Recent tornadoes in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have starkly highlighted the urgent need for businesses to enhance their disaster preparedness strategies. The destructive storms caused widespread power outages, significant infrastructure damage, and disrupted operations for numerous businesses. These events underscore the vulnerabilities in existing systems and the necessity for robust disaster recovery plans. Being prepared for such unforeseen events is critical to building resilience and ensuring continuity.

The recent tornadoes, which resulted in significant damage and power outages, serve as a stark reminder of the potential for natural disasters to disrupt business operations. As businesses in the affected areas work to recover, the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness becomes evident. Ensuring that a business can withstand and quickly recover from such events is essential to maintaining operations and minimizing financial loss.

Here are some recommendations for businesses across the Midwest:

Assess and Prioritize Risks

Begin by identifying potential risks specific to the business and geographic location. The recent tornadoes, which caused extensive damage and power outages, underscore the importance of this step. Conduct a thorough risk assessment to prioritize threats based on their likelihood and potential impact on operations.

Develop a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan

A robust disaster recovery plan is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity. The plan should include:

• Data Backup and Recovery: Regularly back up critical data and ensure that backups are stored offsite or in the cloud. This prevents data loss in the event of physical damage to premises.
• Communication Strategy: Establish clear communication protocols to ensure all stakeholders are informed during a disaster. This includes updating contact information and having alternative communication channels in place.
• Operational Continuity: Identify key business functions and outline procedures for maintaining these operations during disruptions. This includes having contingency plans for IT infrastructure, supply chain management, and customer service.

Invest in Reliable IT Infrastructure

Modern businesses rely heavily on technology, making IT infrastructure a critical component of disaster preparedness. Cloud services can ensure that IT systems are resilient, scalable, and secure. Important aspects include:

• Cloud Migration: Transition critical applications and data to the cloud to enhance accessibility and reduce the risk of data loss.
• System Redundancy: Implement redundant systems to ensure that if one system fails, another can take over without disrupting operations.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Protect IT infrastructure from cyber threats with advanced security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.

Regular Testing and Training

A disaster recovery plan is only effective if it is regularly tested and updated. Conduct regular drills to ensure that all employees are familiar with their roles and responsibilities during a disaster. Comprehensive training programs can prepare the team for various disaster scenarios.

Leverage Technology for Enhanced Preparedness

Utilize advanced technologies to enhance disaster preparedness efforts. Solutions include:

• Business Intelligence and Analytics: Use data analytics to monitor risks and make informed decisions during a crisis.
• Automation Tools: Implement automation to streamline disaster recovery processes, such as automated backups and failover systems.
• Virtual Dashboards: Access real-time information and insights through virtual dashboards that help monitor the status of business operations during a disaster.

Collaborate with Experts

Partnering with experts ensures that disaster preparedness strategies are comprehensive and up-to-date. Professionals with extensive experience in business continuity planning, IT support, and cloud services can work closely with businesses to develop customized solutions that meet unique needs.

Disasters can strike at any time, but with a proactive approach, businesses can be prepared to handle any challenge. Building resilience and ensuring continuity is essential for safeguarding business operations and minimizing financial loss.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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How do technology companies manage the continuous demand for innovation while grappling with stringent budget constraints and evolving market expectations? In 2024, firms face a relentless challenge to integrate cutting-edge technologies into new products, all while optimizing operational efficiency under financial pressures. This article explores the aspects that influence the tech world, ranging from the integration of innovative technologies to the dynamics of IT spending and consumer satisfaction. By analyzing critical statistics from industry-leading surveys and reports, we uncover the challenges and opportunities that define the landscape of technology and its impact on both companies and consumers.

Integration of Technologies and Innovation Pressure

For technology-focused businesses, innovation is not just a buzzword but a survival strategy. According to the KPMG 2023 US Technology Survey, 58% of technology sector executives report that their primary challenge is the increased pressure to create new product features by integrating multiple technologies.¹ This indicates a broader industry trend where the rapid pace of technological advancement is not just an opportunity but also a considerable strain.

