Not long ago, I was discussing with our think tank some of the challenges with all this new technology and all the information known to mankind literally in the palm of every student lucky enough to have a parent who bought them a smartphone. When holding all this knowledge in their hands – it’s no wonder they feel it a wasteful effort to memorize anything – “why bother, I can just look it up!” Well, they are right, even if we know there are some things they do need to know (memorize) and think about to survive in this world. Let’s talk.

Yes, the digitizing of the world, creates a different reality, one for which our brains and bodies were not necessarily evolved for, therefore human-centric technology is the key, and we need that before we go too much further. On the plus side, and it is a big PLUS, we open our horizons when we become digitally connected in such abundance. And, it is not the technology that is the problem alone, it’s how it’s used. That is the real digital divide. One person may use the technology to send pictures of “cats” to friends on Facebook, another might use it to collaborate with Canine Researchers around the planet to save big cats from extinction. Now then, the latter is much better of course, but we must allow freedom to choose how one wishes to use the technology gift before them right?

I read an interesting article the other … Read more

Together with the advancement of science and technology, technological innovations grew along with it, resulting to the emergence of new equipment and gadgets. No matter how big or small your company is, technology brings both intangible and tangible benefits to become cost efficient and to meet the growing demands and needs of customers. Technological innovations affect corporate efficiency, culture and relationship among employees, clients, suppliers and customers. The type and quality of technology used affect the security of confidential business information.

Due to the burden brought by administrative tasks, like inventory, bookkeeping and records keeping, both big and small companies rely on computers to do their administrative works. The birth of Internet and online social networking sites tremendously decreased the costs of business operations. It also makes it easier for companies to use the Six Sigma management methodologies. Some firms shifted to outsourcing instead of hiring their own personnel due to the low costs associated with it. Because of the huge impact of technological innovations to companies, it is impossible for them to live with it.

Commonly used high technology equipment:

• Computers
• Photocopier
• Telephone
• Computer printer
• Internet
• Paper shredder
• Multimedia projector
• Touch screen monitors
• Computer mouse
• Laptop computers

Advantages of Technology to Business:

• Customer Relations. Technology affects the way companies communicate and establish relations with their clients. In a fast moving and business environment, it is vital for them to interact with clients regularly and quickly to gain their trust and to obtain customer loyalty. With the use of Internet

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Have you ever tried to negotiate a deal for software, computer equipment, or consulting services with a technology company? The task can be daunting. Unfortunately, the sales forces of most IT companies are armed to the hilt with techniques to get the best deal for them, and not necessarily the best deal for you. And even worse, most of us computer folk (like myself) have never been trained in the art of negotiation, so it can be difficult to spot a snake in the grass. Before you begin negotiating a technology deal, know what you’re getting in to.

Solicit, Don’t Be Solicited

I receive at least three calls each day from technology vendors interested in selling something: hardware equipment, software tools, consulting services, etc. Usually, these calls are “cold”. My name somehow landed on a telemarketing list in the hands of some vendor who is calling me out of the clear blue sky hoping that what they sell somehow matches what I need. You can waste hours on the phone letting some non-technical, script-reading, telemarketer or sales representative chew your ear off about their latest and greatest gizmo. Very rarely do these types of calls ever translate into a real business opportunity.

The most popular cold call opening is “Good morning. This is Joe from the XYZ software company. We offer break through whatever solutions to help you reduce your total cost of ownership for whatever. Let me ask you, are your responsible for managing your companies whatever investment?” I … Read more