Technology has often represented a challenge for companies, especially given the constant state of innovation and transformation in the sector. New processes and platforms are unveiled on a monthly basis, and it can be all too easy for these organisations to turn a blind eye.
Enterprises can no longer ignore new technologies, however, especially given the operational benefits which can result from implementation. In order to become true 'digital businesses' it's going to be essential to consider the value of these new platforms and services, and plan for implementation.
This article will explore the importance of emerging technologies, and recent announcement from research organisation Garter regarding their predicted path.
Importance of considering emerging technologies
Digital business represents the next stage of development for many companies, and in order to reach this stage it's going to be essential to adopt key technologies at certain stages.
Gartner define digital business as the creation of new company designs by utilising a convergence of business, people and technologies that disrupt existing models. The rapid rise of new devices, services and things is giving rise to this new mode of operation.
The Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies is a Gartner report which features new technologies and the impacts they're likely to have on operations.
"The Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies is the broadest aggregate Gartner Hype Cycle, featuring technologies that are the focus of attention because of particularly high levels of hype, or those that Gartner believes have the potential for significant impact," said vice president and Gartner fellow Jackie Fenn.
These technologies are trends such as the Internet of Things, wearable computers and Big Data. Analytics and science are also a centre of attention, specifically in regards to things such as data science and neurobusiness.
While these may seem out of reach for many companies, Gartner has outlined clear models for effective implementation.
The six models
The company has identified six business era models that are key to the digital business development path, including areas of focus such as web, e-business, digital marketing and autonomous functions.
It's important to remember that consideration across a range of technologies is essential for an effective digital businesses transition.
However, Gartner explained that the Hype cycle has a primary focus on three areas.
- Autonomous functions – This area involves leveraging autonomous technologies to provide human-like capabilities, such as systems that can write text and answer customer queries through call systems. The primary objective is to streamline operations.
- Digital marketing – The central focus of this stage is utilising new ways to reach consumers, such as social networks and mobile devices.
- Digital business – The final area is digital business itself, and a focus here should be on the convergence of physical and virtual worlds – essentially, a far greater utilisation of new trends in conjunction with physical assets.
The need for governance
If there's to be a push for digital business technologies, both organisations and IT professionals will need to ensure effective project governance. With a rapid increase in new technology and service adoption, as well as a need to overhaul traditional company operation models, a governance certification can be highly effective.
A COBIT 5 certification from ALC can be one of the most effective methods of ensuring IT governance, as it provides all necessary information. The courses offered deal with the COBIT 5 framework and the underlying components, using a logical and example-driven learning approach.
Businesses can then ensure that new technologies and services are implemented correctly, and value delivery is ensured. It's also relatively straightforward for these organisations to measure goal achievement and report where required.
With the coming implementation of new technologies, it's going to be essential that strong frameworks are in place.