Marc Fischer

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As the key crafters of the primary digital portals of businesses and organizations, full-stack developers need the tools and knowledge to maintain both the “face” of a website—the front end, or how it looks—as well as the “nuts and bolts”—the back end processes that make it work. They must be knowledgeable about the latest design and user experience trends and capable of architecting robust server-side logic. To keep up in an ever-evolving, wide-ranging role, it helps full-stack developers to have the right resources in their arsenals. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council detail the tools and skills every front-end developer needs for their everyday work and why they’re so important.

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Many tech companies develop products and services designed to make a positive social impact, from health monitoring technology to green energy solutions to fintech applications that expand financial services to the previously underserved—and many, many others. In addition to the direct positive impact they can make through the products they bring to the market, tech companies are uniquely positioned to maximize their social impact through collaborations with nonprofits, public and private agencies, and even each other.  With the help and expertise of today’s tech professionals, tomorrow’s world can be a much better place for all of us. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share practical strategies to help tech companies grow their social influence and impact.

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Small and medium-sized businesses often don’t have in-house technology development teams. Instead, they rely on existing market solutions to manage their tech needs. But even though they are many in number, SMBs individually may face an uphill battle when trying to work with large technology companies. While the products and services offered by Big Tech are powerful, they are frequently designed with enterprises in mind rather than smaller firms.  From budget constraints to a lack of in-house technical resources to make adding and managing third-party solutions easier, SMBs encounter myriad challenges that can make it difficult to take full advantage of essential technology tools. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council share common pain points SMBs struggle with when working with Big Tech—and what Big Tech can do to better serve this vital segment of the global economy.

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Every day, we hear more and more about what artificial intelligence can do. AI tools (including generative AI) are taking over tasks that have traditionally been done by humans. Still, no matter its ongoing evolution, AI is simply a tool, and its biggest—and most positive—impacts come when it’s used to support the inherent talents and ingenuity of human beings. Combining the capabilities of AI with the oversight and creativity of human users and operators can not only achieve better business processes, but also deliver outcomes that improve our health, protect our environment and enhance our lives. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share ways human ingenuity and AI are coming together to produce amazing results.

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For technology teams across industries, every day is a challenging one. Many of the processes in today’s digital workplace require reliable, 24/7 access to technology tools, and if the team is also tasked with building customer-facing products, the rounds of research, building, testing and refining can seem endless. As a technology leader, ensuring your team’s success requires more than just assigning tasks and setting deadlines. Supporting work-life balance and providing professional development aren’t just nice “perks,” but strategic imperatives. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share practical, impactful ways to promote your tech team’s well-being and growth.

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Tech devices, whether purchased and used by businesses or consumers, often represent a significant financial investment, so it’s no wonder everyone is interested in tips for extending their useful lives. Unfortunately, however, some commonly circulated advice is no longer accurate (or never has been), yet it’s still held as truth by many consumers—even some tech experts. Most of us are heavily reliant on our various devices, using them daily for everything from working to shopping to navigating to keeping in touch—and a whole lot more—so it’s important to access accurate advice about protecting them. Below, 19 members of Forbes Technology Council debunk common misconceptions about using and maintaining our workplace and personal tech devices and share the truth behind the myths.

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Mobile app developers and marketing professionals are currently facing a shared challenge: respecting consumers’ privacy while still effectively targeting and engaging their desired audiences. This difficulty has arisen not only because of new and evolving data privacy regulations (such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act), but also because consumers are increasingly wary of sharing their personally identifiable information. Fortunately, by leveraging smart strategies and technology tools, app creators and marketers can reach and engage target audiences while complying with applicable regulations—and respecting users’ PII may even bring the added bonus of enhanced consumer trust and loyalty. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share their expert tips for balancing a robust respect for privacy with the need to obtain insightful information.

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Cybersecurity trends, incidents and tips are everyday stories in business technology media, and consumers are regularly reminded to keep their computers and smartphones updated and to carefully maintain their account passwords. Still, there’s one segment of consumer technology that’s often overlooked in cybersecurity discussions: home Internet of Things devices.  As more and more interconnected IoT devices become everyday fixtures in homes, consumers need to be every bit as vigilant in protecting their full “digital network” as any business. Taking steps to secure IoT devices can help prevent, or at least mitigate, breaches and hacks. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their top tips for ensuring your in-home IoT devices are as secure as possible.

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Many people are spending more and more time online—and that includes kids, who may be logging on daily not only to check out social media sites or access entertainment content, but also to study and complete schoolwork. Users of all ages need to be aware of cybersecurity best practices and responsible internet usage. While adults often receive such training through work, kids may or may not be learning the same lessons at school, and they are unlikely to discover it on their own. It’s up to parents and guardians to ensure children learn about how to protect themselves from the real dangers—both in terms of data security and personal security—that are lurking in cyberspace. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share helpful resources and strategies to teach kids about online safety.

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It can be challenging for a technology business to assess and manage its product portfolio. A thorough evaluation goes beyond quantifying its dollar value; it also requires understanding the unique position your company and offerings hold in the marketplace. Only when you have a solid grasp of the holistic value of your offerings can you wisely allocate resources, pursue innovation that will be valued by the market, and remain competitive in a crowded, ever-evolving industry. When leaders of a tech business have a clear view of the value and potential of their offerings, it’s far easier to chart the optimal path ahead. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share best practices for tech companies seeking to assess and wisely manage their project portfolios.

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Tech industry insiders and the companies that follow their advice cite many benefits in shifting to the cloud, including cost savings, smoother collaboration in a remote work world, scalability and flexibility, and enhanced security. However, while these pluses are genuine and impactful, they’re not necessarily comprehensive; cybersecurity, in particular, can continue to prove problematic. While it’s true that cloud service providers have expertise and invest in security measures, it’s a huge mistake for a company’s leaders to assume that their business and data enjoy full and foolproof protection after a move to the cloud. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss the top security threats enterprises in the cloud face and how they can be addressed.

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Quality assurance is a leading priority for technology companies, and it’s about more than ensuring that products destined for market are built and perform as intended. QA is also vital to ensuring internal processes run as smoothly, swiftly and accurately as possible in service of the team and customers. Leveraging artificial intelligence can not only help tech firms test and monitor the software and products they build, but also streamline, verify and enhance the quality of a variety of essential company processes. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council share practical, impactful ways tech companies can leverage AI to support QA not only in product development, but also for essential internal functions.

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When building new software and services, tech teams are often simultaneously pressured on three fronts: speed, agility and safety. Building a sandbox environment allows developers to experiment with new ideas, iterate existing products and test the results in a realistic simulation without impacting or disrupting live systems. It can ensure bugs and security vulnerabilities are caught before they impact end users, provide an invaluable training environment for new team members, and allow devs to safely unleash and explore their creativity. Following best practices when setting up a sandbox environment is essential to ensure it provides the true-to-life—and secure—experimentation and testing ground your team needs. Below, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council share important tips for developing and maintaining safe, effective sandbox environments that provide genuine value to tech teams and organizations.

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In December 2023, it was widely reported that the Federal Trade Commission was investigating Adobe for its allegedly complex and costly subscription cancellation policies. In a marketplace flooded with software as a service companies that operate on a subscription basis, this development was a clear signal that regulatory agencies are paying closer attention to how tech product and service companies treat their customers. But it’s not only software subscription services that are under the microscope. Evolving regulations for handling personal data and responding to cybersecurity breaches impact every company that collects and utilizes data, and more scrutiny is being given to the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council detail common technology-related missteps that could land a business in reputational hot water—or even legal trouble.

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In July 2023, the Biden administration announced the publication of a roadmap for the National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan. The detailed initiative is aimed at ensuring “capable actors” take on more responsibility for cybersecurity while incentivizing increased investments in long-term cybersecurity efforts.  Reviewing the full details of the NCSIP and plotting a path forward will be among the most significant tasks for software companies in the coming months, but it can help to find out what industry experts say about the plan’s implications. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss important aspects of the NCSIP and share their recommendations on the steps software companies should take now to be ready.

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Multiple studies and opinion surveys performed across industries agree: It’s more cost-effective to retain existing customers than it is to acquire new ones. Knowing this, many business leaders devote extensive time and resources to answering the question, “What do we need to do to delight our current customers so that they’ll choose to stay with us?” While there are “customer service truths” that apply to any business, every business must discover the focused strategies that will effectively improve its customer retention metrics—including software development companies. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss practical, specific ways software development companies can enhance the customer experience to boost customer retention.

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There are many websites and apps devoted to helping people of all knowledge levels develop new skills, from cooking to speaking a new language to creating art. Unsurprisingly, in a world in which many of us use technology throughout the day, both at work and at home, there's high interest among both seasoned tech professionals and enthusiastic novices to learn how to better leverage today's array of tech tools, and tech leaders always want their team members to engage in continuous learning. Fortunately, there are many great options for anyone interested in brushing up their tech knowledge and skills. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share a varied selection of affordable (often free), practical and effective tech learning resources. Whether you're a tech leader building a learning culture, a seasoned tech pro or an interested layperson, you're sure to spot something on the list that can help you (and your team) hone your tech knowledge and skills.

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In the minds of many, blockchain technology may be synonymous with crypto. While blockchain does play a big role in that industry, it’s simply a tech tool—one whose potential applications range far beyond trading cryptocurrencies. There are many ways a secure, transparent, tamper-resistant record could be leveraged both to ensure ethical business practices and support humanitarian efforts. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council detail ways blockchain technology could be—and has been—a tool for promoting better business practices and helping humankind.

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Keeping up with all the latest technology trends and tools isn’t just the purview of industry experts anymore. With so many of us working, shopping, socializing and seeking entertainment online these days, curiosity about what’s coming to both workplace technology and the digital consumer marketplace is widespread. “Web3” is one term that many are seeing more and more these days. Representing a shift toward more user-centric, self-governed online and digital experiences, Web3 promises to put more power in the hands of consumers and open up new ways to manage our data, carry out transactions, interact with brands and more. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the Web3 tools and trends that may soon be more directly impacting the consumer marketplace and how the global digital world might soon be significantly expanding and changing.

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Augmented and virtual reality technologies—and their offshoot, mixed reality—have been enjoying renewed buzz recently. Products such as Apple’s Vision Pro are creating excitement about the future of entertainment and content delivery among both industry experts and consumers. But AR and VR can be powerful tools that help many disparate industries better and more fully serve their customers and clients. From life-changing healthcare applications to immersive ways to teach and learn, new and potential uses of AR and VR can foster better outcomes and stronger connections—not only with service providers and our favorite brands, but also with our world—and provide safe and accessible ways to tap into a variety of new experiences. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss and detail practical use cases for AR and VR across a spectrum of industries.

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Mobile apps provide users with a variety of services and entertainment, 24/7, via the powerful, portable computers many of us carry everywhere—our smartphones and tablets. And as more people rely primarily or solely on their mobile devices to shop, play games, manage day-to-day tasks and browse the internet, their expectations for mobile app design and functionality continue to grow. Keeping up with the latest trends in mobile app design is essential for developers who want their offerings to stand out among the tremendous number of apps in the marketplace and delight their users. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss trends in mobile app design that they believe will dominate in 2024. Read on to find out what’s in store, from how mobile apps are built and maintained to the added services they’ll soon bring to users.

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Recent history has shown the power of scientific research and endeavor in supporting human life and health, better understanding our planet, opening up space exploration and much, much more. Now, consider what could be accomplished by pairing entrepreneurial drive and corporate resources with the practices, knowledge and learnings of the scientific community—the results might literally change the world. So how, specifically, can industry and science come together for greater impact, and what should businesses know about how such partnerships and processes might work? Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share tips for businesses seeking to effectively leverage scientific research, innovation and methods to drive product development and gain a competitive edge in the market.

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If you’ve ever ordered pizza or fast food online, you’ve likely seen artificial intelligence in action, perhaps in the form of food suggestions based on your previous orders or, if it’s a national chain, a menu of special deals specific to your local area. AI has already penetrated the restaurant industry, but according to tech experts, it’s likely to soon bring even more to the table. From enabling easy selections and personalized experiences for diners to freeing up chefs’ time so they can explore their culinary creativity, AI could change how restaurateurs manage day-to-day operations and serve their valued customers. Below, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council detail ways AI may soon revolutionize the restaurant industry and how these developments will impact both workers and patrons.

