5 tech trends shaping businesses in 2023

Increased digital transformation

In 2023 we are going to see more accessible Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, enhanced Internet of Things (IoT) and more sustainable technology, i.e. greener data centers. Businesses that move with new technology and software, open themselves up to better marketing fields, helping them protect their business and placing them in a better competitive position.

Many businesses will also have to adopt more efficient technology in 2023 as more colleagues are turning to hybrid or remote working since the pandemic showed them they didn’t necessarily have to work in the office all the time. This does help businesses in the long run because it’s less funds spent on office space and more on new software, so there is technically, no extra cost.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

2023 will see virtual and augmented reality growing larger and making even larger waves for marketers, as it will open up new pathways for how they can promote their company’s products and services. More and more businesses have implemented AR into their marketing solutions and it has shown to be a successful investment, since consumers prefer to buy products after using AR. This allows them to see what something would look like in their homes or on themselves whilst never having the actual product on and not having to leave their homes.

The fashion industry are benefiting particularly well from these types of marketing solutions because it allows their customers to try on their products before they buy them anytime and anywhere. VR and AR will also allow other industries to have more immersive meetings and make all tasks like on-boarding, training and personnel related tasks possible without any physical presence in the office.

The Internet of Things (IoT) Security

IoT is a network of connected devices and technology that exchanges communication and data between devices and the cloud and the devices themselves through internet connectivity. In 2023 it is thought that over half of the world’s population will have a collection of devices (smart TVs, smart kitchen appliances, smart alarm systems, etc.) that are connected to the internet.

It’s no secret that IoT devices make our lives a lot easier but that doesn’t mean there’s no risk involved either. Where the devices are a connected network, if one device is targeted and hacked there is a strong possibility that the other devices may be at risk as well. With this in mind, developing new security measures are the focus for the coming new year. The Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill is in its final stages of development and when it is up and running manufacturers, importers, or retailers wont be able to sell any IoT products unless they are manufactured with the correct security requirements.

More 5G

Technology is the core of any business and it helps when that technology runs smoothly. 5G is the fifth-generation mobile network and is expected to fully overtake its predecessor 4G, by 2025, providing increased reliability, higher device capacity and faster connection speeds.

Increased Reliability – 5G technology will be more reliable and there will be less data loss for consumers and businesses using business applications.

Device Capacity – As businesses adopt more technology and have to transfer more data around, 4G can’t always handle the increases, so with 5G, businesses will be able to bring in new tech without having to worry about limited device capacity.

Faster Connections – 5G will be considerably faster than 4G. In good conditions its download speeds will be able to reach 10 gigabits per second, that’s one hundred times faster than 4G. This will help make businesses faster and more efficient in the eyes of customers.

Sustainable technology

Even though it has always been an issue, as of 2022, being more sustainable has reached the top of every businesses priority list of things to change, because the affects of climate change have never been more noticeable than they are today.

A few ways that businesses can become more sustainable in 2023 are:

• Check your suppliers – It’s hard and a long journey to be better for the environment if you are still getting supplied with technology that’s bad for it and procured in a non-sustainable way, so before you change suppliers it’s always worth checking the sustainability of what you get and if you can make the switch to greener tech first.
• Use recycled paper or go digital – Everyone uses paper, but no one can be certain that the paper they use isn’t linked to deforestation. Most people are put off by the thought of recycled paper because they think of the horrible off-white colour, however, now you can get 100% recycled paper that looks like new. If you’re trying to be better and don’t want to use recycled paper, why not go fully digital? That way you know you’re not contributing to deforestation.
• Have a reduction target – Once you’ve discovered the size of the carbon footprint your business is emitting, you can work to reduce it. These don’t have to just be carbon based, they can be for water and energy use too. Set a small target first, around 2-5% in the next few years, just to get yourself and your business used to the change and you will be able to set higher targets from there.