Companies are compelled to explore and adopt a multitude of emerging technologies—ranging from AI to IoT—each promising to be the next big revolution. The integration of these technologies is not merely about keeping up with competitors but about redefining market standards and consumer expectations. The drive to innovate under pressure not only pushes companies towards technological breakthroughs but also demands a high level of agility and creativity from their leaders.

Budget Constraints and Productivity

The pressure to innovate is juxtaposed with stringent budget constraints. The KPMG 2023 Global Tech Report highlights that 65% of tech companies are expected to do more with less, with reduced budgets compared to the previous year.² Meanwhile, the Deloitte Tech Trends 2023 report indicates that 72% of digital leaders have witnessed improvements in employee productivity due to digital transformation.³

These insights underscore a critical balance that companies must achieve—enhancing productivity without proportional increases in budgets. Leveraging technology for digital transformation presents a solution, allowing businesses to automate processes, enhance decision-making, and optimize resource allocation. The key challenge lies in strategically investing in technologies that yield the highest return on investment in terms of productivity.

Future Trends in IT Investment and AI Adoption

Despite the economic uncertainties, the technology sector continues to see optimistic investment forecasts. In its 2024 Outlook Technology Report, Deloitte predicts an 8% growth in global IT spending,⁴ suggesting a strong confidence in tech development’s ROI. Concurrently, Horton’s anticipates that 75% of software engineers will use AI coding assistants by 2028 in its 2024 Tech Trends report,⁵ signifying a shift towards more automated and sophisticated tools in software development.

This indicates not only a robust investment climate but also a transformative shift in how technology is being developed and utilized. The integration of AI tools in software engineering is set to redefine the traditional methodologies, leading to faster, more efficient, and potentially more innovative development cycles. Such trends are pivotal for tech companies aiming to lead in innovation and efficiency.

Executive Confidence and Technological Adequacy

Confidence among executives regarding their technological capabilities remains high, with 70% expressing confidence in achieving their goals using existing technologies,¹ reveals a significant alignment between strategic goals and technological capabilities within organizations.

This confidence likely stems from successful past integrations of technology that have led to measurable benefits, such as increased market reach or improved operational efficiency. It also points to a maturity in the technology lifecycle where existing tools can still provide competitive advantages without immediate upgrades or overhauls. For tech leaders, maintaining this confidence requires ongoing evaluation of tech capabilities against strategic objectives to ensure they continue to align effectively.

Consumer Experience and Market Expectations

A staggering 94% of consumers report frustration with disjointed experiences when interacting with organizations.⁶ This statistic highlights a significant gap between technological advancements and their implementation in user-friendly ways.

Improving consumer experience is crucial, as it directly influences satisfaction and loyalty. Tech companies must therefore focus not only on the backend integration of new technologies but also on how these technologies are experienced at the consumer level. Ensuring seamless, intuitive, and cohesive interactions across various platforms and touchpoints can substantially enhance consumer perceptions and foster stronger brand connections.

The technology sector’s landscape is complex and challenging, yet ripe with opportunities for those who can skillfully navigate the pressures of innovation, budget constraints, and consumer expectations. Understanding the nuances of this dynamic—through the lens of key industry statistics—provides valuable insights into strategic decision-making. For tech leaders and companies, the goal is clear: innovate effectively, manage resources wisely, and always keep the consumer experience at the forefront of technological integration. By doing so, they can not only survive but thrive in this competitive industry.

Sources:

1. “KPMG 2023 US Technology Survey.” KPMG, 2023,
   kpmg.com/kpmg-us/content/dam/kpmg/pdf/2023/2023-kpmg-us-tech-survey.pdf
2. “KPMG 2023 Global Tech Report.” KMPG, 2023,
   assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2023/09/kpmg-global-tech-report.pdf
3. “Tech Trends 2023: Life Sciences perspective.” Deloitte, 2023,
   www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/life-sciences-health-care/us-tech-trends-2023.pdf
4. “2024 Outlook Technology Report.” Deloitte, 2024,
   www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/2024-tmt-outlook-technology.pdf
5. “Tech Trend 2024 Report.” Horton, 2024,
   hortoninternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tech_Trend_2024_Report-2.pdf
6. “2023 Digital Trends: Financial Services in Focus.” Adobe, 2023,
   business.adobe.com/content/dam/dx/us/en/resources/digital-trends-financial-services-2023/adobe-digital-trends-2023-fsi.pdf

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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In a rapidly evolving business landscape, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are at a critical juncture where adopting advanced technologies is no longer a luxury but a necessity for survival and growth. Artificial Intelligence (AI), once the preserve of large corporations with deep pockets, is now becoming the driving force behind SMB competitiveness and operational efficiency. The rise in AI adoption among SMBs signals a transformative shift towards digital agility that could redefine success in this dynamic sector.

Digital Transformation as a Competitive Necessity

A recent survey by AI4SP and Microsoft found that 52% of SMBs are utilizing AI tools within their operations, reflecting a substantial move towards digital transformation. This statistic is more than a number; it underscores the broad-based recognition among SMBs of the imperative to integrate technology into their business models. This shift is driven by the need to remain competitive in an environment where agility, responsiveness, and innovation are paramount.

The importance of this transition cannot be overstated. For SMBs, digital transformation through AI adoption is not just about keeping up with trends but about establishing a foundation for sustainable growth. The ability to harness AI for tasks such as data analysis, customer relationship management, and even automated customer service allows SMBs to punch above their weight, competing with larger players in their industries.

However, this integration does not come without challenges. It necessitates a willingness to invest in new technologies and an openness to partner with digital experts who can enhance in-house skills. It’s critical for SMBs to not only adopt AI but to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to maximize the potential of these powerful tools.

Proven Effectiveness of AI in Business

The benefits of AI in SMB operations are not merely theoretical. An overwhelming 91% of businesses that have integrated AI report that it has made their operations more successful,¹ pointing to tangible outcomes such as improved efficiency and heightened business success. Furthermore, a remarkable 82% of AI-adopting businesses maintain an optimistic outlook on AI’s potential to propel future growth.² These insights reveal a growing confidence among SMBs in AI as a tool for long-term prosperity.

The optimism is well-founded. AI-driven analytics can offer deep insights into market trends and customer preferences, allowing businesses to tailor their strategies effectively. AI-powered automation can streamline operations, reducing the workload on human staff and minimizing the scope for error. These benefits contribute to a business environment where decision-making is informed, strategic, and forward-looking.

Yet, to truly leverage AI, SMBs must move beyond mere adoption to an understanding of its potential. Sharing success stories and practical use cases can provide the necessary blueprint for others to follow. These narratives can illustrate how AI is not just a technological upgrade but a transformational tool that can revamp the entire business process, driving growth and innovation.

Bridging the AI Knowledge Gap

Despite the promising outlook, a significant knowledge gap exists. About 74% of SMBs have expressed interest in AI, yet many admit to having only a rudimentary understanding of its benefits.¹ Additionally, 70% would be willing to invest more in AI and automation, indicating a clear demand for accessible AI solutions and education.¹ This gap represents a dual opportunity for both the providers of AI technologies and SMBs themselves.

For technology providers, there is a burgeoning market for AI tools and services that cater specifically to SMBs. There’s a call for offerings that demystify AI, providing intuitive platforms that do not require deep technical expertise to manage. For SMBs, there’s a pressing need to invest in AI literacy, ensuring that the workforce can adapt to and exploit these new tools effectively.

Developing and promoting AI-focused training programs and resources can empower SMBs to bridge this knowledge gap. These initiatives can help SMBs navigate the complexities of AI and automation, enabling them to unlock the full spectrum of benefits these technologies offer.

Cost Savings Through AI

The financial incentives of AI adoption for SMBs are clear and compelling. 58% of SMBs anticipate saving over $1,000 in the coming year due to the integration of AI and automation technologies.¹ Moreover, 60% of SMBs report that using AI has increased the efficiency of their operations.¹ These savings are not just a reflection of reduced direct costs but also an indicator of broader operational efficiencies.

Implementing AI can lead to more streamlined workflows, where tasks are performed more quickly and with fewer errors, reducing the need for costly revisions and do-overs. It can also enhance the precision of marketing campaigns, ensuring that dollars are spent targeting the prospects most likely to convert. For SMBs operating on tight margins, these savings can be the difference between stagnation and growth.

Encouraging SMBs to explore AI for both cost management and operational enhancements can lead to improved profitability. As AI technologies become more accessible and their applications more widespread, SMBs that embrace these tools can achieve greater financial health and allocate resources to areas that foster growth and innovation.

The strategic adoption of AI technologies across the SMB sector is demonstrative of a paradigm shift towards enhanced operational efficiencies, cost savings, and an optimistic outlook on future growth. As businesses become more cognizant of the multifaceted benefits of AI, they are progressively gearing up for a deeper integration of these technologies into their core operations. This evolving trend is mirrored in the growing willingness among SMBs to channel investments into AI solutions, recognizing them as pivotal in maintaining competitiveness in a swiftly transforming market landscape.

These developments allude to a future where SMBs’ success is increasingly influenced by their effective utilization of AI technologies. The evidence underscores the need for continued education and robust support systems to fully harness AI’s potential in bolstering business practices and achieving enduring growth. As more SMBs pivot towards this technological awakening, those who navigate the AI transition effectively are poised to redefine the benchmarks of business excellence and sustainability in the digital era.

Sources:

1. “Small Business Now: An AI Awakening.” Constant Contact, 2023,
   news.constantcontact.com/small-business-now-ai-2023,
   drive.google.com/file/d/17tID61RqIGJVRCMr2SHaSeYZSW5NSg8l/view
2. “Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business (Second Edition).” U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2023,
   uschamber.com/small-business/smallbusinesstech,
   uschamber.com/assets/documents/The-Impact-of-Technology-on-Small-Business-Report-2023-Edition.pdf.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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Here’s the full interview:

Get the bonus Q&A with the audience by visiting  GreatTechPros.com.

Here are some short video clips of topics discussed:

• What has changed in Business Analytics?
• What is your approach to creating data visualizations?
• Free/Low cost data visualization tools for small businesses.
• What type of data visualization recommendations do you offer to larger businesses that do not have tool/platform preferences?
• What were you doing with CDC?
• What drove you to Analytics & Data Visualization as a Career?

Useful Links:

• You can connect with Teneika on her website, Twitter and Linkedin.
• Tools include PowerQuery, PowerBI, Tableau, Google Data Studio and SAP Tools.
• Though it is important to implement a new platform/solution, it is equally as important to inform and educate end-users on how to utilize the new platform or solution.
• Every career/job has a data component – Do make an effort to learn how to utilize data as a skill. Doing so will enhance your skill-set and help you enhance your career.
• College students should look into scholarship, internship and other opportunities offered by their university like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and INROADS internships.
• For those who are new to data visualizations, start with Microsoft Excel, work to graduate from a beginner Excel user to an advanced Excel user, then learn Microsoft Power BI and Tableau.
• Microsoft currently offers free Power BI training, Tableau Prep & Tableau Desktop are not free unless you are a student, freeCodeCamp and SimpliLearn.

Watch or Listen to Great Tech Pros anytime, anywhere.

• Watch on YouTube, 
• Tune in on Facebook Watch, 
• Listen on Google Podcasts, 
• Be all ears on Spotify, 
• Eavesdrop on Apple Podcasts, 
• and more.

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Here’s the full interview:

Get the full interview + bonus Q&A with the audience by visiting GreatTechPros.com.

