Have you ever had a conversation with someone who is constantly using terms incorrectly? It can be seriously frustrating to speak to someone that is overusing and wrongfully using words you are familiar with. In the tech world, this is common and rather easy to do. Big IT buzzwords that are commonly used can easily have ever-changing definitions due to misuse.
Here are a few of the most popular misused phrases and what they actually are supposed to mean.
Disruptive Technologies
What it actually means: A technology that interrupts or suspends the use of the existing technology.
How it is commonly used: Any new on-the-market technology.
There is a misconception that any new technology on the market is disruptive, while in reality, to be disruptive means that the technology had to disrupt the market. If a new technology is disruptive to how you see technology as a whole, that is not exactly what this term is going for. The misuse of this term is extremely common and often very misleading.
Digital Transformation
What is intended: When an analog system is transitioned into a digital system.
How it is used: Adding more IT.
One of the most overutilized terms we hear is “digital transformation”. This is because a true digital transformation happens when moving from an antiquated analog system to a digital one. Unnecessary upgrades to digital systems, isn’t a digital transformation. A lot of the time, it’s just a waste of organizational resources.
Technology is a tool, not the rule. Be sure that you have a specific strategy before transitioning any of your internal processes to digital. That way you can avoid the shortcomings that many businesses see when hastily—or unnecessarily—implementing new IT.
5G
What it actually means: The fifth generation of wireless technology that brings with it impressive gigabit data speed and low latency.
How it is commonly used: The most effective and important technological break in the world.
Honestly, 5G isn’t even accessible in many places just yet. Many phone companies are shouting promises of 5G from the rooftop without actually being able to follow through. While the technology behind 5G is something to be excited over, technology is constantly changing, and these developments are not over yet. 5G is also already a term used along with 5 GHz wireless bands on modern routers. This part of the term is often overlooked when 5G is discussed and mentioned.
Machine Learning
What it actually means: AI (Artificial Intelligence) completed large data sets effectively, with no issues.
How it is commonly used: Algorithmic uses of automation to complete a predetermined task.
Using automation and algorithmic approaches to get tasks done quicker is a huge step in technology and is used often by many companies. However, this is not a form of “machine learning.” Machine learning has to do with the technology adapting and adjusting to get better results.
Business Intelligence
What it actually means: A program or software that takes business data and shows profitability, insights and more to help the business thrive.
How it is commonly used: A tool that helps you predict the future of your business.
Clearly, no one can tell the future. This has been proven to us all recently. A tool can help you make decisions based on already exciting data and insights, but it will not be effective in helping you read the future. If you rely that heavily on software, you will definitely be let down. Though, business intelligence can help you infinitely with profiting decisions and so much more.
Learn commonly used terms and technology efficiently
Learning to use the language correctly is the first step. Once you understand the differences between the false meanings of terms and what they actually can do for you, you’ll be on the right road. Hopefully, we’ve helped you understand a few key terms and you can now stay diligent when you hear a term being used incorrectly.
If your company is looking to make the next major step and needs a comprehensive IT solution contact us or give us a call today at 623-312-2440 for a free consultation.
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