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Here are five technology things that happened in the past week and how they’re impacting your business. Did you miss them?
1 – The ‘QuickBooks Online Advanced’ launch aims to empower accountants and accelerate small business growth.
Intuit launched QuickBooks Online Advanced this week. New features include better analytics, automatic backups, custom roles based on an employee’s task, and more automation to “set reminders for transactions with due dates, such as invoices, payments, or deposits with the Workflows feature.” The new product also allows users to “notify customers when they receive their payment, plus send invoices and invoices through pre-set approval flows.” (Source: Yahoo Finance)
Why this is important for your business:
And yet, my customers still complain that QuickBooks Online still doesn’t provide the full capabilities offered by the company’s on-premise applications, and they aren’t impressed with the lack of inventory and order management features. I’m a fan of Intuit, but the company needs to bring this online offering up to the level of some of its more advanced competitors if it’s really going to be taken seriously as a platform for companies that have gone beyond the very smallest.
2 – Walmart expands its line of digital expansions with a new Roblox pact.
walmart announced the rollout of Walmart Land and Universe of Play. This digital expansion is aimed at leveraging and monetizing the number of Walmart customers who visit the online platform and store Roblox. Universe of Play and Walmart Land will bring entertainment, beauty and fashion to consumers in an immersive way. (Source: Pymnten)
Why this is important for your business:
Like many other major brands, Walmart is entering the Metaverse. Why? Because there is a whole generation of younger customers who will spend just as much time in the virtual world as they do in the real world. And also buy products there. Many of my clients – especially small and medium-sized businesses – don’t take this virtual universe very seriously right now. But they will soon enough. Hopefully not too late.
3 – Disperse, which brings AI-powered data to construction projects, just raised $16 million.
UK based construction technology company To spread recently raised $16 million in funding. The AI-powered platform helps project managers track projects and collect data from construction sites. Disperse also streamlines all project details, such as schedules, plans, and drawings, to help maintain digital records and ensure accuracy and efficiency. (Source: Tech Crunch)
Why this is important for your business:
This is a highly advanced project management application that uses AI for better tracking, alerts, workflow, automation and reporting. Honestly, it’s probably more sophisticated than most small construction companies need. But if you want to be prepared for the future of project management platforms, this is a good application to review.
4 – This is why the Windows 11 2022 major update is worth downloading.
Microsoft recently gave Windows 11 a major update that is now available for download on desktop or laptop. The update includes new gaming, accessibility, productivity, and security features, such as a more efficient Start menu search, Focus and Do Not Disturb options, a built-in screen reader, and more. (Source: CNET)
Why this is important for your business:
Lots of cool stuff, but the real reason this new update is worth downloading is the same reason every Windows update is worth downloading: security. Each update includes the latest security measures against the latest malware. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will not be violated. But all your employees must use a fully updated Windows device when connecting to your network. By doing so, you are certainly minimizing your risk of a potential malware attack. And what happens if you are attacked? See the next point.
5 – According to this research, small businesses underestimate the recovery time and costs of cyber attacks.
A new Nationwide Agency Forward survey found that 40 percent of small business owners think a cyberattack costs less than $1,000 and 60 percent expect it to take less than 90 days to recover from an attack. However, data from Nationwide confirms that attacks can cost businesses between $15,000 and $25,000 and take an average of 279 days to recover. (Source: Insurance Journal)
Why this is important for your business:
That’s why your employees need to upgrade their operating system.
