(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 — Google is going after scammers that prey on small businesses.
This past week, Google shared information about its lawsuit against those scamming small businesses. According to the announcement, scammers are impersonating the tech giant and then charging fees for users to create a Business Profile, which is something that Google offers for free. The scammers target small businesses through phone calls and also use websites containing false negative and positive reviews in order to impact the way that businesses appear in Search and Maps results. (Source: Mashable)
Why this is important for your business:
Google is making its best efforts but it’s also our responsibility to keep an eye on our online presence. It’s a good idea to regularly check your Business Profile on Google and also to setup Google Alerts about your business. I also subscribe to a reputation management platform so that I can be aware if there are any bad actors saying false things about me or my business.
2 — Amazon Web Services is pitching customers on cloud savings and making a big push into applications.
Adam Selipsky — CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS) — recently pitched for businesses to go all in on its cloud tech, emphasizing that the company’s goals go far beyond its central cloud functionality. Selipsky also introduced new cloud applications that allow AWS to effectively compete in similar industries where its customers conduct business. (Source: GeekWire)
Why this is important for your business:
AWS is quickly becoming the go-to destination for clients and other small companies in my community to not only develop their own cloud applications but also to host existing legacy systems. The platform is also offering its Think Big For Small Business program which provides small and/or minority-owned public sector organizations access to business, technical, and marketing enablement support and cloud-based solutions and experience across government, space, education, and nonprofits around the world.
3 — What’s next in cybersecurity?
According to MIT Technology Review, the cybersecurity world should prepare for more hacks in the coming year. MIT Tech Review experts expect ransomware attacks against schools, hospitals, businesses, and governments to continue and crypto to be a continued target. Experts also predict that Russia will continue its online attacks against Ukraine. (Source: MIT Technology Review)
Why this is important for your business:
No surprises there and know that if you’re attacked your business could be shut down for long periods of time. Get your employees trained on how to identify potential malicious emails, texts and websites. Hire an IT firm to make sure everyone’s running the most recent security software and upgrading their operating systems.
4 — Epson has ditched lasers and is going all in on inkjet.
Epson recently announced that it plans to halt the manufacturing of laser printers by 2026. The company said that completely transitioning its printers to inkjet technology will enable them to reduce the energy used to produce and ship the printers. According to Epson, its inkjet printers use 85% less carbon dioxide and 85% less energy than laser printers. (Source: Tech Radar)
Why this is important for your business:
If you’re looking for an Epson Laser printer in the future and you’re not finding one this is the reason why. They’re a little slower, but not by much. And inkjets have over time been more cost effective as well.
5–24% of banks plan to offer businesses early wage access programs.
According to recently released data, 24 percent of banks plan to provide programs that allow early access to wages. With 70 percent of banks already offering this benefit, employers are trying to find ways to retain employees, and early access to wages has been a proven method for employers to help improve the financial well-being of employees. Reports also show that 76 percent of financially-stressed consumers would prefer to work for an employer who cared about their financial health. (Source: Pymnts)
Why this is important for your business:
This is an employee benefit that you should seriously consider. According to some studies as many as three in five people are living paycheck to paycheck. Offering employees the ability to get advance access to their pay could be the differentiator between finding and keeping good people or losing them to another company that does provide this kind of benefit.
