Think about business in the early PC era, when many companies were just learning how to take advantage of the capable new technologies. Computers were bulky, immovable devices, and cell phones similarly weighty – but also lacking in capability. What's more, IT security would often fall by the wayside.

Times have certainly changed, and the latest generations of computers enable companies to do a lot more with a lot less. To reinforce this fact, a PricewaterhouseCoopers study explained that technology could play a key role in driving innovation and business growth. Allow us to explain.

Constant refinement

Smaller batteries and faster processors have led to the devices we have today, and it's easy to see the impact these advances have had on businesses across the globe.

Salespeople won't be seen without an iPhone, as it holds all contact, sales and web information, and marketers use laptops and tablets to showcase work to potential clients.

These devices continue to get better. It's not uncommon for a modern smartphone to last two days on a full battery charge, or a laptop to be thin enough to slide into a manila envelope. Many of these advancements are consumer driven – but powerful and more mobile technology benefits companies just as much.

So what does this mean? More than ever before, companies can rely on technology for a number of different tasks, instead of using devices solely to support more traditional approaches.

Businesses (and consumers) are now taking advantage of new devices in greater numbers, as a new Gartner report explained.

Device shipments climbing

Released earlier this month, the report found that worldwide device shipments will grow 1.5 per cent this year to reach 2.5 billion units. This is an increase from 2014, and a slight decline from the previous Gartner forecast of 2.8 per cent.

Traditional PCs are set to see sales drop quite significantly through to 2017, down 18 million units per year. Ultramobile devices (tablets, two-in-ones), on the other hand, could climb 40 million units. Mobile phones will likely reach 122 million units.

The times are changing, and businesses would do well to prepare by better understanding what these new technologies can offer.

One of the best ways to fully take advantage of new technology, whether it's the aforementioned mobile devices or even a new cloud system, is through the ITIL framework, a best practice approach that businesses can use to equip staff. Following the use of ITIL, companies can also take advantage of an IT governance methodology to better control the devices.

Speak to ALC Training today to learn more about ITIL or our other frameworks!

Mobile is a powerful agent for change in business.