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Artificial intelligence has its share of enthusiastic boosters and skeptical detractors. While there’s no question that AI is helping industry and the public in a variety of ways—streamlining processes, sharing information, personalizing experiences and more—sometimes its behavior has given even its proponents pause, with creators finding their tools performing in decidedly unintended ways. From developing its own language to discriminating against certain groups, there are well-documented cases of AI behaving in unexpected—and sometimes troubling—ways. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council recount ways AI has surprised its human overseers (and may do so again), as well as the lessons AI creators and users need to take from these instances to ensure the technology is a help to humans, not a harm.

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Not every small or midsize business is fortunate enough to have the resources for an in-house IT team. Even those that do may find that, in today’s digital workplace, their IT teams are struggling to keep up with everything asked of them. Whether it’s budgetary concerns, new or unusual requirements, or another reason, sometimes it’s in a business’ best interest to consider at least partially outsourcing its IT operations. Below, 17 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share some clear signs that it’s time for a business to consider outsourcing one or more of its IT functions.

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So much of what we do every day is carried out online, including working, learning, shopping and streaming entertainment. Imagine the sheer volume of data and interactions handled every day by platforms such as Amazon, Google or TikTok. Even in small companies, employees and sometimes clients require constant access to internal systems and data. Designing robust, scalable infrastructure capable of handling today’s heavy loads comes with new and broader challenges that can’t be conquered through the methods of previous decades. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss key considerations for architects building systems to manage heavy loads and how today’s digital highway design must evolve from that of traditional systems.

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In a challenging economy, businesses and their teams are seeking ways to cut costs, and that includes what they spend on technology. New tools and systems have opened up unprecedented possibilities for streamlining processes and saving money. Still, the pursuit of a “comprehensive” tech stack can come with unexpected overspending, especially if an organization’s various departments haven’t been keeping the IT team apprised of new hardware and/or software acquisitions. Further, to flip a common saying, it can be difficult to see the trees for the forest—centered in their organization’s technology efforts as they are, even tech leaders may be overlooking line items that could be cut in both their team’s budget and the company’s overall technology spend. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss common technology areas and functions that companies of all sizes and stripes may be spending too much on, as well as what can be done to trim the fat.

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Generative artificial intelligence—specifically, ChatGPT—has caught the world’s eye in 2023, and it’s proving a useful tool for everyone from content creators to coders to teachers and students. But do we need to dream bigger? Is there more to AI than drafting blog posts, devising interesting images and crafting spreadsheet formulas? Generative AI tools are undoubtedly providing valuable, time-saving and much-appreciated services for professionals and individuals every day, but experts say the results of recent months are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to AI’s potential. Below, 19 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the truly impactful—even world-changing—ways they believe AI could soon be leveraged and what that might mean for all of us.

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For a tech leader, team building can be complicated enough when everyone is working together in the same office. Tech teams usually have lengthy to-do lists that require focused, heads-down work, and it can be all too easy to retreat into team—and even individual—silos, leading to communication breakdowns and employee discontent. These issues can quickly spiral and be magnified in a tech team whose members all work remotely if a leader isn’t prepared with the right tools and strategies. The members of Forbes Technology Council have years of experience managing remote tech teams and have learned effective ways to keep not only individual staffers, but also full teams running smoothly, efficiently, effectively and happily in a remote work environment. Below, 20 of them share strategies for building a strong remote culture that fully supports team members and advances the company’s mission.

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Agile methodology can help software development teams and companies progress faster, pivot more easily and provide steady, measurable value to end users. However, while Agile methodology can help teams define and carry out a smooth journey of creating and maintaining high-quality, ever-improving products and services, it first has to be implemented successfully, and that initial journey is often far from smooth. There are certain stumbling blocks that many organizations seeking to implement Agile for the first time encounter. Fortunately, with foresight and determination, they can be overcome. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the challenges teams commonly face when introducing Agile and how to overcome them.

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While blockchain technology initially gained fame through crypto offerings such as Bitcoin, its practical and transformative capabilities extend far beyond the realm of digital currencies. Across various sectors, blockchain technology holds the promise of streamlining operations, enhancing security and improving transparency. From medical centers to media, multiple industries and everyday activities could benefit from blockchain technology. Below, 17 Forbes Technology Council members explain how blockchain could reshape both business and social processes and drive innovation across the board.

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Globally, eyes are turning to the skies again, and the economic impact could be huge: Morgan Stanley has estimated that the space industry could generate revenue of more than $1 trillion or more by 2040. Obviously, the space industry can’t function without technology, but the technology industry also stands to benefit from the renewed pursuit of space research and travel. With foresight and ingenuity, ambitious startups could not only support space operations, but also improve daily life here on Earth. From providing support products and services for space-focused efforts to leveraging newly acquired access to unique resources, an exciting time for new tech startups may be on the horizon. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss ways tech companies could soon both serve and benefit from the burgeoning space industry.

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Across industries, artificial intelligence is quietly (and not so quietly) enhancing business operations in a variety of ways, from streamlining processes to improving customer experiences (and everything in between). However, effective AI solutions require data, and much of that data comprises sensitive customer or proprietary business information. As AI is increasingly integrated into everyday operations, organizations need to ensure they establish and follow robust, holistic data privacy practices—and the customers they serve need to know that they do. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss essential, effective data privacy practices every business should understand and employ.

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Across the digital marketplace, we’re in an era of high open-source code usage. Tech companies often incorporate open-source code snippets in their own software, while businesses across industries often opt for open-source products for daily work. While there are no doubt convenience and productivity benefits to tapping open-source products and libraries, because anyone can access and modify open-source code, it does present the challenge of ensuring secure software dependencies. It’s essential for organizations that leverage open-source code libraries and products to establish comprehensive strategies—which may include specialized tools—to minimize their vulnerability and security risk and, in the case of tech companies, assure users that their software is built on a secure foundation. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share effective tools and strategies to help organizations maintain safe, sustainable software dependencies.

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Part of the remit of every tech leader is monitoring the company’s tech stack, evaluating the effectiveness of current tools, and implementing changes if or as needed. When the time comes to upgrade or replace a tool or service, a tech leader with a recommendation in mind has done their research and is fully convinced that they’ve made the right choice for the business. However, it can be difficult to convince other leaders and team members who aren’t experts and who are leery of disruption. While your colleagues know you have the best interests of the organization at heart, they’re generally more receptive to—even excited about—a new tech tool or service if they clearly understand your reasoning. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some essential details a tech leader should include when making the business case for a new technology investment.

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Recently, generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT have had a big impact, reshaping educational and professional landscapes. As generative AI continues to be adopted for everything from content creation to coding, current and incoming college students would be wise to think now about navigating an evolving workplace.  With the right foundation, aspiring knowledge workers can confidently step into a world where knowing how to leverage generative AI is a necessity for growth and success. Below, 18 Forbes Technology Council members share advice to guide students and professionals toward a future where they’ll be increasingly working with AI.

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With the rise of digital workspaces and marketplaces, having a firm grip on identity and access management is a must for every business. Simply put, IAM comprises the processes and technologies used to monitor and control access to a company’s digital resources, including networks, applications, and organizational and user data. Without a robust IAM system to verify users’ identities, manage role- and permission-based access, and secure sensitive data, a business leaves itself open to unauthorized access, data breaches and even legal penalties, so it’s essential for leadership teams to be aware of rising trends and emerging threats. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council detail important new trends and growing concerns businesses need to stay on top of as they develop and maintain effective IAM systems.

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For a tech leader and their team, planning future sprints can be exciting—and overwhelming. Whether a sprint is focused on customer-facing or internal tech, it’s likely the team has several issues they need or want to address. On top of that, they’ve almost certainly received feedback from multiple stakeholders, all of whom believe their personal idea or issue is “hot.” Setting sprint priorities requires balancing a tech leader’s knowledge of what’s really pressing with pursuing the initiatives that will have the most positive impact on the business and end users. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share the priorities and data points they consider when planning future sprints.

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There are compelling reasons for budget-conscious businesses to leverage lesser known or open-source software solutions. They’re definitely a cost-effective option—they’re often free, and with open-source software, there are no licensing or vendor fees. Companies with tech-savvy staff can adapt such software to create custom solutions for their unique needs. Further, every business is (or should be) concerned with tech security and transparency; since anybody can access the code, open-source software is continuously being tested, reviewed and improved by a community of users and developers. From word processors to the building blocks of custom software, open-source and other lesser-known but customizable solutions can meet many business technology needs. Below, 19 members of Forbes Technology Council share some software tools that can not only provide options for cost-conscious companies, but can even compete with Microsoft, Salesforce and other software giants.

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In our global, digital world, there are people working and shopping online and surfing the Web for information 24/7. This often means that customers are seeking to contact or obtain help from a business outside its normal operational hours, and that customer service professionals are facing a higher volume of support requests than they have in the past. Happily, technology can help—both in filling in the gaps when human agents aren't available and in helping customer service teams more quickly and efficiently manage and address questions and concerns. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share customer service tools—both internal and customer-facing as well as leading-edge and old-school—that can help businesses turn customers with questions into loyal fans.

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As a business grows and evolves, it’s highly likely that the technology powering it will become obsolete or no longer sufficient for its needs. The challenge is knowing when that moment comes and how to make needed changes and upgrades that enhance and simplify users’ work, not slow them down or frustrate them. A modernization initiative has to happen before there’s a significant breakdown and/or security issue, and it needs to be carefully planned to minimize, as far as possible, productivity disruptions for users. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their tips for knowing when, and how, to update your company’s legacy tech.

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Many of us have had a laugh watching old movies or newsreels that predicted that, by now, we'd all be living in a space-age, tech-heavy society similar to that shown on The Jetsons. Even so, many of us are ready to uncritically embrace news and even entertainment media stories about the "latest game-changing tech." Considering all the ways technology has come to impact our lives the past few decades, it's an understandable, if misguided, impulse. While tech industry leaders are probably more enthusiastic about promising tech advancements than anyone, they also understand the reality and limitations of even the most highly hyped tech. Below, 19 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some heavily promoted consumer and business technologies and systems that may not actually be able to do what they're credited with (at least, not yet) or that may even have significant, but overlooked, downsides. 

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We took our ChatGPT-powered chatbot app from an idea to the app store in just eight days. Here's how you can do the same with your projects.

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From work to shopping, many businesses and consumers are doing more things online and remotely these days. While that certainly comes with convenience benefits, it can also detract from the direct, in-depth experiences that can only come with in-person interactions. But that may be changing. Augmented reality and virtual reality technologies have seen a resurgence in recent years, with major companies including Apple and Meta devoting significant resources to their development. Indeed, these technologies are already in use by businesses and consumers, and in both the near and long terms, their impact is likely to grow. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some everyday business and consumer tasks that are—or soon may be—improved by AR and VR.

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Biotechnology comprises the study and manipulation of living organisms with the goal of creating new products and processes that can improve our health and/or standards of living. It’s a field that can lead to revolutionary new developments in everything from healthcare to food production to waste management.  Major happenings in the biotech industry can have a significant impact on humanity, the Earth and the animal kingdom, so it’s not surprising that headlines from the field are of immense interest to tech experts and the general public alike. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the amazing new and emerging biotech tools and developments everyone should know about and why they’re so exciting.

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In today’s digital, fast-moving marketplace, many businesses are undertaking digitization initiatives. The goals may be many, including streamlining processes, enhancing data collection, reducing production and service costs, boosting the customer experience and even optimizing sustainability practices. Since digitization seeks transformation through technology, tech leaders are often the ones tasked with creating and steering the plans. By clearly identifying desired outcomes and considering the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders, a tech leader can ensure the digitization initiative they design has a good chance of achieving its goals. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their expert tips for companies and tech leaders setting out on the digitization journey.

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Tech leaders regularly have to explain and/or advocate for new tech products, concepts and ideas to fellow leaders or clients, so doing so quickly becomes familiar territory. Still, one challenge remains constant: Even when you’re certain your solution is the right one for your company or a client, it can be difficult to know how to explain the benefits without getting bogged down in technical details. In these situations, it helps to know your listeners trust your judgment (if they didn’t, you wouldn’t be there). You just have to explain your position in a way that’s clear and understandable to listeners who don’t share your level of expertise. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share the tried and true strategies they recommend to ensure stakeholders grasp the benefits of a tech solution you’re suggesting.

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When a business sets out to modernize an application—whether used externally or by its clients—the objectives may be many, including improved performance, cost savings, better security and less need for maintenance. In an environment where technology evolves on a daily basis, ensuring applications are modernized to fully meet users’ needs and expectations is a competitive necessity. However, if important steps in the process are skipped, a variety of negative outcomes can surface, from being trapped in a cycle of updates and bug fixes to losing users—and money. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share essential steps in an effective and comprehensive application modernization initiative, and why it’s important not to skip them.

