Tech Trends & their Impact on Brands – Volume 2

NEXT GEN CLOUD COMPUTING

DELIVERING MATCHLESS EXPERIENCES

We live in very interesting times. The fundamental basis of the cloud model is simple―it serves to link many devices, applications and services together in real time. Today, mobile computing has forged a strong bond with cloud computing. This has paved the way for focally aligned applications which can be transferred to devices, regardless of their type. These kinds of apps which are capable of using intelligence and storage efficiently can usher in reduced bandwidth costs. Soon, we can synchronize such applications on multiple devices.

By leveraging cloud capabilities, brands can capitalize on an array of mind-boggling features to increase customer satisfaction and build loyalty; these methods include publishing engaging content, live streaming videos and transforming just about any technology into a matchless live experience through seamless integration. Personalization is the key influencer in building brand perception. Studies have indicated that the inclusion of personalized product recommendations increase sales considerably.

Automation will be the keyword in the next generation of cloud computing. The results will be immense and encouraging, because delivering value to businesses will become fairly simple and fast. By automating, everything from request to deployment and configuration—cloud computing will do so up and down the stack and across the entire infrastructure. Already we are witnessing higher reliability coupled with up time. Mobility has concurrently increased as well; and these factors have enabled organizations to access content rich information on the go.

REMOTE CONNECTIVITY

DISTANCES MELT AWAY

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is considered one of the most brilliant technological advancements insofar as its primary function is concerned. The use of electromagnetic fields to transfer data, for the purposes of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to objects, is renowned. Pharmaceuticals can be tracked through warehouses; and implanting RFID microchips in livestock can trace their movements. But we have now moved on to other, better offerings.

Near Field Communication (NFC), iBeacon and Bump are a few of the innovations that have outstripped RFID in its scope and reach by taking contactless connection to unimaginable heights. With the help of these technologies, sharing between brands and their users has become easy, cost-effective, instantaneous and much more accessible.

Users are looking at the content produced by brands through various channels in a whole new light because they can now customize experiences to suit their needs. Simultaneously, brands are delighted as contactless connections help analyze data analytics and promote real-time monitoring.

Retailers too are making the most of this amazing technology by tracking customer purchasing behavior and patterns. This way, retailers can provide information on their deals and discounts instantly.

AUGMENTED REALITY

BRINGING CONTENT TO LIFE

Augmented reality (AR) was relegated to the realm of science fiction and sheer fantasy until recently. Even though for years the technology was touted as having the capacity of being realized sometime in the future, no one could quite crack the jigsaw puzzle, as it were. Now that we have surmounted that great challenge, the full suite of AR competencies is ours to use!

AR is a magnificent way in which businesses can provide a rich, interactive experience to enhance customer perceptions and build loyalty. This amazing technology is a live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. With the help of advanced AR technology (e.g. adding computer vision and object recognition), the information about the surrounding real world of the user becomes interactive and can be digitally manipulated.

Essentially, augmented reality means building upon the real, physical world around us by displaying information overlays and digital content tied to physical objects and locations. With an augmented reality app, you can bring a static print ad to life, watch a movie trailer by pointing your smartphone camera at a poster, or discover nearby establishments and landmarks with your mobile device.

CONCLUSION

There has been a paradigm shift in the way we view technology today. Digital convergence has eroded boundaries in spectacular ways. Therefore, customers are constantly on the lookout for new and improved means by which to consume content; and brands, acutely aware of this demand, have innovated and adopted technologies to keep pace with market requirements.

Technological trends have made it simpler and easier to analyze vast amounts of data that have enabled brands to cater to their target audience effectively and provide a seamless experience. The modes of accessing and utilizing information have changed drastically and this has made organizations rethink and redesign their approach to consumer behavior for the best outcomes.

A competent method to create a lasting impression is to adapt to current social trends and leverage technology to assume the role of an enabler.