Every industry has its own set of buzzwords that are thrown around on a whim, simply because it’s the easiest way to communicate. Unfortunately, in an enterprise setting, not everyone is going to be technologically savvy enough to understand each and every technical buzzword out there. Since technology management is one of the most technically advanced things that you can do, especially on an enterprise level, we’ve put together a short list of some of the most common and relevant IT buzzwords that you’ll want to familiarize yourself with.
Artificial Intelligence
Look out, Mr. Anderson. Go back to the future, T-800 series. There is a new type of artificial intelligence taking the world by storm. In reality, science-fiction movies have grossly exaggerated artificial intelligence. AI is technology that can emulate human performance to a certain degree. However, the future for this technology is promising, as it can be used to automate less intensive processes or tasks. There are enterprise applications that already use artificial intelligence in some capacity, allowing computers to perform tasks like analyzing data/content, communicating with humans, learning and coming to conclusions, and aiding humans through cognitive computing. Artificial intelligence can help to understand and extrapolate large quantities of information to achieve new outcomes–something that an ordinary human might not be able to accomplish without a computer’s assistance.
Augmented Reality
You may recall the recent PokemonGo craze. It took augmented reality (AR) and brought it into the mainstream. There are, however, many applications of AR that can benefit businesses. Unlike virtual reality, which places the user in a completely digital world, augmented reality places virtual elements in the real world around you. These elements can be interacted with, to an extent. The major difference between VR and AR, is that virtual elements are injected into a real-world environment. Regarding business intelligence and your organization’s data, imagine being able to work with what amounts to holographic representations of your business’s data in real time.
Chief Data Officer
Data is the new currency. You’ve heard of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operations Officer (COO), and Chief Information Officer (CIO), but have you ever heard of the Chief Data Officer (CDO)? According to an IDG report, 75% of businesses have either planned to implement a big data project, or have already done so. The one in charge of implementing these processes, as well as overseeing any data management and deliverance, is the Chief Data Officer. It’s estimated that 90% of businesses will have a Chief Data Officer on-site by 2019 to handle any data-related ventures, ranging from governance and management to extrapolation and transformation. The CDO will work closely with the CIO to ensure that data is being used as effectively as possible.
Dashboard
Business and enterprise dashboards are used to provide an at-a-glance view of your organization’s operations, visual representations of key performance indicators, identify trends (both positive and negative), generate reports, and so much more. By using dashboards, your enterprise can help both administrators and employees improve the way they approach tasks and projects. Imagine having televisions or monitors in specific rooms so that users can see, at a glance, how much progress is being made on a specific task or campaign. This information can then be applied constructively to either improve quality or quantity of work performed, as needed. By putting the right one to use, you’ll see data insights by the dashboard light.
Machine Learning
Imagine having a computer that can learn automatically without being specifically programmed to do so. This is what machine learning essentially is. Many people use the terms for artificial intelligence and machine learning interchangeably, but they are not quite the same thing. Whereas artificial intelligence carries out predetermined tasks in a smart and efficient way, machine learning relies on providing data to computers and having them learn how to approach a task for themselves. For example, machine learning applications can analyze data and use it to make statements, decisions, and predictions about what is still to come.
Shadow IT
Shadow IT is a concept that has only increased in recent years due to innovations like the Internet of Things, Bring Your Own Device, and connected devices in general. Shadow IT happens when your employees go behind your back to implement devices or solutions that don’t necessarily comply with your internal IT department’s standards. Shadow IT can include anything from devices to software solutions or even online services, like email applications. Examples include installing free antivirus software rather than your designated enterprise-level solution, or having an employee keep company data in an online cloud that’s not protected adequately. When it comes to Shadow IT, you can’t afford to be left in the dark.
Would you like to learn more about business intelligence and analytics? Pick up the phone and talk data to me: 832-910-9222. For any of your enterprise’s IT needs, reach out to IronEdge.
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