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How Technology Changed Business (And What That Means for the Future of the Industry)

What comes to mind when you think of the word “business?” Many people will think of stereotypical corporate activities, like signing documents, sitting in cubicles, or swimming in a sea of never-ending black and blue suits. While all three of these things still permeate throughout the business world, all three are also becoming less popular. Think about it: Physically signing documents is a rarity; many businesses use e-signatures today. Cubicles are being phased out in favor of remote work. And instead of fancy suits, we’re seeing our coworkers in more casual clothes (if we even see them in the office at all).

Business is changing. Of course, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, every industry changes with time. But business is different. In order to survive, businesses have to evolve constantly and embrace new technologies that give them an edge over the competition. If they don’t, they’ll be left in the dust by smarter, more modern companies. Because of this, businesses have often been the first to widely adopt and implement innovative technology. But they aren’t just using technology to complement their existing practices; tech is now the backbone of every facet of business. Ultimately, the industry’s willingness to try new technology has helped usher in the digital era that we live in today. Technology hasn’t just helped business; it has evolved business from the ground up.

How Tech Changed Communications

It’s easy to forget, but just a few decades ago, business communication was radically different than it is today. Before the Internet, businesses relied on physical papers and snail mail to communicate. Internally, businesses needed a dedicated mail worker who transferred documents from one employee to another. For team-wide updates, papers had to be posted on a bulletin board to be seen. For external communications, businesses could use telephones to communicate, but if they needed to send a document, they had to rely on mail services. While, individually, none of these tasks are particularly burdensome, that lost time lost adds up. Mail could take a few hours to organize, international shipping could last weeks, and office telephones only worked when employees were at their desks. Before the Internet, businesses tried their best to maximize efficiency, but without modern technology, communications could be painfully slow.

Needless to say, communications at top businesses aren’t like this anymore. The turning point for businesses was the invention of email. All of a sudden, employees could communicate with each other immediately, and even attach documents digitally. As soon as email adoption became widespread in business, the business tech floodgates opened. Today, business software like Slack and Microsoft Teams allows coworkers to communicate instantaneously.

However, this tech isn’t without drawbacks. Because of how easy it is to communicate with coworkers, many employees feel like they can’t escape the office. After all, today’s smartphones can easily handle emails and video calls, ensuring that the office will always be able to contact us, no matter where we are. To that point, many businesses even require workers to respond to emails on weekends and vacations. Ultimately, business communication has become so fast and simple that many workers have trouble escaping the constant connection of their workplace.

How Tech Helps Reach Customers

One of the most difficult aspects of running a business is consistently finding new customers. Regulars are great, but in order for a business to truly thrive, it needs a plan to find and convert leads into customers. Before the Internet, this process was relatively simple. Word-of-mouth, networking, and the occasional newspaper ad were the only ways businesses could seek out new customers. Of these three, word-of-mouth was the most important, as businesses lived and died based on their reputation. Before modern technology, reaching new customers wasn’t all that costly. After all, positive word-of-mouth is just about the one thing a business can’t buy.

Today, word-of-mouth is still one of the most important parts of finding new customers, especially for small businesses. The difference, however, is that there are now dozens of ways for businesses to generate that word-of-mouth. Today, the most popular way is utilizing Facebook advertisements. A full 66% of all small business owners in the United States used Facebook to advertise their business[1]. Ultimately, very few businesses can thrive without the help of the modern Internet. Think about it: If your business has no website, no social media presence, and isn’t listed on Yelp or Google Maps, your business might as well not exist. While finding new customers is much more complex today, the multitude of ways to find new leads helps level the playing field between businesses. Now, your business doesn’t need a century-long reputation in order to succeed; it just needs high-quality digital marketing.

The Rise of Data Analysis

Many business owners may not even be aware of this, but every business uses data analysis to some degree. Simply put, data analysis is the inspection of data about a business and its customers, and making inferences based on that data. One common example is when a coffee shop increases its staffing during the morning rush. The owner knew from previous data that mornings were busier, and then decided to increase staffing to alleviate the rush. For businesses, the simple formula is to collect data, identify patterns in that data, then make predictions based on those patterns[2]. Even before modern technology, businesses regularly used data analysis to increase productivity and minimize downtime.

So, what’s different about data analysis today? Well, we’re usually not the ones doing it anymore. These days, most high-level data analysis is being done by computers. This makes sense, as computers are able to identify patterns in data much more accurately and quickly than humans. Additionally, data analysis isn’t just used for simple things like managing employee scheduling or choosing what items to stock. For the most successful businesses, data analysis is used in every area of business. From customer acquisition and targeted campaigns to new item development and supply chain management, data analysis helps businesses maximize their efficiency[3]. 

So, What’s Next?