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Most people who aren’t immersed in the tech industry may have heard of quantum computing and know that it’s “faster” than classical computing, but they’re likely unclear on the details. In the end, though, for most businesses and consumers, the details of quantum computing don’t really matter. The question they really want answered is, “What will it be able to do?” Quantum computing may have near-limitless possibilities, but what’s likely to fire the imaginations of many laypeople is quantum’s impact on the constant—but pressing and serious—issues businesses and society as a whole face. It turns out that quantum computing may soon be making everyday work easier and genuinely improving our quality of life. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss a few of the business functions and social challenges that may soon be better managed through the power of quantum computing.

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Many companies have committed to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Still, in a tight tech marketplace where multiple companies are often competing for talent, tech leaders may be asked why it’s so important that technology design and product development teams include diverse members. When a company needs to fill positions quickly, does the final makeup of the team really matter? According to experienced tech leaders, yes, it does. Having a diverse team of designers and engineers goes beyond simply bringing “feel good” benefits—it can provide a significant competitive edge and demonstrate a clear commitment to creating the best possible products and services for customers. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the reasons why it’s smart to strive for diversity not only among team members, but also when exploring the perspectives and situations of end users.

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Sometimes when an innovative technology is introduced, its potential impact isn’t initially recognized. Take 3-D printing, which has been around since the 1980s. It was originally dismissed as a niche technology with limited usefulness—perhaps the occasional custom design or art piece. However, as 3-D technology has evolved and become more affordable, industries and government agencies have pioneered a variety of new and impactful applications. From more efficient, “greener” manufacturing to the support of life-altering (and life-saving) care, 3-D printing is finding a host of new uses across industries and public services. Below, 12 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss a few of the innovative industrial applications of 3-D printing that have already seen success.

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Many tech experts recommend users power down their mobile devices each day—and not just because it’s a smart part of maintenance. Our mobile devices enable us to work from anywhere, keep up with the news, access entertainment and stay in touch, and many of us spend large chunks of the day using them. But there are many reasons—both tech-related and human-focused—why it’s a smart idea to “take a break from each other” for a while. From prolonging the life of our devices to reminding ourselves of the importance of unstructured time and human relationships, there are many good reasons to fully power down our technology tools at least once a day. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss a few of the many benefits of regularly turning off our mobile devices.

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Often, consumer technology is primarily thought of in terms of its entertainment value, and it can sometimes be dismissed as the latest “toys” and “gadgetry.” However, there’s much more to consumer technology than smartphones (and even those are developing impressive new abilities).  From technology to help us monitor and improve our health to new tools for public safety to enhanced ways to experience the world around us, consumer-facing technology has a lot in store for all of us in the next few years. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss the consumer-facing tech products and developments they’re excited about (and even a little bit in love with) and why they think they’re societal game-changers. 

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In the not-too-distant past, many viewed virtual reality primarily as a fun addition to gaming and entertainment applications. But in recent years, more and more companies and industries have been exploring new uses for VR—uses that hold the promise to provide immersive simulations that could revolutionize the user experience. From groundbreaking entertainment and interactive education to innovative medical therapies and enhanced workplace collaboration, VR's possibilities and potential UX impact seem boundless. Below, 17 Forbes Technology Council members dive into some compelling applications of VR that are poised to reshape how we perceive and interact with the world around us. 

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These days, many of us work some or all of the time from home. We stream movies, TV series and documentaries from one or more streaming services; listen to music and podcasts online; and log on to play the latest video games. We ask Alexa to order a pizza for dinner or head into the kitchen to make our own meal with our smart appliances. All this goes to say that modern life for many is heavily online and digital, which means that one of the top items on the list when someone moves into a new home is setting up an account with an internet service provider. But how much do consumers know about the fine details of the services ISPs provide? Below, 12 members of Forbes Technology Council share valuable information—both cautionary tales and little-known features—about ISP practices and services that many consumers don't know (but should).

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For many of us, technology touches every aspect of our lives, from the hardware and software that power our work to the devices that entertain us and help us manage our homes. In many ways, it enhances our quality of living, whether by allowing us to work from home or to access online educational, business and government services with the click of a mouse. The creative minds in various sectors aren’t done working on ways to help humanity through technology. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council talk about some of the emerging technologies they believe could truly contribute to solving global challenges.

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Machine learning models can be incredibly valuable tools for business leaders. They can aid in interpreting historic data, making decisions for future initiatives, helping to improve the customer experience, detecting fraud—and more.  However, a poorly trained or maintained ML model can provide outputs that are unhelpful or even misleading. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the common mistakes businesses should be careful to avoid when developing and utilizing ML models.

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Artificial intelligence has been the subject of innumerable headlines the past several years, increasing the public’s interest in (and concern about) its potential. In recent weeks, the media has featured stories both about the many uses for and the drawbacks of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. And the entertainment industry has been debating both the pros (such as the rise of new art forms) and cons (deepfakes that can replicate a performer’s face and/or voice, with or without their permission) of the proliferation of AI. Such stories make it clear that while AI is a powerful resource that’s not going away, industries, governments and the public at large need to stay updated on its developments and think carefully about the ethical implications of its use. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council share some of the surprising—even unsettling—ways AI is or could be leveraged that the general public may not know about, but should.

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While there are some fundamental principles when it comes to good user interface and user experience design, advances in technology change what designers are able to incorporate in software and services. Further, users’ expectations and preferences evolve alongside tech capabilities as they experience what’s new and possible. Savvy tech developers are wise to pay attention to trends both in how designs are created and in what today’s users expect and value in tech products and services. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share some of the rising trends in UI/UX design that are now or soon will be must-haves for new products. From new processes and features powered by artificial intelligence to commitments to better serving all users, these trends give a glimpse of the future of tech applications and software.

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Tech experts are also tech enthusiasts, and they love it when a digital product is done well. This includes business websites—which, depending on the features and tools provided to users, can range from highly effective informational, marketing and sales tools to near-wasted digital space. The right blend of design elements and helpful services can make a company's website one of its best ambassadors and salespeople. As both business leaders and tech gurus, the members of Forbes Technology Council recognize a well-designed, user-friendly website when they see one. Below, 17 of them share the tools and features they love to see on business websites, and why.

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Strong collaboration between the sales and IT teams in a tech company has always been important, but no more so than in today's fast-paced, digitally driven business world. When the members of these two essential departments fail to sync their efforts, significant challenges can emerge, including mutual frustration, missed opportunities and, worst of all, the loss of clients. To overcome the obstacles to effective cross-departmental collaboration, tech companies must craft and stick to strategies that foster alignment between the sales and IT teams, ensuring seamless communication and shared objectives. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council explore key strategies that can help bridge gaps and keep both teams on the same page.

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Low-code and no-code tools are becoming increasingly popular in businesses across industries, and their appeal is clear. These tools' prebuilt templates and components can help skilled developers create custom applications more quickly. Some options have robust foundations and functionality that allow even non-technical users to craft tools that combine the benefits of out-of-the-box software and custom-built applications. In either case, the cost savings are undoubtedly attractive. Still, there are potential drawbacks to relying heavily or exclusively on low-code and no-code tools, especially for businesses that don't have in-house tech experts to vet them and ensure they're being used safely and wisely. Below, 19 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the possible downsides to the expansion of low-code and no-code tools businesses need to be aware of.

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Improving collaboration between an organization's development and operations teams via an effective DevOps initiative can yield multiple benefits, including faster delivery times, better-quality software and cost savings, to name just a few. But when a DevOps initiative isn't working well, it's unlikely to provide any of these benefits—it may even cause a host of new problems. Leaders who are overseeing the introduction and progress of a DevOps initiative must be aware of the signs that could indicate things aren't progressing according to plan. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council share signs a DevOps program isn't working well and what leaders can do to set things right.

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There’s an enormous amount of published leadership advice targeted at tech leaders, with certain tips garnering widespread sharing and acceptance. However, ubiquity doesn’t necessarily equate to accuracy.  Experience has taught many tech leaders that regularly shared management advice can be inaccurate or even counterproductive. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share common pieces of tech leadership advice they’ve grown skeptical of and what their experience has taught them to do instead.

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Tech leaders and professionals aren’t the only ones interested in the latest tech headlines. Business leaders and professionals of all stripes work with a variety of tech tools each day and are interested in learning how to better leverage them, as well as the latest tools they may be tasked with learning next (such as generative artificial intelligence). Further, a lot of us have one or more “tech toys” we can’t imagine living without, and what’s new and noteworthy in consumer tech is always interesting.  There’s certainly no shortage of tech-focused media out there—but how does a layperson know which resources are reliable and comprehensible? Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council—all industry leaders and experts—share the layperson-friendly resources they’d recommend for getting accurate, up-to-date news on tech developments.

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While it’s essential to focus on metrics specific to the tech team’s day-to-day work, CIOs and CTOs must also look at broader data on productivity, customer and employee satisfaction, and returns on investment, since technology initiatives can have a high impact on all these results. This is true not only for companies that provide tech products and services, but also for companies in which the tech team’s primary work is supporting internal efforts.   It’s a well-known maxim that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. With that in mind, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss telling business metrics that can guide CIOs and CTOs as they work to continuously improve tech initiatives and results.

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Biometric technology identifies individuals based on their unique physical or behavioral traits. Government bodies, businesses and product developers increasingly leverage biometric systems, citing safety and convenience enhancements among the reasons behind the decision. As with many burgeoning technologies, biometric tech is being met with both excitement and some concern by experts in the industry. Since it's likely most members of the public are or will soon be impacted by biometric tech, they need to understand the details. Below, 17 Forbes Technology Council members discuss the capabilities of biometric technology, how it's evolving, and the potential benefits and drawbacks the public needs to know about. 

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A shift to the cloud can come with multiple benefits for a small business, including enhanced productivity, the ability to quickly evolve processes and easier management of team technology needs. But that doesn’t mean the cloud is a comprehensive or “set it and forget it” solution. Before and after a move to the cloud, small businesses must be ready to manage a variety of issues, from costs to compliance (and beyond). Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council cover essential steps to ensure a shift to the cloud leads to long-term success.

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Every software development project starts with high hopes and expectations, but without careful planning, any one of a variety of obstacles can impede a successful release. From unclear specs to miscommunication to overlooking the real needs of end users, missteps along the development path can lead to lengthy delays (or even disaster). Fortunately, many of the problems software development teams regularly encounter can actually be anticipated and avoided. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share some common obstacles to the successful completion of a software project and how tech leaders and their teams can overcome them.

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There are many “giants” in the tech industry, from household names such as Apple to companies whose names the public may not know, but whose products consumers use daily. Because of their impact, these big tech companies often garner both positive headlines for leading-edge products and practices and negative headlines for missteps.  It can be both a blessing and a curse to be a constant focus of media attention. But it’s not just the tech giants themselves who are impacted by all the information shared about them. Companies of all sizes and industries can learn from the big tech companies—not only from what they do right, but also from what they get wrong. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the lessons any company can learn from big tech companies and how to leverage them for success.

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Most of us use technology for many of our work processes and then turn to our personal devices for information, entertainment and productivity. Even so, the average user isn’t an expert and probably isn’t realizing all the advantages their tech applications and devices can offer. The members of Forbes Technology Council know how to maximize the benefits of tech tools and better understand “how it all works.” Below, 20 of them share their favorite tech tips to help average users increase their productivity, expand their devices’ capabilities, extend the life of their equipment and generally improve their relationships with technology.

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The underlying goal behind embracing DevOps is to streamline and improve the software delivery process by bringing an organization’s development and IT operations teams together. Promoting enhanced communication and collaboration between the teams ideally leads to faster production times, fewer bugs and issues, and a better-quality final product. However, none of those benefits will be realized if a DevOps initiative isn’t carefully considered and implemented. Below, 19 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share both best practices and missteps to avoid when initiating a DevOps program to ensure it motivates stakeholders and achieves its ultimate goal.

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Businesses today run on digital data managed in digital workspaces, making identity and access management a central, ongoing challenge to be solved. To ensure only the right people with the right credentials are able to access a company’s valuable data and systems, leaders must stay on top of emerging IAM trends, including both evolving best practices and new threat vectors. While enhancing security is the most pressing issue, new IAM solutions are also working to make the end-user experience as smooth and simple as possible. Below, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the rising IAM trends—both solutions and threats—that companies need to pay attention to.

