FINAL WORD
Pros and cons of ten
personal technologies
Annette Jump at Gartner describes the pros and cons of
ten personal digital technologies and the opportunities and
concerns for businesses at large.
the quality of the data and continuous
maintenance of the system.
2. Virtual personal assistant
For businesses, opportunities include
instant responses and access to
information that will increase productivity
and improve client interactions. However,
very real technical and security concerns
surround Virtual Personal Assistants, so
companies should tread cautiously.
6. 3D Cameras
This technology enables depth in images,
allowing businesses to measure objects
and use 3D content for logistical planning
and gesture and facial recognition.
The technology has a potential for
streamlining business processes, but is
also surrounded by hype. Additionally,
enterprise-level solutions can be
prohibitively expensive.
7. Biometrics authentication
Some biometrics technologies are still in
the early adoption phase, but others, such
as fingerprint and voice authentication,
are quite mature. Biometrics technology
could enable more streamlined mobile
purchasing and better building security.
Essentially, any application that could
employ faster, easier authentication
would benefit.
8. Wearables
3. Immersive technology
Annette Jump, Research Director, Gartner.
W
ith all the personal technology
currently available, it can
be difficult for businesses to
decipher those that represent an opportunity
for end customers and those that are too
immature to warrant any attention. But
when used correctly, these technologies can
have big business impact. Gartner selected
ten technologies that technology leaders
should begin to incorporate into their
roadmaps and strategies.
Potential business uses include training
for employees and maintenance and repair
across a variety of industries, such as
design and healthcare. However, businesses
should ensure they are not swayed by the
hype surrounding the technology, which is
still new and emerging.
9. Chatbots
4. 3D printing
The technology is mainstream and will
continue rapid growth and evolution.
It will enable organisations to reduce
product cycle times and create one-off
products, such as medical implants. It
will also offer unique opportunities in
aerospace to create components that are
more lightweight. Concerns exist about
trade secrets and intellectual properties in
this field.
1. Machine learning and
artificial intelligence 5. Location sensing and tracking
It is a rapidly evolving technology with
digital business opportunities ranging
from digitisation, improving efficiency by
automating tasks, and business function
optimisation, including fraud detection
and spotting customer behaviour patterns.
However, success or failure is tied to These technologies offer a variety of
business opportunities ranging from
location-aware car insurance to real-time
usage and tracking for medical machinery
in a hospital. Customer consent and
privacy are the main concerns and hold
the potential for significant brand damage.
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Wearables offer potential business
opportunities in many industries — from
medical smart patches to mobile payments
to industrial repairs. Device selection is
only one part of the wearables process, and
businesses should consider how they fit
into the digital business first.
Enterprises will have no difficulty
finding a platform, but there is little
standardisation across products. The
fragmented and immature market for
chatbots mean businesses should view
selection as a tactical decision that may
change in the future.
10. Wireless power
Most consumer electronic devices do
not support wireless charging, and it
is seldom an essential part of a digital
business offering. However, it can make
processes more convenient and effective
by increasing battery life and, in a few
specialised verticals, such as electric car
charging, change the industry.
(This content has been excerpted from
the original version)
Issue 14
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS