Why Are There IT Trends Changing the B2B Market?
This happens because the digitalization and innovation of the market began to value the information obtained through technology more than the technology itself. In this scenario, the role of managers goes far beyond delivering results. These IT professionals have become business executives, adding various important functions and playing a crucial role in the company's revenue generation: by using data. In this article, we have prepared a list of 6 new technologies and IT trends for the B2B market. Learn how to prepare!1. Machine Learning
Called machine learning, it is a branch of artificial intelligence based on the idea that systems can use algorithms to collect data, learn from it, identify patterns, and make decisions with minimal human intervention. Machine Learning has been at the center of various technological advances in recent years; examples of this technology are self-driving cars, voice recognition systems, and computer vision.2. Internet of Things (IoT)
The term literally boils down to numerous everyday objects that are connected to the internet and communicating with each other. In other words, technologies connecting devices to the internet and to each other, even without us noticing. The foundation for IoT operation are sensors and devices that make communication between 'things' possible. A good example are refrigerators and TVs with internet access, home functions that operate by voice command, as well as watches that analyze users' sleep quality simply by monitoring movements and sounds when lying down to sleep.3. Virtual Personal Assistants (VPAs)
Also known as intelligent applications, these assistants perform what a human assistant would do for us daily. There are countless tasks that can be performed by thousands of intelligent applications, from customizing email functions on your laptop to customer service and support, for example. Currently they perform relatively 'simple' tasks, but in the near future they may be able to deliver more complex tasks such as transactions based on the aggregated context of past, present, and future. These assistants have the power to transform the nature and structure of work relationships. Here, the sky is the limit!4. Chatbots
A chatbot, by definition, is a computer program that seeks to simulate a human being in conversation with people, predominantly used for user support. More simply, it is software that works and manages message exchanges, and serves to automate repetitive tasks such as requests for information, small registration changes, visit scheduling, and common user questions. In practice, at the end of the service, a human may need to finalize or assist in some part of the process, but the time they spend on this service will be much less due to the use of the chatbot. They are already starting to be everywhere, especially in large companies. There are two types of Chatbots: · Rule-based chatbots, which use keywords to access a pre-programmed database and offer alternative standard responses to the user's questions, solving only specific problems; · Those that use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: they can learn from service examples for a more personalized performance; that is, the system itself creates analytical models and identifies correlations for the responses.5. Gamification
This corresponds to an interaction strategy between people and companies based on using game elements to engage an audience and achieve a goal. More directly, it is a process derived from games that, when applied to everyday tasks, makes them more attractive and enjoyable. It has thus become one of the bets of education in the 21st century due to the increase in student engagement. In the corporate world, it is no different. There is a world of possibilities for using gamification; the most commonly used today involve reward programs, points, challenges, earning badges, among others. This engagement boosts collaborative work platforms, generates healthy competition, and brings a sense of achievement to employees.6. Blockchain
Or 'trust protocol,' it is a technology that aims at decentralization as a security measure. It is a type of public 'ledger' that records various types of transactions. In the case of cryptocurrencies, this ledger records the sending and receiving of values. It is evolving from a 'virtual money' infrastructure to a digital transformation platform with enormous potential for use among companies, serving as a basis for disruptive digital businesses. Each transaction is digitally signed to ensure its authenticity and that no one can tamper with it; therefore, the record itself and the transactions within it are considered highly integrous. It can be considered the basis for Bitcoin, impacting business by eliminating intermediaries such as banks or state authorities when making transactions or signing contracts.Investing in Technology is Necessary for Your Company's Success
We can easily look at all the IT trends mentioned and realize that they will change the strategic decisions of each company. And it is with this constant evolution of the sector that, every day, it becomes clear that the application and use of each of them brings numerous benefits to the company as a whole. Within the corporate environment, it must be kept in mind that the solutions and services offered by these IT trends are very important for companies seeking more effective and productive ways of working and aiming for success. Thus, by investing in the sector, companies can increase productivity, have efficient communication among employees, improve customer relationships, enhance information security with protection against attacks on personal and customer data, and increase system availability by creating a more organized, effective environment available anytime, anywhere. As we can see, investing in IT will certainly improve your company's authority image and gain competitiveness! And your company, is it already prepared for this constant innovation movement? Have any of these IT aspects and trends mentioned here already become part of your daily routine? Zamak has over 20 years of experience and has the services necessary for your company. Access our news archive as well to keep up with industry news.Frequently asked questions
Why are IT trends reshaping the B2B market?
It happens because market digitalization and innovation began valuing the information technology provides more than the technology itself. In this scenario, IT professionals stopped being just executors and became business executives, playing a crucial role in generating company revenue through the use of data.
Which technologies should B2B companies track to modernize their IT infrastructure?
Six technologies stand out in this shift: Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Personal Assistants, Chatbots, Gamification, and Blockchain. Each one helps companies prepare their IT infrastructure and modernize their work environment amid growing demand for systems and professionals in the sector.
What is the difference between a rule-based chatbot and an AI-powered chatbot?
A rule-based chatbot uses keywords to access a pre-programmed database and deliver standard responses, solving only specific problems. An AI and Machine Learning-based chatbot, on the other hand, learns from service examples, builds its own analytical models, and identifies correlations to deliver more personalized responses.