If you are old enough to remember the 1960s, you were witness to a very different lifestyle to the one we enjoy today. Black and white analogue TV and radio stations were the main sources of entertainment; then came the start of the digital age, basic computers that were programmed by tape cassettes and then the World Wide Web was created and we never looked back.
Internet 3.0
This is where we are at in 2024, a high-speed web platform with rich graphics and real-time video calls. Cloud-based data storage is now the norm, which empowers businesses; take the hospitality sector as an example, managers now use state-of-the-art hospitality inventory management software with real-time inventory scanning. You simply use your smartphone camera to scan QR and barcodes, which log into your cloud network, updating automatically.
Real time video communication
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology enables real-time audio and video to be sent via the web; entrepreneurs can keep close contact with key employees. The best platforms are Zoom and Skype for Business and they offer a wide range of business communications packages that transform your business.
Cloud based data storage
The majority of small and medium business enterprises have migrated their business data to the cloud, mainly because of the many benefits it brings. You can access your data from anywhere in the world, using any digital device; you do not need specialised software, a web browser is all you need to access your network. All employees have a username and password and they can access data they need; using permissions, you can restrict data access on a ‘need to know’ basis. If you run Windows and wish to recover data, click here.
Instant financial transactions
We remember the days when one had to wait 3 days for a cheque to clear; not so in 2024, financial transactions take minutes rather than days. Cryptocurrency is in full swing with Bitcoin leading the charge; if you have a great business idea and are looking for funding, the online lender offers business startup loans. Global commerce is so much easier and many companies have expanded into foreign markets.
Blockchain technology
A decentralised data management system, blockchain uses an open-ledger system whereby all stakeholders are involved in all transactions. Bitcoin runs on a blockchain, while governments around the world are now using blockchain to store critical citizen data; this technology is definitely the future and if you are looking for a great career and you are IT-minded, becoming a blockchain developer is a great move.
Metaverse
This is projected to be the next data platform that takes over from Internet 3.0, which will be powered by 5G, later followed by 6G and 7G. One thing is for sure, this is an exciting time to live and we can expect to see some ground-breaking tech emerging during the next few years.