After looking at all the ways technology has evolved business practices, one thing is for sure: Businesses are not done changing. Simply put, if there’s a way for businesses to increase their revenue, it will be utilized. And the fact is, businesses are becoming more and more reliant on computers and technology than ever before. Things like employee scheduling and data analysis, previously done by workers, are now done by computers. And, frankly, this trend is unlikely to reverse any time soon. Now, this doesn’t mean computers will be the ones running businesses in a few years. But let’s face it: They are already making many of the big decisions at businesses across the world. 

Ultimately, technology makes businesses more efficient. Unfortunately, as businesses rely more on technology, this also means they rely less on workers. Positions including warehouse jobs, customer service, and banking services are slowly being overtaken by technology[4]. It’s a sad reality, but businesses can simply be more successful with unpaid bots, rather than salaried employees. Again, technology is unlikely to replace human workers en masse any time soon. But as technology becomes more and more advanced, the most successful businesses will rely on tech more than ever before.

About AXEL

Technology is useful in every facet of business, but particularly in the area of cybersecurity. Cybercrime poses a threat to businesses big and small, highlighting the need for affordable cybersecurity solutions. That’s why we created AXEL Go. AXEL Go uses military-grade encryption, blockchain technology, and decentralized servers to ensure it’s the most secure file transfer software on the market. Whether you need to transfer large files or send files online, AXEL Go is the best cloud storage solution. If you’re ready to try the most secure file-sharing app for PC and mobile devices, download AXEL Go for free here.

[1] “Leading Social Media Networks Used by Small Businesses to Advertise in the United States in 2021.” Statista, November 18, 2021. https://www.statista.com/statistics/208971/effective-social-media-marketing-tools-for-small-us-businesses/

[2] “Why Data Analytics Is Critical for Small Businesses.” AirSlate, August 17, 2021. https://blog.airslate.com/why-data-analytics-is-critical-for-small-businesses/

[3] Mills, Terence. “Council Post: Five Benefits of Big Data Analytics and How Companies Can Get Started.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, December 10, 2021. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/11/06/five-benefits-of-big-data-analytics-and-how-companies-can-get-started/?sh=48b2320117e4
[4] “Council Post: Tech Experts Predict 13 Jobs That Will Be Automated by 2030.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, December 10, 2021. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/03/01/tech-experts-predict-13-jobs-that-will-be-automated-by-2030/?sh=3fc53ffb22bf

A Story of Data Custody in the Modern Age: Part III

Lucas finds AXEL

In Part II of Lucas’ story, he found many companies were still collecting vast amounts of customer information even with new privacy regulations. But, that didn’t mean he was ready to shun technology. It was a modern conundrum shared by every technophile who values their privacy.

“I’m an IT professional who loves the latest and greatest technology. I can’t close myself off from the world and go hide out in a treehouse in the woods. That shouldn’t be my only option just because I don’t want these huge companies spying on me or making detailed models of my behavior. So, I started to scour the web looking for programs and services that weren’t going to auction off my information to the highest bidder. I stumbled upon AXEL from a Google search about cloud storage, and loved what I saw.”

Lucas and AXEL Go

Specifically, Lucas found our private, secure file storage and sharing application, AXEL Go.

“AXEL Go is basically my new best friend. I get instant access to all of my files and can share them with anyone. I use it at home on my PC and on my iPhone when I’m out. The first thing that impressed me was the company kept promoting this concept called ‘data custody.’ I’d never heard of the term before, but after reading into it a bit, it really hit home. It just means they’re all about giving control of data back to the people.”

AXEL is a champion of data custody and considers personal information private property. We never mine any content stored on AXEL Go and do not sell personal information to third parties, ever.

“That in itself sets them apart from most cloud companies. But they not only respect your data, they protect it too. Their security features are way more advanced than other cloud options.”

AXEL Go utilizes three secure technologies as the backbone of AXEL Go; blockchain, the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), and password encryption. This unique combination makes AXEL Go an industry leader in security, ensuring your content stays safe at rest and in motion.

“It’s the best of both worlds. I don’t have to worry about the company itself selling my info, but I also am less concerned about hackers breaching their system. Their servers are decentralized, and I always use encrypted passwords on my files. So hackers can’t attack a single vulnerable server to get my content, and even if they do somehow get to my files, they won’t be able to access them. I looked it up, and the encryption algorithm they use for passwords takes billions of years to brute force crack. It’s reassuring. Now, if AXEL could make a social media platform…”

A happy ending

Thank you, Lucas, for your kind words and support for AXEL products. If you’re like Lucas and want a cloud sharing solution that provides security and privacy, download AXEL Go today. It’s free to signup, and our Basic accounts include all of AXEL Go’s unique features, 2GB of storage space, and enough fuel tokens to facilitate thousands of shares. AXEL envisions a better future for the internet, where everyone’s data gets the respect it deserves. Together, we will achieve this goal.

