance with data protection regulations will always be vital. In the realm of Software as a Service (SaaS), cloud providers will focus on enhancements of security features. Since businesses and entire industries will increasingly need to comply with data-protection regulations. Business owners may want to meet with their providers and learn how these enhancements will aid compliance for the organization.

 

The cloud will continue to be integrated with technology like artificial intelligence. To learn more about cloud trends, contact your trusted technology provider.