(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 -Following Apple, Microsoft made it easier to buy Surface repair tools.
Microsoft recently announced that it has formed a partnership with iFixit in order to sell items that are made to simplify the process of fixing Surface hardware. With Surface hardware having a reputation for being hard to fix, the new partnership will let Microsoft Commercial customers, Microsoft Experience Centers, Microsoft Authorized Service Providers, and iFixit Pro independent repair professionals buy the tools from iFixit.com needed to fix the devices. (Source: The Next Web)
Why this is important for your business:
As I reported here, Apple did the same recently and thank goodness. Finally, the big manufacturers of devices are letting users make repairs to their devices and avoid the disruption (and cost) of sending them away. This is a good trend for small business owners.
2 — This personal injury law firm claims to be the first to set up its office in the Metaverse.
Grungo Colarulo-a law firm based in New Jersey-recently claimed that it is the first law firm of its kind to have its office set up in the metaverse. The law firm shared that it created a spot in Decentraland,a virtual reality platform. According to the announcement, the virtual office will serve as a place for individuals in the metaverse who are seeking out information regarding their claims as well as give possible clients a chance to hire the firm in person. (Source: Law Sites Blog)
Why this is important for your business:
It’s a good PR move, but not necessarily one that’s going to pay any dividends for Grungo Colarulo anytime soon. Yes, the metaverse is coming and it’s going to have an enormous impact on your business. But that’s still a few years away. For now, I’d advise sticking to your business, even if you practice law.
3 -Google recently shared that you don’t need to be an authority to rank.
According to information recently released by Google, not every website is required to be considered an authority in order to have a positive rank in searches. John Mueller- Google’s Search Advocate- detailed that a single page website can still be effective, that most websites do not need to worry about positioning themselves as an authority, and that it’s still possible to create material that will be ranked. (Source: Search Engine Journal)
Why this is important for your business:
I feel that small businesses spend too much time on Search Engine Optimization or SEO. Yes, we all need to make sure our websites meet the basic requirements that Google lays out, like loading fast, using keywords and linking to others. But once you’ve got that done just focus on making sure your website is truly serving your customers and community with great content and information. If you’re doing that, then your SEO will take care of itself.
4 — Synthesia raised $50 million to leverage synthetic avatars for corporate training and more.
Synthesia recently announced that it has raised $50 million. The startup-which uses AI to make synthetic videos- helps users turn a slide deck or text into a video, which can include an avatar that speaks. Customers can utilize avatars that already exist, personalize avatars from actor performances, or make original avatars in just a few minutes by uploading video. A user could also upload a voice recording of their own that can be used to say whatever is programmed. (Source: Tech Crunch)
Why this is important for your business:
Hmm…maybe Grungo Colarulo is on to something? No, I’ll stick by what I said above. But I will also do my best to report on tools like Synthesia’s that will enhance the metaverse experience in the coming years.
5-Automated accounts payable platform Tipalti raised $270 million.
Tipalti announced that it has raised $270 million. The automated accounts payable platform provides tools that help companies such as Twitch, GoDaddy, and Twitter automate the majority of their accounts payable tasks such as managing invoices and suppliers, matching purchase orders, reconciling payments, helping comply with taxes, detect fraud, among other things. With the market for accounts payable software coming in at a staggering $8.77 billion in 2020, Tipalti is seeking to play a dominating role. (Source: Venture Beat)
Why this is important for your business:
Platforms like Tipalti are generally for enterprise and mid-market companies but accounts payable automation is a fast growing market for small businesses too with players like Bill.com, Dext and AvidXchangebattling it out for market share. If you take the time to implement these services you’ll automate your back office and reduce headcount.