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While strong skills and knowledge of the latest trends and tools are essential if an IT team is to succeed in today’s tech-dominated, fast-evolving workplace, they alone won’t guarantee the highest levels of performance. A blend of soft skills and growth traits is essential for an IT team to achieve the best results. While it’s ideal if new team members walk through the door with these “extra” qualities, that doesn’t always happen. Fortunately, with thought and smart strategies, tech leaders can cultivate these traits within their teams. Below, 19 members of Forbes Technology Council share some key qualities they believe IT teams need to perform at a high level, as well as strategies tech leaders can leverage to develop them.

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Protecting intellectual property from former employees and other companies is an essential effort for tech industry businesses. While the majority of professionals are honest, it only takes one unscrupulous (or careless) former employee to expose a company’s valuable IP to the market. Proactive strategies for protecting IP are a must for every tech company. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share several effective steps that can help protect both companies and their team members and ensure invaluable IP remains in the hands of those who created it.

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All companies thrive on innovation, and that’s especially true when it comes to tech teams. Whether part of a business that creates tech products and services for the broader market or simply tasked with managing the tools that power a company, a tech team with an innovative mindset is more likely to develop ideas and solutions that can give an organization a critical competitive edge. From fostering big-picture thinking to providing needed time and tools to being always willing to entertain challenges to the status quo, there’s much that tech leaders can do to encourage their team members to fearlessly pursue innovation. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council share their advice on effective ways to foster a culture of innovation in tech teams.

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By overlaying digital information—including images, models, sounds and other sensory stimuli—augmented reality can allow users, wherever they are, to engage in a variety of realistic experiences. These can range from simple (such as trying on a pair of glasses online) to immersive (interacting with other individuals in a digital room).  In essence, AR can allow someone to “be” someplace they’re not and interact with realistic digital twins of both people and things. This opens up a wide range of potential applications for industries to enhance and improve everything from employee training to customer experiences. Here, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss smart ways businesses could leverage augmented reality to improve their processes or better serve customers.

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Many of us are awed by what technology can do today, but quantum computing is poised to make exponential changes to a multitude of functions across industries and entities, which could radically change how we live and work. Quantum computers are not only faster than most modern computers, but they can also carry out multiple calculations at once. This means that quantum computers could tackle problems that have simply been unsolvable before—and potentially introduce problems we’ve never encountered before. While many tech experts are excited and hopeful about the potential of quantum computing, they’re also aware that it could come with complications. Here, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss specific ways (both exciting and concerning) the rise of quantum computing could soon impact our global society.

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Internet of Things devices are equipped with sensors that enable them to exchange data with a centralized network and even with each other. The IoT comprises a wide range of products, from voice-activated assistants such as Google’s Alexa to autonomous vehicles to smart appliances to manufacturing equipment and much more. Leveraged wisely, IoT technology can help a variety of companies significantly improve the customer experience—indeed, even companies that produce IoT devices can use those devices’ innate capabilities to provide a continuous feedback loop that leads to a better, more responsive CX. Here, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss ways companies across industries can smartly leverage the functionality and capabilities of IoT technology to improve how their customers interact with, benefit from and enjoy their products and services.

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As business owners and leaders know, in today’s competitive marketplace, it’s not easy to land top tech professionals. Even so, companies looking to fill a tech position shouldn’t let a fear of missing out keep them from due diligence when assessing applicants. Making the wrong hire can not only lead to frustration for both parties, but can also have a big negative impact on overall productivity and team morale. The members of Forbes Technology Council have interviewed many job candidates over the years, and they have learned how to spot both exciting potential and concerning warning signs. Below, 16 of them share the details (both positive and negative) they watch for when assessing job candidates and why they’re so important.

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Tech leaders rely on and deeply value the skills, experience and even intuition of the developers on their team who bring ambitious new projects to life. Still, tech leaders are often frustrated by bad habits on the part of devs that not only hold them back, but can also lead to significant negative effects throughout the project pipeline.  Because they know the great things devs can achieve when they leverage their full knowledge and skills and follow good practices, tech leaders would love to see their team members shed all-too-common poor and even self-defeating practices. Here, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss things they wish the developers on their teams would stop doing, and why these practices cause problems.

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In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying up to date on the latest trends and developments is essential for professionals in the industry. For busy tech execs, podcasts can be an excellent resource for learning about new technologies, hearing from industry leaders and staying informed about emerging trends. Below, a panel of Forbes Technology Council members shares some of the most insightful and valuable tech-focused podcasts available today. From deep dives into the latest tech news to interviews with top tech experts, these podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge and insights for anyone interested in the tech industry. 

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Voice-activated technology has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with devices such as smart speakers and virtual assistants quickly gaining popularity among users. These applications are designed to be convenient and easy to use, allowing users to control their devices without having to lift a finger. While the benefits of voice-activated tech are many, there are also some potential downsides that users should be aware of. Below, a panel of Forbes Technology Council members takes a closer look at some of the details—both intriguing and concerning—that users should know about voice-activated technology.

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Technology never stands still, and nor does the global economy—and tech leaders and their teams are dealing with uncertainties in both areas in 2023. From trimming budgets to tackling ever-changing and growing cybersecurity threats, tech leaders are facing a challenging year ahead. While every organization will have its own, unique slate of concerns, knowing what others in the industry are bracing for can help tech leaders ensure they’ve considered all possible contingencies to prepare for. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some of the new and significant challenges their departments are facing this year and how they are planning to overcome them.

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Tech industry events provide a valuable opportunity for professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations. While CES is the “big one” of the year for many companies, there are many other gatherings that generate excitement among tech teams.  With events focused on everything from gaming to cybersecurity (and everything in between), tech professionals can network with peers, learn from industry leaders and gain new insights into emerging technologies. Below, a panel of Forbes Technology Council members discusses some of their favorite industry events and why they generate so much buzz among today’s tech professionals.

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Technology has become a cornerstone of almost every industry, and when it fails, the effects can be devastating. In late 2022 and early 2023, the aviation industry learned this lesson well when high-profile tech failures at Southwest Airlines and the FAA caused massive flight delays and cancellations for travelers across the U.S. These significant disruptions highlight the need for robust technological systems and processes—something that applies to businesses regardless of their field or sector. Below, 14 Forbes Technology Council members share important lessons tech leaders and companies can learn from these highly publicized incidents and how they can apply them to prevent such high-impact problems in their organizations.

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CES, one of the world’s most highly publicized and influential technology events, wrapped its 2023 edition in January, showcasing the latest and greatest innovations in consumer electronics. From cutting-edge smart home devices and wearables to futuristic robots and gaming gadgets, the event featured its usual impressive array of new products and developments. Among the items showcased are certain to be some that will soon make a big splash in the tech marketplace. Below, a group of experts from Forbes Technology Council provides a closer look at some of the most exciting new products and developments that made headlines at CES 2023. 

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A company’s “digital front door”—its website—plays an invaluable role in telling its story, educating potential customers and, often, making sales. But the attention spans of online consumers are growing ever shorter, and a slow-performing website will lead users and customers to log off and look elsewhere. Even a few seconds of delay can lead to a loss of potential customers and revenue.  As such, businesses must prioritize website speed to ensure they meet the expectations of their online audience. Below, 12 Forbes Technology Council members share some practical strategies and tools for improving website performance so you can deliver an engaging, seamless and speedy online experience for your customers.

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Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has seemed that business technology has evolved and expanded at an astounding rate. While the direct impacts of the pandemic are beginning to fade, business tech is poised to continue to evolve, with both new tools and focuses that will change the ways businesses make decisions, interact with customers, manage data and more. Knowing what’s to come can help business leaders pinpoint the trends that could influence their industries and, potentially, boost their bottom lines. Below, 13 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share their predictions for the business tech trends that will dominate headlines and C-suite meetings in 2023.

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Taking on a leadership role for the first time is an exciting milestone in a tech professional’s career. However, it’s essential to accept that more has changed than just your title. Letting go of some hands-on work (and occasionally, even leadership tasks) is essential if a new tech leader is going to give their full attention to their new responsibilities.  To be effective, delegation must be done right—if not, essential tasks may slip through the cracks and team members may become frustrated. The members of Forbes Technology Council are seasoned leaders with long experience managing teams. Below, they share tips to help new tech leaders learn how to delegate the right tasks to the right team members.

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Each year, companies across industries as well as savvy tech watchers look forward to the Consumer Technology Association’s CES event (previously known as the Consumer Electronics Show). Many tech companies that minimized their participation in CES in 2021 and 2022 in light of ongoing Covid-19 concerns may be planning to have a bigger footprint at CES 2023.  If your company is planning a major product announcement and/or demo in 2023, you’ll want to ensure you’re thoroughly prepared to make a big impact. But even if your team isn’t planning to present, it’s still wise to have a well-thought-out plan for maximizing the time you’ll have for scoping out competitors and networking with colleagues. Among the members of Forbes Technology Council are industry leaders who have seen major success at (and because of) CES. Below, 16 of them share their tips to help tech leaders and their teams make the most of CES 2023.

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With the variety of tech careers available these days—several of them well-paying—many parents would love to encourage their children to view technology not just as a tool for convenience and entertainment but also as a potential career. And businesses scrambling to secure tech talent in a tight market would love to see the incoming talent tide grow. When a child expresses an interest in technology, providing them with the resources to explore that interest can launch them on a path of learning and discovery that will lead to a rewarding, lifelong career. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share some easily accessible, inexpensive resources parents and schools can leverage to support kids who are interested in learning more about technology.

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The end-of-year holiday season—traditionally the busiest time of year for shopping—brings both excitement and stress for retailers, especially in the age of e-commerce. Whether some or all of your sales come from online shopping, there are many steps that it’s essential to get right if your business is going to stand out and compete in a very crowded, very competitive online marketplace. And it’s important to ensure nothing disrupts the ease, convenience and security of shopping on your e-commerce site—or your customers will head to someone else’s. Fortunately, with some smart prep work, e-commerce companies can leverage technology tools to ensure their customers have an exceptional, worry-free experience. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share tips to help e-commerce companies prepare for the holiday season sales rush.

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Leaders often want to get tasks done themselves to ensure quality and timely completion, but no leader can do it all. Delegating certain tasks to other members of your team frees up time so that you can get more accomplished and continue to grow in your leadership position. And as tech leaders play increasingly large roles in companies, it’s essential for them to embrace the art of delegation.  IT leaders have a lot of unique opportunities to delegate work, from automating repetitive tasks to appointing someone to oversee product management. Here, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share some tasks IT leaders should get off their plates as soon as possible.

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Many of today’s consumers prefer using digital payment methods such as Apple Pay, PayPal or Venmo to make the purchasing process more convenient. As a business owner, accepting these types of payments can signal to customers that you have a modern, streamlined checkout process. However, customers may lose trust in your brand if your digital payment system isn’t working properly or if there is ever a security breach. If you do decide to accept digital payment methods, there are a few important things to consider and set up first. Below, a panel of Forbes Technology Council members offers their best advice for ensuring a secure and easy digital payment process.

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Many of us spend our days working on a computer or laptop or with other tech tools. We head home and prepare the evening meal, often with smart appliances, then scan our social media on a tablet while watching the latest trendy series on our smart TV. And of course, many people find it unthinkable to go anywhere without their smartphones in a purse or pocket. We’re immersed in technology these days, and we’ve grown to value the convenience, reassurance and entertainment that come with our tools and toys. So it’s always exciting to hear the latest expert takes on the consumer-facing tech we can look forward to in the months to come. Below, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss a few new and upcoming technologies that may soon have more consumer applications, as well as trendy tech products they’re especially excited about.

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From establishing team leaders to understanding your own data, there’s a lot to keep in mind when developing a well-thought-out data governance strategy. However, with the right team and know-how, a successful strategy will create effective and productive data collection and management processes and establish future-forward standards for a business. As experienced tech leaders, the members of Forbes Technology Council understand the importance of creating strong data governance strategies in their own organizations. Here, they share 13 essential best practices for companies looking to develop such a strategy for themselves.

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Whatever a product-based business produces or sells—whether it’s software, sedans, sandals or salsa—it’s essential to keep up with the latest developments in technology. The Covid-19 pandemic, for example, ushered in an explosion in e-commerce, with many product businesses starting or expanding their online retail operations. That trend is not the first time technology has revolutionized product-based business operations, and it certainly won’t be the last. The tech trends experts see coming to product-based enterprise include tools and services to reach new customers, generate marketing copy, collect and analyze customer data, and even take over the actual manufacture of products (and much more). Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss the new and emerging tech developments they believe will have a big impact on product-based businesses

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A digital twin is precisely what its name suggests: A digital copy of a physical object or system—even a human being. It may be a simple concept, but the potential applications are anything but. Through the ongoing collection and exchange of data, a digital twin can simulate and even predict the behaviors and reactions of its physical twin in a variety of conditions, providing invaluable insights to industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. Digital twin technology allows businesses and organizations to test products and processes, study and predict how real-world conditions can affect physical objects and beings, and make well-informed, big-impact decisions with minimized financial and human safety risks. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share some of the fascinating ways industries and organizations are leveraging digital twin technology.

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In the 1980s, printing first broke free from the constraints of 2D with the construction of the world’s earliest 3D printers. Enabling the creation of physical objects from digital files, 3D printing might have been expected to find limited usage in producing simple parts and structures. However, its potential has proven to be far greater—and it’s still being discovered. From easily manufacturing industrial components to creating edible food products—and quite a lot more—3D technology could revolutionize the ways we live, work and play—even how we meet our bodily needs. Below, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss innovative applications of 3D printing that have already seen success and others they see on the horizon.

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In today’s market, customers expect to be able to make a purchase or contact a business with questions or concerns around the clock. Even if a business operates one or more physical locations that are open 24/7, maintaining robust customer service support in a digital era means turning to technology. If a customer can’t find the immediate help they need from your business, they’re likely to turn to someone else. In addition to helping customers access the information and assistance they need at any time and from any place, customer-support technology can ensure that human service agents have the time and focus to respond to those questions that require their empathy, guidance and expertise. Below, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council share the table-stakes technology tools every business should leverage to maintain competitive customer service.

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Leading a new but growing business presents a particular challenge right now. The labor market is tight and highly competitive, making it all the more important that companies choose their first employees with a view to bringing on highly effective, long-term team members. This is especially true for CTOs looking to make a first hire, because there’s no more competitive field than tech. While it’s definitely important to find talented professionals with the cutting-edge skills the fast-moving tech industry demands, experienced leaders say it can be just as important to look for new team members who will bring “evergreen,” always-essential hard and soft skills that companies have traditionally valued. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council look ahead to what businesses will most need in the next few years and discuss some skills and traits a CTO should look for when making their first hire.

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Over the years, Amazon has established itself as a key global player in both the e-commerce and technology industries. The retail giant grew to its current size both by revolutionizing traditional business practices and wisely leveraging modern technology and is now famous for its market share, wide footprint and customer-centric user interface.  Whether you’re a big fan of Amazon or not, there’s a lot that businesses can learn from this dominant company’s business model. Below, 13 Forbes Technology Council members share some tech trends and business practices that have helped make Amazon so successful and what other leaders can learn from them.

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In the world of remote work, it’s important for employees to develop some basic tech know-how to troubleshoot issues at home. However, remote workers may also encounter problems or concerns that the IT team needs to know about. Some may be more serious malfunctions that could impact productivity over the long term, while others may be warning signs of an attempted cyberattack.  So when should a remote worker call in expert help? Below, ten members of Forbes Technology Council discuss tech problems, errors and messages remote workers should report to the IT team immediately and why they’re so important.

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Modern technology tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing can offer amazing benefits to industry and society, from better sharing of marketing messages to tracking human health to eliminating mundane tasks and giving humans free time to create—and much more. But as tech tools become more powerful, additional ethical concerns arise. Not only can tech tools be turned to malicious uses in the hands of bad actors, but they also have inherent flaws simply because they’re built by flawed humans. There are no more enthusiastic proponents of technology than leaders in the tech industry, but they’re also the people who are most aware of the functional and ethical drawbacks that almost inevitably arise in rapidly evolving technology tools. Here, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss tech-related ethical issues that they’re concerned about—from the biases in artificial intelligence introduced by its human creators to the ways those with bad intentions can misuse tech—and what can be done to address these problems.

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More and more consumers are turning to wearable technology powered by the Internet of Things. Through devices such as smartwatches, Oura rings, virtual reality headsets and others, users can monitor their health, track sleep patterns, explore new worlds, navigate new surroundings and much more.  However, while the potential of wearable tech may be nearly unlimited, its actual future may not be if certain shortcomings and concerns aren’t addressed soon. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss factors that could delay or derail the continued growth of wearable tech.

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The technical definition of a smart city—an urban area in which technology and sensors are used to collect data for resource management—may not sound all that exciting to the average citizen. While the “nuts and bolts” technology behind smart cities, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, is becoming better understood, what many people may not realize is just how big an impact combined smart city technologies could have on the ways we live and work in the coming years. From easier-to-access, more efficient services to lowering citizens’ overall carbon footprint, the many smart city technologies both here and on the horizon could reduce costs, enhance safety, better protect the environment and improve our quality of life. Below, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss new and developing smart city technologies they believe will genuinely improve the way urban areas function.

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For many industries, summer is a time of fewer meetings, more paid holidays and team members taking extended time off for vacations. Because of this, tech teams often find that their summer workload does not match the pace of a typical fall or winter—especially if they’re part of a company that capitalizes on year-end holidays such as Black Friday and Christmas. Whether their firms see a summertime slowdown or not, tech leaders often find that their teams and processes can benefit from a mid-year break from routine. Ensuring team members get needed downtime and the preparation they need for the months ahead is vital for ending the year on a high note. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share smart ways tech leaders can use the summer months to ramp up and get ready for the rest of the year. 

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One of the most vital steps before a product launch is ensuring the quality of your product. Companies that have a large-scale product launch without first conducting thorough quality assurance testing put themselves at risk for cyberattacks, dissatisfied customers or the product being used for an unintended purpose. Developers play a key role in ensuring that the product being released has been properly tested and vetted before widespread use. Below, 13 Forbes Technology Council experts share the most important quality assurance steps that should be taken before a large-scale deployment and how these strategies help ensure an excellent finished product.

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Open-source software has become an essential part of many companies’ technology stacks. Free to use and open to anyone to improve and enhance, there’s open-source software available with capabilities that rival those of top-selling office software packages. Open-source software is a cost-effective, ready-made solution for many businesses that might not otherwise be able to afford expensive technology tools. However, there have been several articles in recent months on growing burnout among open-source developers—an issue that’s hardly surprising given that many open-source teams find themselves seeing far more issue tickets than user donations. Businesses that rely on open-source software need to carefully assess their choices and do their part to support the system if they want it to survive. Below, 12 members of Forbes Technology Council share practical ways businesses that rely heavily on open-source tech can ensure the tools they work with are safe and sustainable.

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For industry leaders, keeping up with the fast-moving, wide-ranging world of tech takes staying in touch with several forms of media. For many of these leaders, podcasts are an optimal choice—they can listen when they have a break or are on the go, and since new episodes are regularly released, they’re a great up-to-the-moment resource.  The best tech podcasts not only cover the latest news and updates but also feature insights and personal stories from industry movers and shakers. Below, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council share their favorite tech podcasts and discuss why each is such a compelling listen.

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Many tech companies are working to adopt a “shift-left” mindset when it comes to security—that is, moving the focus on security to as early a point in the development process as possible. But how can leaders begin to do this? Small steps can be a great way to start, but you need to build toward a culture that constantly puts security first. Such a culture must include not only selecting the right tools but also working closely with your whole development team and keeping users informed of risks and best practices.  While there’s no shortage of advice out there on building a security-first tech company, some things are only learned through experience. Here, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share their best pieces of advice for technology leaders trying to build security into their products from the ground up.

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Artificial intelligence is changing many of the ways we do things both at home and at work. From technologists handling repairs in the field to cooks chopping vegetables in a home kitchen, many everyday tasks keep our hands busy, so it’s not surprising more and more people are turning to the help and convenience of voice-activated assistants such as Siri and Alexa. These handy tools can walk us through a procedure, create a grocery list, look up information on the internet, play our favorite music and more, all without our having to touch a button. Even as the use of voice-activated tech becomes more mainstream, users may not know everything the tech can do—or features to be wary of. Here, nine members of Forbes Technology Council share details about how voice-activated tech really works, including its potential and its limitations.

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Around the globe, there are regular headlines of high-profile cybersecurity breaches hitting organizations large and small—and even government agencies. In response, more and more companies are adopting a “zero-trust” stance when it comes to cybersecurity. This framework, which assumes that networks are constantly at risk from both internal and external attacks, attempts to secure vulnerable data by defaulting to allowing as little access to it as possible. For many organizations, moving to zero trust entails widespread changes to architecture, processes and culture, so it’s not a change that can happen overnight. There are certain areas that need to be addressed first, as well as important groundwork to lay so that zero trust doesn’t negatively impact users and employees. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss essential early steps for creating an effective zero-trust environment.

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Among the many tech strategies businesses are talking about right now is digital decoupling. A method of adding new technologies on top of legacy systems to increase their functionality, digital decoupling’s primary appeal for many business leaders may be due to the perception that it’s a simple method of updating the systems they already have in place. Tech leaders agree that digital decoupling can be a smart strategy for businesses in many ways, but they caution that the method has potential areas of concern as well. Below, 12 members of Forbes Technology Council share both benefits and possible downsides to digital decoupling that businesses and IT teams should be aware of.

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Many tech executives have seen their roles expanding in recent years, evolving from primarily inward-facing, “nuts and bolts” work to having a larger presence in the C-suite and customer relations. As they’ve adapted and grown into this more public-facing role, many tech executives have become more confident in speaking out on political or industry issues.  Top tech leaders would not have achieved their current status if their companies and fellow leaders didn’t value their opinions and input, and the voices of experts are an important part of smart decision making, whether within a company, a community or a country. Still, it’s important to think carefully to ensure your message achieves the desired effect. Below, 16 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share advice for making a political or industry statement.

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Simply put, the Internet of Things comprises physical devices with embedded sensors and software for data exchange. For many consumers, the first devices that spring to mind are voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri, and these tools have certainly had a growing influence on the ways consumers communicate, find information, manage day-to-day tasks and even shop in recent years. But the IoT is expanding and making an impact almost everywhere these days.  From the smartphone in your pocket to the traffic cameras on city streets to the medical devices constantly monitoring patient vitals, the connectivity provided by IoT devices allows us to live and work more easily and safely than ever before. Below, 12 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share their selections for the most impactful IoT devices on the market right now, and why they’re so important.

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For the past few years, the impending widespread deployment of 5G has garnered headlines, with tech experts extolling the many ways it would improve and enhance both business operations and consumer technology. However, the rollout of 5G hit a snag recently as airlines expressed safety concerns regarding its implementation around airports. While industry experts are still bullish on 5G’s future, there’s no doubt this setback has come with costs, both in terms of economics and public confidence. And 5G isn’t the only cutting-edge technology that has caught the attention of both experts and the general public. From blockchain to self-driving cars, certain high-profile tech developments may have a steep hill to climb before business and consumer marketplaces fully embrace them. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share some headline-grabbing tech developments that may hit a snag before they really hit the big time, and why.

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As the number of mobile device users continues to rise globally, it’s no surprise that mobile e-commerce has also skyrocketed in popularity. Now more than ever, consumers are using their mobile devices to evaluate brands, browse products and make purchases.  But developing a successful mobile presence requires more than merely scaling down your desktop website. To help you build an effective, user-friendly mobile site or app, review the tips shared below by members of Forbes Technology Council.

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Many consumers think of 5G simply in terms of faster cell or Wi-Fi service. And 5G does promise significant speed upgrades: The FCC says 5G can support download speeds of up to 300 megabits per second, compared to 12 to 36 Mbps for 4G. But what does that really mean in practical terms? The FCC touts 5G’s “powerful advances in connectivity”—advances tech experts say will revolutionize everything from healthcare to gaming. With the potential to permit connected devices to exchange data nearly instantaneously, 5G may fundamentally change the way we shop, commute, travel, work and play. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share some exciting ways 5G will soon change business and consumer technology.

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Nearly every business relies heavily on tech these days, but not every business can afford (or wants to manage) an in-house IT team. However, no matter your business’ function, size or tech experience, the decision to partner with an IT as a service vendor is not one to be made lightly or quickly. It’s important to carefully review your unique needs, budget and timeline to decide if hiring an ITaaS vendor is even the right decision for your business, and if it is, it’s essential to do your due diligence to ensure you choose a partner who can truly meet your needs. A thorough review of your needs and a clear plan of action will help smooth the path forward, whether or not your business ultimately decides to work with an ITaaS vendor. To help, the members of Forbes Technology Council have shared some important factors business owners should consider before hiring an ITaaS vendor.

