(This article 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- Microsoft’s desktop browser — Microsoft Edge — is more popular for users than Safari.
Microsoft Edge has become the second most popular desktop browser, surpassing Safari according to an analysis done by Statcounter. This increase in the platform may suggest that Mac users are using Safari less frequently due to new design updates that dissuaded many users. The increase could also suggest a rise in Windows users-however-Google Chrome still has a 50 percent lead on the rising platform. (Source: 9to5mac)
Why this is important for your business:
Never underestimate the power of Microsoft. Although Chrome still remains the leader by far, it’s clear that Edge has become the next best alternative. As usage grows, I expect to see Edge becoming a more recommended browser for applications going forward.
2- Google’s Career Certificates awards businesses with free tech services worth $100,000.
Google announced that they will provide businesses with free tech tools such as data analytics, design and other tech skills for their workers as a part of Google’s mission to help individual businesses with tech skills at their convenience. The 3–6-month long courses will cover up to 500 businesses. They are aiming to help businesses achieve certificates in IT support, advertising, project management, e-commerce and digital marketing. (Source: Reuters)
Why this is important for your business:
11.5 million unfilled jobs? These are mostly skilled positions and I’m betting your business has these challenges. Here’s some help from Google to increase the skills of your employees. I’m recommending this to my clients.
3- Zoom’s time restriction for meetings has been shortened, but there are many other free alternatives.
Zoom announced that one-on-one video conferencing will now be limited to 40 minutes, yet there are many other platforms available that do not have time restrictions. The six best free video conferencing platforms other than zoom, Skype, Signal, WhatsApp, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Meta Messenger, all have different requirements that can aid any video conferencing need. (Source: Beta News)
Why this is important for your business:
Zoom did a big solid for businesses during the pandemic by making their calls unlimited. But all good things must come to an end and even a few of my clients were surprised by the news that calls would once again be limited to 40 minutes. I’m a paying user and enjoy the service but I understand if you want to consider alternatives. The ones listed above are all good.
4- Quick service restaurants are estimated to grow by 400,000 jobs at the end of this year despite previous shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many fast food and quick service restaurants have experienced staffing shortages since the beginning of the pandemic leading to many places using more technology for mundane tasks. The use of online payment options have been successful in easing the worker shortage, however many customers still miss the human aspect of dining. In response, these quick service restaurants have offered additional perks to employees such as gas discounts, tuition assistance, and advancement opportunities. These perks have contributed to a major increase in jobs at quick service restaurants. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
Restaurants, like small businesses, are investing in tech and greater benefits to retain staff in these days of labor shortages and supply chain issues. Hopefully you’re doing the same.
5- Cybersecurity research warns against using commonly used passwords.
The 20 commonly used passwords such as “12345”, “qwerty” and “password” are strongly discouraged by cybersecurity companies. In a recent study, hackers were able to figure out someone’s password in the span of 14 hours across 25 European countries on average. The best passwords to use are a random mix of words, numbers and symbols and to download a password manager which stores and generates strong passwords. (Source: Laptop Mag)
Why this is important for your business:
Here’s one: thephiladelphiaphilliess**k. Oops…now you have access to all my logins.
