Introduction
Society changes at an unprecedented pace. What was considered to be a realm of science fiction twenty years ago is now a part of everyday life. The spheres, which underwent a particular notable transformation, are communication and data processing. Not only do they affect work, but they also manifest in home lives as well. Understanding what constitutes mobile computing, cloud computing, e-business, and the Internet of Things is essential in ascertaining their implications to businesses and society.
Mobile Computing
Mobile computing has enabled people to take advantage of computational efficiency while not being restricted to a confined space. In the era before smartphones, communications were limited because all computers had to be connected with wires. The only reliable way to reach a colleague was through a telephone call, which required both interlocutors to stay in the same position. The introduction of wireless technologies has lifted this necessity by allowing people to communicate in any place as long as they are within the network’s range.
Naturally, the wireless environment immediately became used for business purposes. First of all, any operations relating to money transfers were facilitated because any customer can make a transaction by using a smartphone. Many organizations use online apps, which streamline consumer browsing and purchases. Businesses themselves started to utilize mobile devices to regulate workflow. However, the rapidly rising popularity of mobile computing has also increased the risk of security breaches, corporate espionage, and data losses (Noor et al., 2018). Therefore, it is likely that privacy and data security will have greater emphasis in the future years.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is now used extensively in private and business activities. People can sync data inflow on all their devices on a cloud without worrying about storage limitations. At the same time, organizations benefit from the work speed that instant access to information provides. Moreover, cloud technology allows for data backup in case of emergency. However, Noor et al. (2018) argue that there are many types of data structures, which prevent devices from collaborating with each other. It can be resolved with cloud heterogeneity, which is likely to be implemented in the next five years.
Cloud computing is now used extensively in private and business activities. People can sync data inflow on all their devices on cloud, without worrying about the storage limitations. At the same time, organizations benefit from the work speed that instant access to information provides. Moreover, cloud technology allows for data backup in case of emergency. However, Noor et al. (2018) argue that there are many types of data structures, which prevent devices from collaborating with each other. It can be resolved with cloud’s heterogeneity, which is likely to be implemented in the next five years.
E-Business
Electronic business is a logical continuation of the presence of the Internet in everyday life. Due to e-business, society has access to thousands of platforms, which offer products and services. Customers can make purchases and even order deliveries from the comfort of their houses. A particular advantage is the transcendence of geographical boundaries. Shipping companies deliver orders, which are made possible due to e-business. In a similar manner, many organizations work 247, meaning that consumers can reach them at any point. Overall, e-business has allowed society a high level of convenience and accessibility.
Business structures use e-business for the purpose of digitalization. First, online management is cheaper because many subordinates can work from home. Second, the Internet allows for the diversification of business activities. A world-renowned company Amazon began as a book store but is now known as the biggest shipping entity for all types of products. The reason why this shift was possible in the first place lies in the capabilities of e-business. However, its benefits are not excluded to customer relationships, as organizations also use online portals for selling and the exchange of assets.
Internet of Things
The ultimate evolution of digitalization is the physical environment where every object is connected digitally. This is what the Internet of Things (IoT) technology aspires to accomplish – a totally interconnected house or workplace. With IoT, families can operate their appliances, such as coffee machines, TV sets, lighting with a touch on a smartphone or a watch. In the business environment, the Internet of Things can further streamline workflow, with all computers, accessories, and equipment being operable through apps. The next five years will focus on the implementation of the 5G networks as the next step in the harmonization of technologies (Wollschlaeger et al., 2017). The long-term goal is the automation of work processes with minimal human input.
Conclusion
Altogether, it should be evident that digital technology and wireless communications have drastically transformed both business and private lives. Mobile computing has eliminated space limitations, allowing increased flexibility of communications. Cloud computing resolved the problem of insufficient storage and limited access to data. Electronic business has revolutionized selling, overcoming physical and temporal barriers. Finally, the Internet of Things aspires to make every object a part of the network, which can be operated from a mobile device. Combined together, these advancements comprise a new dimension of technology-enhanced life.
References
Noor, T. H., Zeadally, S., Alfazi, A., & Sheng, Q. Z. (2018). Mobile cloud computing: Challenges and future research directions. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 115, 70-85.
Rainer, R. K., & Prince, B. (2019). Introduction to information systems (8th ed.) Wiley.
Wollschlaeger, M., Sauter, T., & Jasperneite, J. (2017). The future of industrial communication: Automation networks in the era of the internet of things and industry 4.0. IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine, 11(1), 17-27.