We have all seen new advances in technology that have amazed and astounded us. In the workplace technology is revolutionizing the way we do business. At home it is changing the way we view the world, the way we get information, and the way we entertain ourselves. And while new technology has many advantages there are also disadvantages; I will discuss both here.
In the workplace mobile and consumer technologies allow employees to work when and where they want. Many forward thinking companies are developing new strategies with these new technologies in mind. Those companies are reporting encouraging results. With over 70 percent reporting improved sales, and over half reporting improved returns.
As you can see, technology can be an important part of today’s workplace
However there are also recognizable disadvantages. One of the main problems with tech in the workplace is the risk of constant distractions. Emailing, web training, Skype, and cell phones can all be a recipe for confusion and distractions at work. Loss in communication skills is also a potential problem posed by technology.
As we tweet, Facebook, Skype, and email. We are not required to learn and use the listening, and social skills required in building professional relationships.
At home social media sites like Facebook and twitter help us keep up with family and friends, especially the ones we do not see very often. It allows us to express ourselves, and even make new friends.
Facebook is always there. On sleepless nights, or busy days, you can always log in to check up on loved ones, send a quick message or just entertain yourself. Facebook also allows us to connect with old friends, or people we thought we might never see again. While social media has many great benefits there are also negatives. Cyber bullying has been a frequent topic lately, with several severe cases reported with dire consequences. Social networks can sometimes cause us to lose some privacy, and can cause us to waste time that could be used on more productive endeavors such as academics.
Video games have become a favorite pastime for many of today’s youth, and adults alike
Gaming can be a lot of fun and has several hidden advantages as well. Studies have shown that video games can improve young children’s motor skills. Video games can also be a great way to relieve stress.
Gaming has been shown to improve vision in people with cataracts. Researchers also believe video games can help improve decision making skills. Drawbacks include violent games that may be inappropriate for children. Too much time spent gaming can have negative effects on other areas of life, such a school. There have been reported instances of gaming addiction. One South Korean man recently died after spending 50 hours straight gaming without a break.
Reports show that 98 percent of the U.S. households that are online use social media sites
That 75 percent of the world’s population now has cell phones, and 68 percent of the U.S. households play computer or video games. These recent technologies are changing the way we live, work, and play. The way we communicate, keep in touch, reconnect and express ourselves. We are finding new ways to unwind, learn, and process information.
However, we may create new problems as we rely on new technology. A decrease in interpersonal communication skills, due to electronic communication, is a potential problem. We give up privacy, become over involved and perhaps less productive as we spend more time socializing, gaming, emailing, texting, and tweeting. It remains to be seen if new technology will move us forward or ultimately set us back.
About the Author
Donna Lee is the technology lead at Edictive.com she holds an engineering degree from Berkeley California. Her other passion lies in the film industry and its technology.
Businesses depend upon a network infrastructure for every aspect of their daily operations. From reliable communications to data management, customer contact and order processing, today’s technology is what makes it possible for companies to get and stay productive. Also, financial data, client records and administrative aspects such as payroll are all commonly accessed through corporation networks. All of this is what comprises the IT infrastructure of the business.
Communications
Business communications are the core center of any company. In addition to management and staff, ensuring that customers can always reach the business is essential. It is also pertinent for companies to receive important information and orders. When the company does not receive customer orders, business is lost because they either change their minds or go elsewhere. Also, if staff is unable to communicate to patrons or potential clients, they cannot do their jobs efficiently. When that happens, customer service becomes non-existent. No company can afford either of those scenarios.
Function
Well organized companies deliver correct orders on a timely basis. Incoming orders and inventory control may be streamlined within a single network. This allows for staff to access the same information, then, in turn they can provide the best interchangeable services. To manage inventory, businesses can use Internet based software, email and phone communications, and orders for scheduling tasks. Without solid networks, essential access to critical information could be lost or delayed. This type of breakdown in operations affects productivity negatively. Hence, the use of the proper data center alliance.
Data Centers
Data centers house computer systems and all of the associated components for business operations and management. For instance, telecommunications and storage systems generally include backup power and essential data connections as well as security devices. One of the main concerns for companies today is business stability. Companies rely heavily upon information systems to run operations. Should systems becomes unavailable, operations can become hampered or come to a halt.
This is why it is so necessary for reliable infrastructures through IT operations to exist, and for businesses to utilize them. IT professionals can provide the type of information security required so that breaches are minimized. Therefore, data centers must keep high standards to assure the functionality and integrity of the hosted computer environment. Virginia data centers and the like employ technological professionals that provide these services through technically sound and advanced systems. They use power and fiber optic cables, as well as emergency backup power.
Management
Management is an important function for any organization's system of technology. It assures that essential operational components like policies, procedures, processes, data, equipment, external contacts and human resources are functioning optimally. IT infrastructure management is often divided into systems, network and storage categories.
Benefits
Among other purposes, infrastructure management on the data center level ensures that it is possible to handle key tasks that include, but are not limited to:
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Reduction of duplication and effort
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Adherence to standards
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Information flow enhancement
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Adaptability for changeable environments
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Interoperability for internal and external entities
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Effective change management practices and policies
The importance of a solid IT infrastructure cannot be overemphasized. It is a critical aspect of any business and without it, communications, data and operational processes cannot flow. In addition, it will be impossible to get and keep satisfied customers. IT professionals will oversee and manage these essential hardware and software systems so that businesses may operate through secure environments, which are provided by data centers.
About the Author
Entrepreneur Nickey Williams contributes this article to those business owners and corporate professionals needing data center information. QTS offers management solutions and has IT professionals from the Virginia data centers campus in Richmond on the Job. They deliver secure and reliable cloud service, monitored security, environmental control, and power availability.