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Entrepreneurs and firms that create and sell digital products may choose to expand into developing physical tech products, whether as ancillaries to their digital line or as a new venture. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that different challenges come with creating, marketing and selling digital products and physical products. It’s not safe to assume that the knowledge and practices that have fostered a successful digital technology company will automatically translate to success in the physical product space. From accounting for new and added production costs to revamping marketing strategies, it’s essential for digital product veterans to carefully consider and be ready for the challenges that come with producing physical products. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share helpful tips to help tech leaders and entrepreneurs successfully navigate the transition to the physical tech product space.

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When a software company releases a new version or update, it’s done with improving users’ experience in mind—but that improvement is only realized if users actually apply the update. There can be many reasons for both businesses and consumers to hesitate to upgrade to the latest version of a software product. There can be widespread concerns that new features haven’t been adequately tested, and businesses may worry about lost time and productivity as team members learn a new interface. Or users may simply be attached to the current version and see no benefit in changing. It’s not enough for the software company to be convinced of the big benefits its newly released upgrade will bring—the team has to work together to ensure that their users are fully convinced, too. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council suggest effective ways that software companies can get users of their tech to update when a new version is released.

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An organization’s first line of cyber defense is its team members, and one essential role they play is keeping up with software and security updates on company-issued devices. With the demands of their day-to-day work, it can be all too easy for team members to fall behind on this important task—which leaves not only their devices but the entire company’s digital assets vulnerable. Educating team members on what’s at stake can make a difference, but only if the information is presented in an understandable, persuasive fashion and is backed up by other practical defensive protocols. Below, the industry experts of Forbes Technology Council share effective ways to ensure your companywide team understands the importance of software updates and applies them in a timely manner.

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The Internet of Things can open up significant time savings and convenience for both businesses and consumers through connectivity and data exchange. Still, with enhanced sharing comes increased risk. As more IoT devices become standard in organizations and homes, more doors open for malicious actors to compromise systems and steal valuable data. To protect themselves, companies and consumers must be aware of the inherent risk factors and the most effective mitigation strategies. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share smart steps both users and builders of IoT technology can take to improve network and platform security.

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A database management system can help your business stay organized and efficient, providing a centralized repository and tool that places essential information at the fingertips of the entire team. But with the number of options out there, finding the right tool for your organization can be challenging.  It's essential to review the available options to find the DBMS that best meets your unique needs, workflow and budget. As experienced tech leaders, the members of Forbes Technology Council know what functionalities to look for in a database management system. Below, nine of them share the programs and tools they find most useful, and why. Read their reviews below to help you find the right framework for your business needs.

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Digital payment technology has made it possible for anyone with a smart device to conduct transactions easily and securely, both in person and online. Both companies and consumers are embracing digital payments as a fast, reliable and contactless way to exchange money, but there are still innovations and improvements to be made. If your business is considering adopting digital payment methods, it's important to understand where they're currently at and how they can be made more effective. Below, 13 Forbes Technology Council members offer insights on optimizing this popular transaction technology.

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Planning and building a new product is an exciting time for a company—particularly for the project lead tasked with shaping and leading the initiative. It’s good to get the input of multiple stakeholders when planning a new product, but those stakeholders may have conflicting goals and visions—and each person or team is usually sure their ideas are essential. Without a firm hand at the wheel and a solid plan, it can be easy for a project to quickly spiral out of control. But with the right strategies, a project lead can guide an effective effort that ends in a product that’s of true value to end users—without leaving stakeholders feeling unheard. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share tips to help a project lead reconcile conflicting goals when planning a new product design.

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When a development team is building a new app, it can be all too easy to incur costs that haven’t been budgeted for. If the project is a build for internal uses or a specific client, out-of-control scope creep can inflate costs, while an app released in the marketplace that doesn’t perform to expectations can lead to a lower-than-expected ROI. In any case, the underlying problem has usually cropped up fairly early in the process. There are several ways app development projects can unnecessarily burn through cash, and the industry experts of Forbes Technology Council have experience with most of them. Below, 15 of them share common reasons new app projects end up losing money and offer tips on how to avoid them.

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No matter how much any of us enjoys our work, there are elements that can become routine or stale or that seem like an unneeded drain on our time. Overcoming team members’ inertia can be part of the challenge for leaders when introducing new systems or encouraging needed training. Luckily, there is a potential solution that more and more companies are turning to: gamification. As its name implies, gamification can make many “routine” business processes more enjoyable for team members through a system of friendly competition and rewards, making it more likely that they’ll engage thoroughly and gain a real benefit. Additionally, gamification can motivate users of your products to embrace system updates and engage more closely with your brand.  The industry leaders of Forbes Technology Council have seen success using gamification to motivate team members, customers and even vendors. Below, eight of them share smart ways tech leaders can leverage gamification in their companies.

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Writing good code can be as much an art as a science, and there’s no doubt that there are some who have an almost instinctive gift for crafting good code. Still, tech leaders say the best coders aren’t just talented; they’re careful and methodic, following established good habits and best practices. Fortunately, all of these habits and practices can be learned. So what are the extra steps that can turn a good coder into a great one? Below, 16 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share specific steps that they say top-quality developers take to create cleaner, better-functioning code.

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Many businesses and tech leaders are taking their first steps in implementing Infrastructure as Code. Modern companies are engaged in near-constant development, testing and deploying of software applications, which necessitates a flexible infrastructure that can respond quickly and securely to ever-changing user demands. IaC makes use of high-level code to automatically provision IT infrastructure—it’s like a tech solution for managing the resources needed to develop tech solutions.  Before implementing IaC, it’s essential for businesses and tech leaders to be aware of both the potential upsides (which can be significant) and the possible challenges. Below, 14 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share the essential factors companies must consider when implementing Infrastructure as Code.

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Several factors can make a business’ website less effective than it might be, from cumbersome navigation to slow loading times, poor mobile performance and missing information. While a bad user interface or user experience may be the most troublesome problems, even a visual design that’s unappealing or doesn’t mesh well with your branding can be off-putting to your current and potential customers and make your website seem unprofessional. If traffic to your site is declining or you’re not seeing as many conversions as you’d like, it’s a sure bet that your website needs an overhaul. But any such project must start with diagnosing the significant underlying issues. To ensure your new website meets your users’ needs and expectations and sets your business on the path to reaching its goals, review the strategies suggested below by the experts of Forbes Technology Council.

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For years, many people have regularly scanned tech headlines to see what was going on—and coming up—in the industry. It’s probably fair to say that the events of the last two years have only upped the ante when it comes to the public’s interest in technology. With tech now playing an even larger role in how we work, shop, relax and even take care of our health, consumers and businesses alike are even more eager to know what tech trends will be shaping the world in the near future. From the continuing refinement and leveraging of artificial intelligence to innovations that make even online shopping a “hands-on” experience, technology is poised to continue to change the way we live and work in 2022. Below, 13 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share their predictions for game-changing technologies that will impact businesses and consumers in the year ahead and beyond.

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When a company needs to fill an executive position, its leaders will often look internally for promising junior or mid-level professionals to fill it. Getting such a promotion is a great career move for a professional. And the company also benefits from putting someone who already understands the company’s culture and values into a leadership role. However, while most internal candidates being considered for an executive position are probably qualified, corporations still need to do their due diligence by vetting them to confirm they have had the proper development and possess the right skill set—especially if they will be responsible for making key decisions about technology projects. Below, 10 tech leaders of Forbes Technology Council weigh in with their best advice on how to sufficiently vet internal candidates for executive positions and set both them and the team members who will be reporting to them up for success.

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In 2020, tech teams in organizations across the globe rose to the challenge of quickly, and with little warning, setting up the means to allow their fellow team members to work from home. All signs point to remote and hybrid work arrangements being here to stay; now that the initial scramble to set up workable arrangements has passed, tech leaders have more time to consider and develop more secure remote working environments.  It’s important for companies to establish systems that not only give their remote employees reliable, easy access to needed tools and data but that also secure those essential assets. So how can tech teams know that their organization’s remote work environment supports both productivity and robust cybersecurity? Below, 13 tech experts from Forbes Technology Council share effective factors that can help you secure your remote work environment.

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In today’s tech-driven workplace, a company’s CTO and tech team play an increasingly pivotal role not only in building new products and maintaining crucial systems but also in shaping the direction of the business moving forward. Tech leaders may be tireless advocates for their team’s role and efforts in building a successful company, but the remainder of the leadership team must also provide support.  Understanding and acknowledging the important work done by the tech staff is about more than just gratitude; it’s about realizing the need for their input if overall business goals are to be reached. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share simple and practical ways company leaders can support their CTO’s and tech team’s efforts.

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Project management is an essential task tech leaders have to master. But it entails more than just planning the path from point A to point B. To effectively guide their teams through a complex product development process, leaders must clearly articulate the vision, define and prioritize the steps needed, determine and communicate roles, and ensure the project stays on track—all while being ready to pivot as needed and keep up with all their other work. It can be a daunting prospect, indeed. Fortunately, the members of Forbes Technology Council have lots of experience in project roadmapping. Below, 16 of them share strategies that can help a tech leader develop a project roadmap that will lead their team successfully through the milestones to reach their desired destination.

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More and more companies are both moving into the digital realm and taking on global footprints. At the same time, more and more countries—and even individual states—are developing their own data privacy regulations. Every business that handles consumer data must have a solid strategy for keeping up with ever-evolving (and ever-expanding) data privacy legislation. Complicating the issue is the fact that there’s no single international body that oversees the ever-growing web of tech legislation. Still, there are several resources experienced tech leaders rely on to ensure they and their organizations have access to current, reliable information on new and pending legislation. Below, 14 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share resources every tech and business leader would be wise to review to ensure they remain in compliance with data privacy laws.

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“Digital transformation” is the mantra in many companies these days, as leaders look to leverage technology to boost productivity and customer happiness, reduce bottlenecks and operating costs, and upgrade their security posture. Still, while large-scale disruption may be the desired goal, many new or small businesses must take an incremental approach when it comes to implementing tech solutions. Fortunately, there are a number of simple tech solutions that can help businesses manage their workflows, analyze data, improve cybersecurity and more, all at a reasonable cost and without the need for a fully rounded IT team. Below, 14 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share their recommendations for low-cost, high-impact IT initiatives businesses that need to start their digital transformations on a smaller scale can leverage.

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Every business strives to stay on the leading edge of trends—it helps ensure they remain competitive in a global marketplace. For example, companies that had already embraced remote work were certainly in a stronger position when Covid-19 struck. The explosion of technology, as well as the ripple effects of the pandemic, are likely to be wide-ranging and long-lasting, so it’s essential for companies to prepare now for what lies ahead.  So what trends in technology, working arrangements and more will impact businesses in the months to come? Below, 14 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share their predictions for the developments that businesses should be ready for sooner rather than later.

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Small businesses do lots of work with limited resources, making tech solutions particularly valuable for them. However, many small-business owners may disregard certain tech out of hand because they think it’s unaffordable or not applicable to their business. In many cases, they couldn’t be more wrong—including when it comes to machine learning. According to the industry experts of Forbes Technology Council, there are plenty of tangible benefits small businesses can receive from leveraging the latest ML tools—in many cases with minimal cost and effort. If you’re looking for smart ways to use adaptive technology to help build your small business, read on for a list of just a few of the benefits ML can bring.

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From AI to 5G, tech that once seemed as if it belonged in the realm of science fiction is starting to impact our everyday lives. The next sci-fi crossover may well be quantum computers.  Headlines on the accomplishments of supercomputers have popped up regularly in the past decade or so, with stories touting their help with issues ranging from predicting climate change and mapping the human bloodstream to defeating "Jeopardy!" champions. Through the use of multidimensional representation, quantum computers leave supercomputers in the dust. In 2019, Google’s quantum computer, Sycamore, took 200 seconds to perform a mathematical computation that would have taken IBM’s Summit supercomputer 10,000 years. That makes Sycamore about 158 million times faster than Summit.  The rise of quantum computing is an exciting development that could impact multiple facets of human life. So what might business and industry do with this technology? Below, eight experts from Forbes Technology Council share ways they foresee quantum computing revolutionizing the way companies operate.

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Driverless cars may be in their infancy, but they’re certainly generating a lot of interest. Most major car companies, as well as several startups, have autonomous vehicle projects in the works. While most current designs blend sensor- and AI-enabled navigation with the ability for the human operator to take over, most companies building autonomous vehicles envision a future in which the automobile itself handles all the driving.  While truly “driverless” cars may not be widely available for some time to come, there is potential for the autonomous vehicles of the future to do a lot more than just take passengers from point A to point B. Below, 14 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share their predictions for features future driverless will offer their passengers.