A Story of Data Custody in the Modern Age: Part II

Lucas does more research

When we last left our favorite 25-year old IT specialist, Lucas, he wasn’t feeling too hopeful. He had learned about the status quo of corporate data collection and felt powerless to stop it. But, he didn’t give up. He decided to educate himself more thoroughly on how the big players in Silicon Valley viewed their users’ privacy. He was especially interested in their responses to recent privacy legislation such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDRP).

“I had read dozens of articles about the subject but never got any information straight from the big tech firms themselves. I thought that maybe with the adoption of the CCPA and GDRP, they might have changed their tunes. So, I did something drastic. Something I’m not sure anyone else in the world did. I read through their updated privacy policies.”

Now that’s dedication to the cause! What did Lucas find after slogging through multiple privacy policies?

“It was certainly an improvement. At least now, they had to tell you what info they collect and broadly how they use it. But, they are still hoarding your personal information. You have to opt-out of most of it, and how many people do you see doing that? I had to put on a pot of coffee to get through these privacy policies. And I hate coffee! Most people I know just clicked “Accept” on the popup and kept going about their regular routines.”

Lucas found that even with the new regulatory frameworks in place, companies still frequently had access to information such as your stored files, contact networks, GPS locations, other websites visited, and third-party advertising data.

“They’re still watching you. They’re still developing their models of you to sell to advertisers or manipulate behavior.”

So, what now?

It was apparent to Lucas that waiting on the well-known tech companies to hop aboard the privacy train wouldn’t cut it. But what options did he have?

“Unfortunately, there aren’t any mainstream alternatives to the big players when it comes to social media. If I want to stay in touch with friends and family without resorting to an old-fashioned phone call, it’s tough. I recommend going into your account and digging into the privacy settings. Opt-out of what you can and just know that you’re analyzed continuously. With other applications, luckily, you fare much better.”

This is where Lucas and AXEL finally cross paths!

“I love to store and share files in the cloud. It’s so convenient to have all my important content wherever I need it. But I wasn’t impressed with the popular cloud storage services out there due to privacy concerns. And that includes their security features too. Because even if your privacy policy is decent, if you’re storing all my documents on an insecure server, it doesn’t really matter. So I looked into what else was out there that might better fit my needs. That’s when AXEL popped up.”

A perfect match

In part three of this blog series about Lucas’ journey, we’ll delve into what attracted him to our company and AXEL Go. Check back soon for an exciting conclusion about how AXEL strives to make the internet a better place for everyone.

A Story of Data Custody in the Modern Age: Part I

Meet Lucas

Lucas is a 25-year old tech support specialist for a medium-sized company in Richmond, Virginia. He’s worked there for the last three years and has risen from a junior employee to his current salaried position. Throughout his time at the company, he’s learned a great deal about computing technology and general cybersecurity best practices. He now reads popular cybersecurity blogs to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable about his field.

“To be honest, in college, I never really kept up on cybersecurity trends. I guess I was too busy keeping tabs on who was attending what party. But after I graduated and got my first real job, I started paying more attention.”

While doing this, however, he has discovered some concerning trends.

“That’s when I noticed two things: 1) Hacks and breaches occur WAY more often than I thought; and 2) Companies are tracking, buying, and selling a LOT of personal data.

When you start following these cybersecurity blogs, there are articles almost every day about massive data breaches or hacks fetching million-dollar ransoms. Then, when you get into the details, you see 10 million, 40 million, 200 million personal records breached. It’s crazy!”

Upon further inspection, Lucas found the sheer number of records breached to be less troublesome than other aspects.

“But that’s only the beginning of the rabbit hole. You start to unpack these breaches and find that the company that left hundreds of millions of personal records vulnerable didn’t have hundreds of millions of users. So, where did those records come from?  Well, they bought them from other giant companies that are doing the same thing they’re doing; mining their users for advertising information. It gets really gross. You finally realize that the individual has no clue about who has their data or how it’s being used and sold.”

“And, it’s kind of a sad progression. You go from feeling shocked, to upset, to powerless in a short period of time. It’s difficult to know where to start in the fight against these kinds of data collection policies. You eventually settle into a hopeless feeling of acceptance. The companies responsible make too much money for anything to change.”

The end of the story?

Luckily, this story does not have to end on such a sour note. There are other tech companies out there, fighting for data privacy and protection. You just have to know where to look!

In an upcoming article, we’ll follow Lucas on his journey as he searches for alternative ways to utilize modern technology. Will Lucas have his hope rekindled? Is there a plausible future that treats individuals like people and not statistics? Check back soon to see how the next chapter plays out.