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Posts for April 2016
The Internet of Things and its influence on ecommerce
April 21, 2016
There's a change on the horizon.
The Internet of Things (IoT) was a term coined by Kevin Ashton, a British entrepreneur in 1999 and refers to various physical devices, services and systems working in harmony via the internet.
Fast-forward to 2016, and IoT devices have evolved to the point where they are regularly put to use in households and businesses throughout the world. A technology that was once nascent and impractical is fast becoming commonplace in society.
The speed at which the IoT industry is advancing means the impact on virtually every aspect of our lives is likely to be significant as time progresses. Equally, consultants, analysts and software developers must ensure they have the expertise and tools required to keep up with ever-advancing IoT expectations from businesses and consumers.
If there's one aspect of our lives the IoT era will impact more than any other, it is online shopping and ecommerce. IoT devices, from connected cars to smart home appliances, will change the shape of ecommerce by turning everyday, inanimate objects into potential sales channels for retailers. Fridge run out of milk? Don't worry - it has probably already ordered replenishments via its internet connection.
The world of ecommerce continues to grow rapidly, with analysts suggesting that the number of global online shoppers will see a 50% increase by 2018. Similarly, the IoT is finally shaking off any lingering doubts that it is more hype than substance by becoming genuinely useful for consumers and a source of increased revenue for businesses. It is predicted that, by 2020, there will be at least five IoT connected objects for every smartphone user.
How will the Internet of Things positively influence ecommerce?
With the Internet of Things already taking over, there are a vast number of connected devices bridging the gap between user and tech. From health-tracking Fitbits to smart TVs, the potential impact of IoT devices on ecommerce is huge. Here's why that's a very good thing indeed:
Inventory can be better managed:
IoT devices will help ecommerce businesses streamline their operations. For example, the tracking and handling of inventory will become easier with the movements of connected products now traceable in real time. Such data can be used to notify business owners of low and slow-moving stock.
Increased marketing opportunities:
The prevalence of IoT devices in society enables businesses to gain a greater insight into their customers' behaviour than ever before. The daily routines of target demographics, their shopping histories, product preferences and buying habits can all be tracked and used to tailor more relevant marketing campaigns. This is why, as consumers, we're starting to see an increased amount of 'personalised' advertising sent our way.
Enhances overall efficiency:
The Internet of Things enables ecommerce businesses to connect with customers like never before. For example, warranty and malfunction data can be automatically sent back to retailers to ensure a swift response - sometimes before the user is even aware a problem exists!
More perceptive websites:
Nokia Networks is leading the way when it comes to the IoT, and as a result we're likely to see a significant change to the way mobile websites are developed and designed. A great user experience is essential for ecommerce websites, but in the near future, when the IoT becomes even more prevalent, web developers will have to work on ways to harness the increased data on offer. This will eventually lead to more intelligent, perceptive websites which are capable of offering personalised browsing experiences.
The marriage between the IoT and ecommerce has only just begun, but as it develops, the way in which goods and services are ordered, delivered and consumed looks set to change forever.
Sponsored post
Seven email tools that could bring you real results
April 11, 2016
Email was recently named the technology that has most transformed how we work in the past ten years, above smartphones.
This trend isn't going to slow down any time soon. As email evolves through cloud computing, automation, integrating into social and becoming more focused around mobile, we need to make sure we keep up - as both senders and recipients - in order to make the most of this medium.
Here is a list of seven innovative tools that'll make sure you get the most out of your email marketing:
Make your contact list go further. You work hard to acquire new email addresses from prospects and customers. By using something like Clearbit you can make sure the contact list you've built up goes the extra mile by being transformed into a CRM, populated with relevant information.
Get real-time notifications from your emails. Ever wonder if that email you sent to a prospect was ever opened? Well wonder no more. Use a Chrome Extension like Sidekick to receive real-time notifications on personal and business emails. So next time you're unsure whether to check back in, you'll be able to gauge their interest by seeing whether they haven't had time to read your email yet or they've seen it and are just subtly turning down your offer.
Consolidate all the information you get from customers and use it for email marketing. Try a tool like Segment.io and make sense of all the information you're already collecting from your customers from different platforms. Then use this data to hone your email marketing by sending the right message at the right time, to the right audience. Watch your conversions multiply!
Get smart when it comes to collecting email addresses. Are you looking to capture more email addresses from potential customers? When it comes to email marketing, nothing is more valuable than a good contact list. With a tool like SumoMe you can collect email addresses at the right time, on the right page of your website and have them saved on your email service provider's platform. This can increase the number of addresses collected and ensures your contact list is populated by real prospects.
Don't underestimate transactional email. Recent studies have shown that transactional emails that include personalised offers drive up conversion by as much as 20%. If you're already sending transactional email, then revisit your copy to see how you can use this strategy to boost sales.
Automation is the future. Email and marketing automation has been a hot topic for a few years now. But it's only now reaching SMEs and more casual users. By using a service like SendWithUs or Mailjet, you can create automated trail of emails (drip campaigns) to be sent out based on user behaviour on your app or website, communicating with them at the right time with a specific and high converting message.
Manage everything from your inbox. Inbox by Gmail is another indication that email is at the centre of our daily personal and business communication. With this new(ish) product, Google has created a tool to help you collate anything from to-do lists to automatic flight reminders to set your alarm through your inbox. Now you won't have to go on multiple apps to organise your life.
Copyright © 2016 Amir Jirbandey, marketing lead UK at Mailjet.
How to prevent data breaches when using multi-function devices
April 04, 2016
IT professionals working in all sectors need to fully understand and take steps to reduce the threat presented by data breaches. You’re probably already fairly savvy in terms of the risks presented by computers and networks, but can you say the same in your efforts to reduce the risks presented by networked multi-function devices (MFDs) in the workplace (ie those that print, scan, fax, copy and email)?
Such machines present a particular threat due to the number of potential breach situations they can account for. Each time a sensitive document is processed electronically, whether by scanning, printing, copying or sending via fax or email, it is at risk of either being accidentally revealed to unauthorised eyes, or intentionally compromised.
Multi-function copiers are now standard in offices of all sizes in the UK, so all businesses should pay attention to these risks and take the necessary precautions. Here are some key steps you should take to reduce and prevent MFD data breaches.
- Implement user authentication. To keep your data secure, you need to be able to track its use. Only by using user authentication on MFDs can you do this. Anonymous use is unsafe use.
- Audit network activity. User authentication will give you the tools you need to manage data and track down breaches, but you must also implement a system of centrally auditing all network activity. By having an audit log you can immediately identify the source of the breach and take corrective action.
- Restrict access as appropriate. Specify individually which users have access to specific functions of the MFD, according to their job specification, seniority or role.
- Encrypt your data. To maintain the integrity and security of data transmitted to or from your MFD and computers, servers and other devices on your network, it is important that you encrypt all data flowing in either direction.
- Monitor and control activity related to secure documents. By monitoring data as it flows through your network you can spot breaches as they occur, or prevent them entirely.
- Use rule-based printing. Rule-based printing requires the user to be present at the machine with a keycard or password, preventing documents from being inadvertently left at the printer, or falling into the wrong hands.
- Enforce trusted network destinations. To prevent data being sent to wrong or unauthorised numbers or addresses, you may wish to restrict its transmission to pre-authorised destinations.
By using these steps to protect against data breaches, you can prevent not just your own data and that of customers, but also the financial penalties and costs that may otherwise result from a breach.
Sponsored post, copyright © 2016 Nuance, experts in business and technologies. Follow the link to find out more about MFD security solutions.
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