Here are some short video clips of topics discussed:

• How Business Intelligence & Data Science Differ
• 2 ways to get into Business Intelligence and Data Science
• The Programming and Querying Languages of Data Analytics
• 2 Important Resources for a Data Consultant
• What events and conferences do you use to build your network?
• Resources to get started in Data Science

Useful Links:

• The best way to connect with Chris Hyde is on Twitter. He can also be found on Linkedin.
• Chris Recommends the following books:
• Learning R by Richard Cotton.
• R for Data Science: Import, Tidy, Transform, Visualize, and Model Data by Hadley Wickham and Garrett Grolemund.
• Think Stats: Exploratory Data Analysis by Allen Downey.

Watch or Listen to Great Tech Pros anytime, anywhere.

• Watch on YouTube,
• Tune in on Facebook Watch,
• Listen on Google Podcasts,
• Be all ears on Spotify,
• Eavesdrop on Apple Podcasts,
• and more.

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MCSE: Data Management and Analytics was issued by Microsoft to Wylie Blanchard on September 26, 2016.

Earners of the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification have demonstrated the skills required to build enterprise-scale data solutions, and leverage business intelligence data—both on-premises and in cloud environments. Earning this certification qualifies an individual for such jobs as database analyst, database designer, and business intelligence analyst.

Learn more.

Skills:

Big Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Cloud, Data Analytics, Database Administration, Database Analytics, Database Design, Data Engineering, Data Management, Data Modeling, Data Warehousing, Machine Learning, MCSE, SQL.

Earning Criteria:

EARN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATE (MCSA) CERTIFICATIONS:

• MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration
• MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development
• MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development
• MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014
• AND pass one of the listed elective exams

Evidence:

Certification Number
F813-2662

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Managing several versions of MS SQL Server 2005-2014

Also managing Oracle 11g

Managing and maintaining databases and servers for multiple clients – backups, log shipping, replication, mirroring, Always On availability groups, and clustering.

Configuring and troubleshooting multiple versions of MS SQL Server – 2005, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2014.

Performing migrations, refreshes and restores for multiple clients.

Configuring maintenance and optimization tasks – index maintenance and backups via maintenance plans.

Provide planning and/or implementation support for SQL Server projects as well as required business support of current SQL Server database environments.

Work with client leadership in the enhancement and security of database, server and application development initiatives.

Provide off shift support for junior DBA teams.

Develop solutions to support database consolidation and centralization of existing applications from remote locations .

Provide and share technical expertise with the client teams on security, backup/recovery, performance tuning, extract transform load strategies, report development and business intelligence development.

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MCSE: Data Platform was issued by Microsoft to Wylie Blanchard on December 29, 2014.

Earners of the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification have demonstrated the skills required to build enterprise-scale data solutions, and leverage business intelligence data—both on-premises and in cloud environments. Earning this certification qualifies an individual for such jobs as database analyst, database designer, and business intelligence analyst.

Skills:

Big Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Cloud, Data Analytics, Database Administration, Database Analytics, Database Design, Data Engineering, Data Management, Data Modeling, Data Warehousing, Machine Learning, MCSE, SQL.

Earning Criteria:

EARN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATE (MCSA) CERTIFICATIONS:

• MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration
• MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development
• MCSA: SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development
• MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014
• AND pass one of the listed elective exams

Evidence:

Certification Number
F141-4365

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MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 was issued by Microsoft to Wylie Blanchard on December 29, 2014.

Earners of the MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification have demonstrated the skills required to develop and maintain the next wave of mission-critical environments. They are qualified for a position as a database developer or database analyst.

Skills:

Database Analyst, Database Configuration, Database Developer, Database Development, Database Maintenance, Data Warehouse, Data Warehouse Design, MCSA, SQL, SQL Server, SSIS, Writing Queries.

Earning Criteria:

• Pass Exam 461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014
• Pass Exam 462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases
• Pass Exam 463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014

Evidence:

Certification Number
F141-43133

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