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As the scope of the Internet of Things continues to expand to include everything from smartwatches to smart cities, more tech companies are considering both public-facing and internal IoT projects. The IoT certainly has enormous potential, with both industrial applications—such as supply chain management and crop monitoring—and consumer uses—such as voice assistants and home automation systems. Further, for businesses, the sheer volume of real-time data that can be collected is a significant lure.  However, developing a new product for the IoT realm comes with challenges that developers must be clear about before beginning. Without a clear use case and plan for the collected data, companies may be spending R&D dollars on a project destined to fail. Further, IoT projects face the same challenges as any new tech, including cybersecurity, compliance and user adoption. So how can companies improve their odds of success? Below, 15 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share strategies for ensuring your IoT project comes to fruition.

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While most companies have IT teams or hire security specialists to protect themselves against cybercrime, consumers are generally on their own. The pandemic pushed many people to spend long hours online for work, shopping and entertainment—a trend likely to continue—and that expansion led to vulnerability. More than 155.8 million people were affected by data breaches in 2020.  We can’t escape the digital marketplace; indeed, most of us don’t want to. That means it’s essential for anyone who carries out any activities online to take steps to protect their identity and assets. Fortunately, there are simple steps that can boost your personal cybersecurity posture—you just have to be diligent about following them. Below, 15 tech experts from Forbes Technology Council share tips the average consumer can use to help protect themselves from cybercrime.

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In a tech company, big problems can arise when the sales and IT teams are working in silos. If the sales staff members don’t have a firm grasp of the IT team’s processes and capabilities, they may oversell or undersell their products or services—leading to frustration for both clients and the IT team. Similarly, if IT doesn’t listen to feedback from sales representatives, they won’t know what their customers truly need. When a company’s sales and IT departments don’t work together to serve customers and the business, it can lead to delays, lost revenue and even adversarial relationships between team members. That’s why it’s essential for leadership to set up processes that create a true symbiosis between the two groups. Below, 16 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share smart strategies for keeping IT and sales teams on the same page.

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In today’s workplace, nothing is more frustrating than malfunctioning technology. And when it’s the company’s network that’s down, the IT team can be sure they’ll hear about it—fast. So for tech team members tasked with maintaining the company’s network, every time-saver, help and hack is a bonus. Smart tech leaders stay abreast of the best solutions out there, both for troubleshooting issues and avoiding unnecessary hiccups. If you’re a tech professional looking for help fixing (or even better, avoiding) network downtime in your company, tips from experts in the know are invaluable. Fortunately, the right tools and utilities can help ensure you get your network and your team back up and running as fast as possible. Read on for recommendations for valuable network troubleshooting tools from the industry experts of Forbes Technology Council.

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Those considering a career in tech often seek advice on the right path or specialty to consider. That's a wise decision—the tech industry evolves rapidly, so knowing what the industry needs right now and what's on the horizon improves a budding tech professional's options when the job hunt begins. While there are many articles and news stories about tech specialties that are facing a current or future shortage of qualified candidates, there's less information out there about specialties that may soon be obsolete. The experts of Forbes Technology Council have their fingers on the pulse of the tech industry and know which tech skills and knowledge businesses and organizations are seeking now and in the near future—and which are being phased out. Below, 14 of them share tech specialties that may soon go by the wayside.

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Nearly every business today manages its operations using one or more forms of technology. Leaders are bombarded with information and sales pitches on a variety of tech topics—project management platforms, CRMs, videoconferencing software, cloud computing, AI and ML—the list goes on and on.  But what a leader is most interested in is finding ways to use technology to help solve the actual problems that impact their business. And in today’s remote environment, an issue common to many businesses is seeing their various teams or departments retreat into silos. This can lead to a host of problems ranging from process delays to unhappy, unmotivated employees. Fortunately, there are ways new and emerging tech tools can help companies break down the silos that keep their teams from maximizing their collaborative potential. Here, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share concrete ways companies can leverage technology to break down silos and draw all their employees together.

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For many professionals, the shift to remote work ushered in an era of greater flexibility. For tech leaders, though, remote work has brought an increased risk of cyberattacks on their organizations. Companies cannot simply rely on employees’ goodwill in protecting themselves, as even well-meaning team members may be prone to poor cyber habits such as using weak passwords or relaxing their vigilance about phishing threats. It’s essential for organizations with remote team members to develop careful protocols to protect both employees and company assets from bad actors. Below, 17 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share strategies companies can leverage to reduce the risk of cyberthreats.

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Innovations in technology have dominated the headlines for years, and it hasn't only been industry experts following the news. For years, the public has watched for regular stories on such topics as the latest iPhones, new fitness gadgets and developments in industrial technology. And with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, technology took on an even more dominant role in our professional and personal lives as we relied on it for everything from working from home to having a variety of needs and wants delivered right to our doors.  Knowing what we all know now, who among us wouldn’t like to have been in on the ground floor of any of the companies that have brought us the technology that’s enabled telecommuting, telemedicine and e-commerce over the last year? While the experts of Forbes Technology Council can’t know which current tech startups are destined to become household names, they do know which industry focuses are likely to see growth. Below, eight of them share what tech focus they’d look for in a promising startup investment.

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The use of technology by businesses and the general public has been growing for decades. For the most part, development and adoption were largely driven by demand—companies and consumers added new tech tools to their processes when they became interested or felt they were ready. 2020 changed all that, as the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe and mandated social distancing measures necessitated the use of technology for everything from remote work to buying groceries.  While businesses and consumers may have been initially caught off guard by the sweeping additions of technology to everyday living, many quickly came to prefer digital solutions and intend to continue with their tech-forward “new normal.” Those who have been lagging in adopting new tech tools need to be aware of the changes that are here to stay. To that end, 14 experts from Forbes Technology Council share the tech trends that emerged in recent months that are very likely to become permanent.

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Your development team has spent a lot of time and energy working on a new tech project, and now it's time to take the final steps before deploying it. It can be a daunting process — while you don’t want to delay the release unnecessarily, you do want to ensure that the product you’re releasing is secure, user-friendly and free of bugs and issues. There's a saying in business that if you have the time to fix something, you have the time to get it right the first time. Engaging in a thorough quality-assurance process before deploying a high-profile tech project can protect your brand's reputation. Make sure your project is ready for users by following these 14 QA steps recommended by tech experts from Forbes Technology Council.

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There’s no question artificial intelligence has brought many benefits to both people and businesses. From helping consumers shop and answer questions online to boosting productivity and customer service to treating illness and tracking the spread of COVID-19, AI has been a tremendous boon to society in many ways.  But AI isn’t without serious drawbacks. Completely dependent on the humans who build and train it, AI can be infused with the biases of its creators. And other negative consequences can come with the increasing dominance of AI that aren’t obvious to the average layperson. While AI is an incredibly useful tool, it’s important for governments, businesses and the public at large to be aware of what can happen if AI is used indiscriminately or without diligent human oversight. Below, 14 tech industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share ways AI could become a detriment to society and how to help mitigate the risks.

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In today's digital marketplace, data has taken its place as a valuable asset of companies across industries. With the information gleaned from collected data, businesses can improve their products and services, enhance customer service, adjust strategies and more.  While data analytics is an important function, it's not necessarily an easy one. Complicating matters are the many myths that have arisen around the collection and analysis of data, which may lead companies down the wrong path. Below, 14 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the most common data analytics myths business leaders need to be aware of.

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For businesses, keeping up with Web trends entails more than smart website design. Tech developments and trends in everything from speed to interfaces to how search engines operate affect the way businesses must approach their online presence. Knowing what lies ahead can be half the battle for businesses. Below, 16 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share the tech trends they see bringing major changes to the Web and the ways that worldwide organizations operate online.

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Each day, businesses across industries collect consumer data for a variety of reasons, and with the recent rise in e-commerce and other digital interactions, it’s a trend that’s continuing to rise. Such data can yield invaluable insights that can help a business improve its product or service, marketing, consumer experience and more—if it’s used wisely. Consumers won’t want to trust their personal information to businesses that don’t use it to improve or, worse, just collect it to sell it. Further, even if a business has responsible reasons for collecting the data, consumers have to be confident their data will be handled and stored carefully. No business or group of consumers wants to be part of the next big data breach story. So what cautionary advice can experts offer businesses that collect and process consumer data? Below, 13 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share insights into the ways businesses can responsibly manage the data they collect from customers and clients.

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During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses might have had to come to a complete halt if not for cutting-edge solutions from the tech industry. Although the work done by every tech team to enable remote work, e-commerce and connectivity has been valuable, the pandemic has seen its share of definite tech winners—there’s no doubt, for instance, that video conferencing now has a secure place in both the business and consumer worlds.  So which technologies that emerged during the pandemic will have a lasting impact on how we live and work? Below, 14 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council discuss the tech innovations that are likely to stick around a long time after the Covid-19 pandemic is over.

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The online marketplace never closes. These days, if your business is to succeed at engaging and keeping customers, it's essential that the public be able to shop with, learn about and interact with your company 24/7. And since more consumers than ever are using their phones as their primary devices, a well-designed mobile app is a must. Designing an effective mobile app isn't an easy feat, though. A well-designed app not only enables consumers to complete transactions, gather information and contact your business but also has an easy-to-navigate interface that doesn't frustrate users and features that assure them their personal information is protected.  Developing a mobile app that allows users to easily accomplish what they want to do will keep them coming back to the app—and your business—for more. Below, 16 tech industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share must-have features of a successful, user-friendly mobile app.

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Biometric technology has become more integrated into everyday life for many consumers. From facial recognition and fingerprint readers to airport body scanners and more, the technology is quickly becoming a security staple and is expected to continue expanding even further in our personal and professional lives. Even so, the technology and all that it entails remains partly shrouded in mystery—outside the tech industry, many don’t fully understand how biometrics works or how safe or reliable it is compared to other authentication measures. Below, 13 tech industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share some critical details everyone should know about this burgeoning technology.

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Professionals across industries often have lengthy to-do lists to get through. For this reason, many of them rely on more than their company's internal or preferred software to manage their productivity. There's no shortage of productivity tools out there, and finding the right one for your personal needs can feel like searching for a golden needle in a very large haystack. Luckily, you can get a head start on your search. Tech experts often have the inside track on the best-performing productivity tools (many of them available for free or for a minimal cost). Below, 14 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share their favorite productivity-management tools and explain why they find them so helpful.

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Nearly every company has seen significant additions to their technology needs in recent years, and the shift to remote work is only adding to the demand. In today’s workplace, quality tech professionals are more important than ever. With so many options when it comes to industry and work environment, tech pros often have their pick of several positions, so finding and keeping top tech talent is a challenge for businesses. Every company’s leadership team needs to understand the incentives that draw tech professionals to choose one company over another—and stay once they’ve arrived. While it never hurts to have a generous benefits package, there’s more to recruiting top tech talent than having the biggest payroll. Below, 15 experienced tech leaders from Forbes Technology Council share the factors that they’ve found are most attractive to qualified tech employees who are looking for a long-term tenure with an employer.

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In today's marketplace, the latest "tech talk" isn't confined to the tech department. With so many businesses heavily dependent on technology, keeping an eye on the latest tech industry headlines and trends happens everywhere from the CEO's office to the employee breakroom (or in many cases these days, employees' living rooms). This has led to the wide use of tech "buzzwords" such as "digital transformation," "agile," "disruption" and many others. But does everyone using these terms really know what they mean? Or is "talking tech" easier than implementing true change that could benefit the company and its customers? Tech leaders know that to really benefit from what the latest tech products and processes have to offer, companies need to do more than talk the talk—they need to walk the walk. Below, 15 tech experts from Forbes Technology Council discuss the most overused tech buzzwords across industries today and explain why their misuse causes confusion and problems.

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Cybersecurity assessments are a crucial part of shoring up a company's defenses against cyberattacks. But a cybersecurity assessment is only as effective as the process set up before beginning. Leadership and tech team members must establish what weaknesses they're looking for and how they'll test for them. Further, the aftermath of a cybersecurity assessment is just as important. Without a solid plan to address any issues that are uncovered, problems may linger or even become worse. Asking the right questions both before and after the process can help ensure businesses find and effectively address any shortcomings. Below, 16 experts from Forbes Technology Council share critical questions that should come up in the course of a cybersecurity assessment.

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Security is a top priority for any tech product, especially in today’s virtual-first world. With consumers using tech for more and more applications and so many professionals working from home and utilizing digital spaces, people and organizations are at higher risk than ever for cyberattacks. That’s why it’s crucial for tech leaders to prioritize security when creating products. Below, a panel of Forbes Technology Council members shares advice for tech leaders trying to build security into their products from the ground up. Follow these 15 tips to make your company’s offerings more secure before they even hit the market.

