Emerging Business Technologies You Can't Overlook

Much like other "out of sight, out of mind" elements of your business infrastructure, it can be easy to overlook opportunities to improve or enhance your technology environment—especially when it's working well. When you partner with a managed services provider (MSP), that forward-looking planning is often spearheaded by that team, but don't hesitate to challenge them with questions about emerging technologies that should be on your must-do roadmap.

 Key Takeaways

• Partnering with a managed services provider like Exigent allows business owners to engage with emerging technologies as part of a technology roadmap aligned with budget and growth goals.
• Businesses of all sizes can now take advantage of powerful tools such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, and secure remote access with support from expert MSPs.
• From Windows 11 migrations to integrating IoT or enhancing cybersecurity, small business IT strategy ensures you're making informed, tailored investments—not chasing trends.

At Exigent, our technical advisors work collaboratively with customers to build an entire IT improvement blueprint. Those technology roadmaps are extremely helpful when it comes to budgeting and planning. Plus, having a thoughtful approach to technology with an eye on long-term success can stave off unexpected investments and disruptive downtime. But roadmap discussions are also the perfect opportunity to discuss emerging technologies that might have a place in your business.

What emerging business technology trends should small businesses be watching?

How do you know what emerging business technologies you should discuss with your MSP? Based on recent search trends, here are some of the most common technology terms your competitors are researching:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): This can include everything from paid generative AI tools to industry-specific software to automation.
• Cloud Computing: Guidance on the best use cases for affordable, scalable computing resources over the internet remains popular.
• Cybersecurity: Protecting systems and data from digital attacks, a concern for businesses of all sizes.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Internet-connected devices that collect and exchange data, enhancing automation and efficiency. IoT solutions can provide value in businesses of nearly every type and size.
• 5G Technology: The fifth-generation mobile network, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections, could provide an advantage for some organizations.
• Edge Computing: Processing data closer to its source to reduce latency and bandwidth use—this technology often goes hand-in-hand with IoT or workforces in the field.
• Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR): Technologies that enhance or simulate real-world experiences for various applications may not be a fit for all businesses, but more and more use cases are popping up as the cost for these amazing tools drops.
• SASE: This alternative to traditional VPN can provide a more streamlined experience for remote or traveling workforces with enhanced security capabilities.
• Win11: With the end of support for Windows 10 coming this fall, Windows 11 migrations are a hot topic, with new security and AI capabilities baked into the new Windows 11 operating system, along with a requirement for updated hardware.

Obviously, not all emerging business technologies are a worthwhile investment for small to mid-sized businesses, but many emerging technologies, such as AI, are evolving quickly. As that happens, real-world applications that benefit smaller and more types of businesses start to hit the market. One great option for many organizations is to keep an eye on those popular cutting-edge technologies and talk with your services provider to engage at the right time.

How Can Emerging Technologies Impact Your Business?

Real-life applications of modern business technology solutions can be a challenge for smaller businesses, especially those without in-house IT to guide them. Here are some examples of how average businesses can use emerging technology—enabled and guided by their trusted MSP.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses: Automation or AI can provide a distinct advantage for smaller businesses, filling in for expensive humans to complete repetitive tasks. For example, at Exigent, we use AI in several ways:

• Automating basic PC setups when deploying new hardware for clients
• Preparing and assigning actions after meetings
• Remixing and optimizing content on the website
• Creating databases and data comparisons

Unsure of the benefits of using AI in a small business operation? Check out our blogs with tips on using Copilot and other AI use cases.

Cloud Computing:  Many smaller businesses have already uncovered the value of cloud computing—powerful solutions that deliver high-end performance with a smaller price tag. Startups often realize that with a small investment, they can stand up a fully operational IT environment that will quickly scale as their needs grow—making cloud computing a better option than on-premises. The question for most SMBs is about the next step—do you go fully cloud, explore a hybrid option, or opt for a private cloud environment that offers additional security and control.

Our comparison guide can help with that decision, but this is a prime opportunity to discuss options with your MSP, who likely works with all three options.

What types of cloud computing can a smaller business leverage? Consider that Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and many CRM and ERP tools are already offered in cloud models, working through your browser to deliver productivity tools and support for customer experience and sales. The more complicated use cases involve options for backup and disaster recovery and hosted cybersecurity solutions.

Cybersecurity: Speaking of cybersecurity for small businesses, most MSPs offer basic security solutions as part of their managed services solution. At Exigent, we bundle email and web filtering and basic endpoint security with our managed services. But nearly every small to mid-sized business has unique elements that require tailored cybersecurity solutions for complete coverage. If you work with payments, you need to explore not only secure, compliant solutions for point of sale (POS), but also solutions that assure data privacy and protection. Piecing cybersecurity solutions together without considering the bigger picture can leave gaps and vulnerabilities. Working with your MSP to craft a seamless, integrated "defense at depth" approach to cybersecurity can address compliance, challenges such as nonprofit volunteer access to data, and a fully remote environment – each of which demands a different set of solutions.

Internet of Things (IoT): Confused about what IoT really is? Listen, you aren't alone. Consider this: If you are a family restaurant using a wireless thermometer to monitor your freezer, or a flower shop tracking your delivery truck online, or using a wireless sensor to tell you if your greenhouse flowers need water, you are using IoT.  

While IoT sounds complex, it truly is the use of sensors or wireless devices to track, monitor, communicate, and gather data. Smaller businesses often find that there are IoT options for traditionally wired or analog tools, such as temperature monitors in coolers. These devices can help save time, provide data for analysis, and make business ownership simpler by feeding data to a single source, such as your business laptop.

5G Technology: While you may not consider 5G a "business technology," consider the role wireless devices play in your organization, as well as the capabilities of tools such as IoT tools. Taking advantage of next-generation connectivity can increase security, speed tools, and increase productivity.  

SASE: While VPN (virtual private network) solutions have long been the norm for security accessing your business environment from remote locations – home, airports, client offices, etc. – SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, tools are providing a better user experience alongside enhanced cybersecurity and are worth a review. If your business remained fully remote after COVID, or perhaps a large number of your employees travel regularly, it may offer solid ROI.

Win11: While upgrading to a new Windows operating system may not seem urgent, the advent of Win11 and the end of support for Windows 10 in October, is gaining urgency. Why? Unlike some OS updates, this one requires hardware compatibility for full functionality.

Many businesses (us, too!) use laptops and PCs as long as they keep working, often without realizing performance has degraded. But the minute you try to deploy Windows 11, you are going to see significant issues. At  Exigent, we're working with clients to not only evaluate and plan for the deployment over time. This effort is rooted not only in budgetary thoughtfulness, but also to avoid anticipated cost increases and potential supply issues given the global economic climate. Learn more here

Creating a Technology Roadmap with Your MSP

Whether you're interested in exploring emerging technologies as they hit the market or more of a wait-and-see type of operation, discussing the potential benefits of emerging business technologies for your particular organization should be part of an ongoing effort to develop and refine a clear technology roadmap for your business. Small businesses often mistake a smaller IT environment with a simple one, when in reality, powerful, affordable IT solutions can create a differentiator in your operations with the right guidance. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and loop in your MSP to create the right blueprint for your business.

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