What is Technological Convergence?
Technological convergence, also known as the convergence of technology (or sometimes digital convergence), is a game-changing concept where unrelated technological entities come together in a single system. This often saves space, time, and power.
This phenomenon has revolutionised the way we use and interact with technology in our daily lives.
As business owners, understanding and embracing technological convergence can provide a competitive advantage, improve customer service, and significantly reduce overhead costs.
Understanding what is meant by Technological Convergence
To better understand this term, let’s look at a real-world example that many of us have experience with.
A prime example of technological convergence is the mobile phone.
Originally designed for making calls, mobile phones now combine multiple technologies such as calling, texting, emailing, internet browsing, photography, and so much more – all into one handy device.
Another example of technological convergence is smart homes. Smart tech controls the heating and lighting in your home from a connected device – such as your phone – so you don’t have to do it manually. Smart fridges and appliances are becoming commonplace. Samsung even recently launched a WiFi-enabled fridge, complete with a built-in touch screen, so you can order shopping straight from your fridge door.
That’s technological convergence, and this convergence has led to a seamless user experience and simplified access to various services.
What about telecommunications convergence?
Telecommunications convergence, also known as "network convergence," takes multiple communication services, like telephony and data, and integrates them into a single network.
This convergence has transformed the telecommunications industry from a world of scarcity to one of seemingly limitless capacity, enabling businesses to communicate more effectively and efficiently.
What is an example of Technological Convergence in business?
In today's fast-paced business environment, customers demand quick access to information, services, and results. Technological convergence empowers businesses to meet these expectations while streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs.
There are a few essential technology convergence tools that business owners should utilise. These include Unified Communications, Chatbots and the Internet of Things. Let’s dive deeper into each tool.
Example of Technological Convergence: A prime example of technological convergence is the mobile phone. Originally designed for making calls, mobile phones now combine multiple technologies such as calling, texting, emailing, internet browsing, photography, and much more into one device. This convergence has led to a seamless user experience and simplified access to various services.
Telecommunications Convergence: Telecommunications convergence, also known as "network convergence," takes multiple communication services, like telephony and data, and integrates them into a single network. This convergence has transformed the telecommunications industry from a world of scarcity to one of seemingly limitless capacity, enabling businesses to communicate more effectively and efficiently.
To quote Wikipedia, “Telecommunications has changed from a world of scarcity to one of seemingly limitless capacity.“
How does Technological Convergence apply to a business?
Quite easily, in business, we all have customers. Customers who are busy and want information, service and results quicker than ever before.
Technology convergence allows us to service our customers, easier than ever before and whilst doing that we can significantly reduce our overheads.
Application of Technological Convergence in Business:
In today's fast-paced business environment, customers demand quick access to information, services, and results. Technological convergence empowers businesses to meet these expectations while streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs. Two essential technology convergence tools that can benefit business owners are Unified Communications and Chatbots.
Unified Communications
Unified Communications (UC) combines various communication technologies into one application, ensuring seamless communication between the organisation and customers and suppliers. UC allows businesses, particularly SMEs, to stay competitive by enhancing agility and responsiveness.
Unified Communications allows for a smoother communication path for customers, suppliers and staff. Unified Communications is revolutionising the way businesses operate, especially for small to medium-sized companies, it enables them to have an advantage over their larger competitors.
Learn more about unified communications and how your business could benefit from UC.
Chatbots
Chatbots are another great example of technology convergence. Chatbots exemplify technological convergence by serving multiple functions, including automated conversation, document sharing, and instant messaging.
Businesses can save time and offer customers immediate solutions to their queries by implementing chatbots in their support functions. If the issue requires human intervention, the chatbot can seamlessly transfer the conversation to a real person via instant messaging.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a prime example of technological convergence, merging various technologies to create interconnected systems. It involves embedding sensors, actuators, and software into everyday objects, allowing them to collect, exchange and act on data.
Think about physical devices, buildings and vehicles. They’re all seamlessly connected thanks to IoT.
This helps businesses to optimise work workflows, enhance productivity and gather data for predictive analytics.
The IoT connects all aspects of your business. Running low on ink? Your printer will automatically order more from the supplier. Are Internet speeds running low? Your router will let your provider know. With the IoT, everything you utilise in your day-to-day business life is likely connected.
IoT in Business: The IoT is set to revolutionise businesses by connecting all aspects of operations. Devices and systems will communicate with each other, allowing for automated processes such as reordering supplies or notifying service providers of connectivity issues. Utilising IoT data, businesses can make informed decisions, track customer behaviour, identify trends, and respond rapidly to changing market demands.
Will this have an impact on my business?
The convergence of tech is something that companies can’t afford to miss out on.
By investing in the right technology, business owners can connect all aspects of their operations. Devices and systems should communicate with each other, allowing for smoother automation – like reordering supplies or notifying service providers of connectivity issues.
Embracing Unified Communications, Chatbots, and the Internet of Things can enhance customer service, streamline operations, and drive business growth.
Embracing technological convergence is no longer an option but a necessity for businesses aiming to stay ahead in the market.
Our team can advise your business on the best ways to stay ahead. Get in touch today to learn more.