We’ve spoken quite a bit around here about the Internet of Things and its impact on society. It’s hard to ignore when predictions indicate more than 50 billion items in the world will all be interconnected by 2020.
And each of those items will bring about their own risks and rewards to our society.
But 2020 is still a couple of years out. Change is happening, and it’s happening fast. We know that. We feel that. Still, what does that mean for you and me today?
If it’s coming on that fast, there should be actions you are taking today to prepare for the new technologies that lie ahead. These are the things we see happening in 2018.
It’s The Year We Further Connect
Remember when smartphones were first introduced? All of a sudden you could track things like never before? Expect that trend to expand in the coming year.
We’re just starting to get used to having everything from our light bulbs to our thermostats connected at home. Fitbit and Apple Watch allows us to track and improve the way we exercise and eat. Companies are already taking advantage of those concepts and pushing them as far as they can.
Take, for instance, Pillo, a personal health robot that can assist people with their health. He has state of the art facial and voice recognition and can answer health and wellness questions, connect directly with healthcare professionals, and securely manage supplements and medication. Sounds like a viable tool for caregiving situations, doesn’t it?
It’s The Year We Further Explore
If you’re watching, you’re going to find all kinds of new technologies available to integrate into your practices. If you’re paying attention, you’re going to find all kinds of new ways to change your own business model.
We’re intrigued by what is coming to the table here in the healthcare industry.
We’ve been watching all kinds of businesses introducing new ways of connecting with patients. Like VRHealth that uses virtual reality platforms to help with all types of rehabilitation services, from physical training to cognitive training, to psychological treatment and assessment.
Or Rendever, a tool that’s working to conquer high rates of depression and isolation that occur in assisted living facilities. Rendever uses virtual reality technology to help patients relive memories and spark the imagination by bringing people into new experiences. Imagine strolling down a street in Paris all from the comfort of your chair. What could that do to a person’s well-being?
It’s The Year We Further Our Infrastructure
Companies are stuck in the “wait and see” mentality right now. Do you jump early to learn? What if you jump at a technology available before its time? Or do you sit back and wait for the perfect technology to grow and develop, ensuring you make a wise choice?
It’s a tough call for savvy business owners who are looking a maximizing profits.
But the thing is your competitors aren’t waiting. They are moving and trying things, experimenting with new technology, implementing new policies all the time.
We understand how quickly the Internet of Things is changing things. Quick change also brings about many risks.
There are ways to implement technology to handle the constant stream of data currently available, while looking at more effective ways to analyze data and invest in new things for the future. It’s more important than ever to have a knowledgeable IT team by your side.
For IT Strategy, Cloud Conversion, or Help Desk Services reach out to us at Silver Linings Technology 360-450-4759.
