(Photo by Chuck Fishman/Getty Images)
Here are five technology things that happened in the past week and how they’re impacting your business. Did you miss them?
1 — Google’s update to replace third-party cookies will be delayed until 2024.
Google had previously stated that they would get rid of this digital advertising system by 2022, but the date has been pushed back. Google has decided to hold back on this plan as they need to re-evaluate their new privacy tests before getting rid of the existing system. Digital ads have already taken a big hit from Apple’s and Facebook’s new privacy features, pushing the prices of digital ads up. Google is confident that their alternatives will allay many users’ privacy concerns. (Source: CNBC)
Why this is important for your business:
By now we all know what cookies are: those little applets that are downloaded to our devices to track our movements online. Google and other major online advertisers relied on cookies to target people. But due to privacy concerns, the company decided to end support for cookies instead of “alternatives” that we’re waiting to hear more about. If you advertise online, like I do, it has a big impact on how you spend your money and your lead generation strategies. We’ve got a temporary reprieve, but the inevitable demise of cookies is coming.
2-Outlook recently released Outlook Lite for Android users.
On August 1, Outlook released this new feature so that low-end Android users can use the app without needing 4G. The app includes many of the features as the normal Outlook app, such as email access, calendars, and contacts. However, it is not compatible with Android Work Profile and Mobile Application Management (MAM) for work accounts. This app is available in countries around the world. (Source: ZDNet)
Why this is important for your business:
Small business owners using Outlook on their Android devices will find this new feature very helpful in improving performance and adoption in their businesses.
3— Digital wallets will surpass all forms of payment by 2026.
According to a global study, more than 60 percent of the population will not use digital wallets for four years. The study also predicts a future where there will be “super apps” that combine all your payment methods into one cohesive app. It looks like a modern QR code coding for many of the digital payment platforms like Paypal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc. (Source: Weekly computer).
Why this is important for your business:
It’s taking longer than I expected, but within the decade I expect hardly anyone will be using cash anymore and very few people will be using their plastic credit cards anymore. Aside from the environmental benefits, the impact on small businesses is that we have to be prepared to accept payments using digital apps (crypt too!). Your point of sale software vendor should be your first resource for making sure your payment methods are up to date.
4-Cyberhackers go after small businesses just as much as large companies.
A small jewelry store in Georgia that fell victim to a cyber attack and this shocked many people. A new case study has been released that – While many believe that large companies will fall victim to cyber-attacks, small businesses are significantly more likely to be attacked. Luckily for this company, they followed the backup storage protocol. The study’s leaders urge small businesses to keep backups in the event of cybersecurity breaches. (Source: Yahoo Finance)
Why this is important for your business:
The research, conducted by a security firm, highlights the significant impact that ransomware attacks have on smaller businesses. These things are not advertised because the media likes to target attacks on known institutions. But if you run a small business, know that you are very susceptible to a malware attack and you should take all the necessary steps to protect yourself: software, training, backups, regular reviews, etc.
5— A previously free online platform, Zayzoon, now charges $5 for employees to access payments.
ZaySon – an online payment company that gives employees on-demand access to their wages earned – argues that inflexible pay schedules are one of the main reasons for economic inequality. Their platform allows companies to implement a program that gives employees access to the accrued wages before the end of the pay period. (Source: Tech Crunch)
Why this is important for your business:
According to TechCrunch, the platform is still free for businesses, but the new $5 allowance is for employees who want to choose how much of their pay to use, which can go up to $200. The downside is that this fee can add up for many employees. low-income who should benefit from the program.