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Though pandemic restrictions have started to ease, allowing businesses to start a “return to normal,” the future state of the economy remains somewhat uncertain. Companies and their internal teams must be careful to make the most of every dollar to avoid stretching their limited resources too thin. This is especially true for IT teams, who often have complicated budgets with various recurring costs to monitor. Below, the members of Forbes Technology Council share 14 ways tech leaders often waste their allotted funds and why these investments aren’t ideal for a budget-conscious team.

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Tech execs are more than ready to share the credit and praise their team members for everything they do. However, as any tech leader knows, developers can sometimes slip into bad habits that hinder workflow or slow down production. If devs aren't aware of these habits, they may not realize the impact their behaviors have on the rest of the team. To that end, 16 Forbes Technology Council members share a few key things they wish their developers would stop doing, and why.

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In today’s consumer-focused world, tech companies are becoming increasingly user-centric to better connect with their audiences. As a result, the stakes for creating a quality user experience have risen and continue to evolve quickly. Whether designing for consumers or businesses, staying ahead of UX design trends is a must for tech companies. Below, the members of Forbes Technology Council share 15 ways UX design will likely change in the next few years.

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Wearable technology has become a hot topic in the tech world, and it shows no signs of slowing down. However, there are many challenges that come with developing and implementing wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches and the apps that run on them. Without a solid strategy and user base for your device or software, you may end up wasting a lot of money before it ever gets off the ground. If your business is planning to develop new wearable tech, it’s important to understand the obstacles and pitfalls you may face along the way. To help, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss the costly mistakes tech companies need to avoid when developing wearable technology.

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While e-commerce has been on the rise since its inception, the unprecedented events of 2020 caused it to skyrocket as consumers avoided the risks of in-person shopping. As people continue to work and shop online in 2021, retail tech shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. With that in mind, those in the e-commerce sphere should keep an eye on new and emerging industry trends to stay competitive. Below, the members of Forbes Technology Council share 13 retail tech trends to watch for in 2021.

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To say that the cloud has revolutionized how we do business may be an understatement. Entire companies are now based around providing cloud services and applications. Using the cloud offers many benefits for businesses and tech teams since it frees up internal resources for other uses. Unfortunately, a lot of companies are only now getting used to doing business on the cloud. Many aren't even aware of the most critical software tools and services they can leverage to make their lives easier. To help, 13 contributors to Forbes Technology Council examine the most crucial cloud-based services they use and explain why they're so useful for a tech team.

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While leadership tends to be best worn by those who have been in the industry a while, it's true that not everyone is cut out to lead. Many experienced individuals get promoted up the ranks because of their skills and then find themselves out of depth because leadership is nothing like tech. Unfortunately, many of these tech leaders focus more on the tech side of things and less on the leadership quality. How does a tech industry leader ensure that they don't neglect their responsibility to those they're supposed to lead? Eleven experts from Forbes Technology Council discuss how they became better leaders in their fields and share their favorite resources that could help anyone in their position.

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Businesses across industries are increasingly turning toward automating repetitive tasks, and with good reason. Automation can speed up processes, boost productivity and free up employees’ time for more critical work. Still, there are some jobs that require human intelligence, emotion and creativity—jobs that simply cannot be automated. Below, the members of Forbes Technology Council share 14 jobs they believe should never be automated and why.

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With more and more data being stored digitally or in the cloud, ransomware has become a rising issue in recent years. While most people have heard of ransomware, business leaders may not always be aware of factors that can contribute to higher risk. A lack of understanding of these issues can leave companies significantly more vulnerable to a ransomware attack. To help businesses prevent this fate, the members of Forbes Technology Council share 16 things every leader needs to know about ransomware.

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Artificial intelligence has made its way into businesses in nearly every industry, and it’s only continuing to rise in popularity. When utilized correctly, AI can be an incredible productivity booster and provide valuable insights to business leaders. However, many leaders are unsure of the best way to leverage it, and a misdirected AI initiative may cause more harm than good. If you’re looking to implement artificial intelligence in your business, make sure you go in with a well-considered plan. Below, 13 experts from Forbes Technology Council share common mistakes to watch out for when implementing AI.

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There's a pervading fear that machines will replace human workers in all manner of tasks. This fear isn't new -- it's been around ever since automated assembly lines became popular in the 1930s. Yet the inexorable march of technology has seen more and more machines replacing humans, freeing them up to do more skilled labor for industries. The increasing role of automation has increased efficiency in many fields. Over the next 10 years, we're likely to see many more companies change their processes into a higher level of automation. Below, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council look at the jobs they think will become fully automated within the next decade, and explain why these positions are ripe for automation.

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The Covid-19 pandemic caused setbacks in every industry. In the tech industry, where companies are usually only as successful as they are cutting-edge, these unexpected circumstances forced many leaders to change their plans in 2020, thus forcing reprioritization in the new year. To help their fellow tech leaders better understand how to reshuffle their planned initiatives, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share their top priorities for 2021 and why these items are at the top of their lists. Their insights may be helpful as your own company moves its priorities around to adapt to the current business climate.

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In the remote-first era of Covid-19, the potential for and frequency of cyberattacks has increased significantly. With data breaches regularly hitting the headlines, many consumers are wary of giving tech companies access to their personal data. So how can a tech brand anticipate this and assuage the concerns of consumers who are reluctant to share personal information? Below, 12 members of Forbes Technology Council shared tips for companies that want to build trust with consumers when it comes to using their personal data.

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Every tech team knows that releasing regular software updates is necessary to improve the user experience and, in many cases, shore up security. However, spending time and dollars on an update to improve your software is only half the battle—you have to make sure your end-users install it. All too often, a substantial group of users doesn’t install software updates in a timely fashion (or at all).  Finding ways to assure users of the safety and improvements your updates will bring is a must. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council detail some actionable ways to get users to update when you release a patch or new version of your software.

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In most industries, there are titans that not only dominate the landscape but that also pave the way for future innovators. The technology sector has globally known companies such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Google among its powerhouses. While these giants may have resources and capabilities not open to most smaller companies, they still offer valuable lessons to business leaders—and not just the CTO. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some key lessons business leaders can learn from the tech industry's dominant players.

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Businesses of all sizes are at risk for theft, leakage or ransom of data stored online. It’s crucial to ensure your information is protected through cloud security methods such as firewalls, encryption and VPNs. As cloud usage in businesses becomes increasingly complex, security becomes an even hotter issue, and businesses must be especially careful about where and how their data is accessed. Below, 12 members of Forbes Technology Council share tips for maintaining security in a multi-cloud environment.

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In the fast-paced world of technology, it can be particularly difficult for a tech team to regroup after taking an extended holiday break. Tech work requires attention to detail and quick shifts, which can make it difficult for tech professionals to pick up where they left off when they head back to work. Tech leaders need to think of creative solutions to get their teams back on track and ready to tackle the new year. To help, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council share their best tips for tech leaders to motivate their teams and keep moving forward. 

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Resolutions can bring about significant change in your life if they succeed. Sadly, most people renege on their resolutions within the first month of a new year. Many times, it's not because of a lack of willpower, but simply because they lack something to remind them of what they should (or shouldn't) be doing. Luckily, technology can come to your aid with a host of apps, tools and devices that can help even the busiest of entrepreneurs stay the course in their new year's resolutions. Here, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council share the tech they find most useful in holding onto their personal and professional resolutions throughout the year.

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If you ask a tech executive to talk about their top-performing developers, you might expect to hear about team members with impressive résumés—those who graduated from top-ranked schools or worked for tech giants. If so, you'd be surprised to learn tech leaders often say developers who show such traits as empathy, humor and flexibility are those who stand out as true assets. The experts of Forbes Technology Council have years of experience in leading tech teams. Below, they share 16 "surprising" traits of high-performing—and highly memorable—developers.

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When tech professionals take on leadership roles with increased responsibilities, they often have less time and energy for coding. Those tech leaders who want to or must stay involved in coding have to carve out the time to do so, and they must be able to quickly shift into the right mindset: Coding requires singular and often intense focus. But how can one do this successfully? Many tech leaders have found creative ways to continue coding while keeping up with their leadership responsibilities. Below, 14 Forbes Technology Council members who have struck a good balance share their advice for getting into the coding “groove.”

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A company's chief information officer oversees its information technology and computer systems to ensure they support and further company functions and goals. However, there's much more to the job than just a good grounding in technology. The role has been evolving in recent years, and today's CIOs play a much larger role in shaping the overall focus and direction of the companies they serve. From overseeing digitization initiatives to finding ways to better serve customers, the role of chief information officer has expanded, and tech professionals climbing the ladder need to be aware of what their executive teams look for in up-and-coming CIOs. Below, 11 tech industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share the skills CEOs expect from today's CIOs.

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Tech is never perfect, and there will be times when you’ll face challenges. However, by preparing for potential bugs and technical issues, you can reduce the amount of time lost or damage done when one pops up. One simple way to streamline the process for your team is by implementing an effective bug-tracking method. That’s why we asked our panel of Forbes Technology Council members how they recommend tracking tech issues internally. Below, they share 14 strategies that have worked for them.

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Many new tech leaders come from hands-on roles and aren’t used to delegating their work to others. However, as a leader in any industry, it’s important to understand when to let go of control. Doing so will not only shift the day-to-day "busy work" off your plate, but it will also allow your team to help you grow.  We spoke with members of Forbes Technology Council about the importance of delegation as a tech leader. Below, 14 of them share important lessons in delegating the right tasks to the right team members.

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As tech professionals advance in their careers, they can bring more new skills and interests to the table at your company—if they have an opportunity to develop them. Encouraging your team members to pursue their own passions in the form of side projects is not only a great way to show you care about them as holistic professionals, not just as your employees.  As tech industry leaders, many Forbes Technology Council members encourage their developers to have side projects and have found the practice to be a positive addition to their company culture. Below, 13 of them share some specific things they do to support their team members' professional growth and exploration.

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Before a business sends out content for publication, they usually have proofreaders go over it with a fine-toothed comb to ensure there aren't any errors. Similarly, tech companies that carefully review their code prior to implementation can head off problems before they start. A code review process can go more smoothly—and catch more potential problems—if tech teams follow tested best practices. Below, 10 tech leaders from Forbes Technology Council share helpful strategies for companies looking to implement or perfect a code review process.

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Even in the midst of a pandemic, the tech industry has continued to evolve. Some changes—such as the explosion of e-commerce and the increasing use of smart assistants—have been driven by Covid-19’s effect on everyday living. Others, such as 5G and edge computing, have been on the horizon or the fringes for some time but are now seeing more widespread implementation. Among the several “disruptive” technologies that have grabbed headlines recently, what can we expect to see truly impacting businesses and consumers in 2021 and beyond? Below, 12 tech industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share their predictions on the technologies that will be game-changers in the months and years ahead.

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"Big data" has become more than just a buzzword. With the right analytics, data can yield valuable insights to help a business identify its audience, improve the customer experience, boost sales and more. A particularly telling but sometimes overlooked source of data for a business is its website. Monitoring website traffic and page views can yield a variety of data, including time spent on particular pages and bounce rates. Those figures can translate into invaluable insights about your customer base and actions your business can take to improve performance. We consulted 10 experts from Forbes Technology Council for their advice on what you can learn and accomplish by delving into the data from your business' website.

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Ransomware can cause devastating damage for both individuals and businesses—and as remote work has exploded over the last several months, businesses have become even more vulnerable. Ransomware can block a business' access to some or all of its digital assets, and recovery is expensive and time-consuming: According to Veritas' 2020 Ransomware Resiliency Report, 66% of IT professionals and executives surveyed said it would take their companies five or more days to fully recover from a ransomware attack.  It's not enough for tech leaders to be aware of the scope of the problem. Businesses must educate their team members on protective measures both to decrease their chances of a successful ransomware attack and to help speed recovery efforts in case an attack gets through. To help, 10 members of Forbes Technology Council offer their best advice on how individual users can take an active part in foiling ransomware attempts.

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Things change fast these days. To adapt to this frenetic pace, you and your team members should adopt a proactive, flexible mindset.

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Developing software applications is an important endeavor for many companies. It's also a very expensive one—and the costs aren't always recognized or apparent upfront. The time and resources required to build a successful app can quickly deplete a development team's budget and energy. It's important to plan ahead for as many of the expenses involved as possible, as well as to have a strategy in place to keep the development team from overextending themselves. That's why we asked the members of Forbes Technology Council how to counteract some common "resource bleeds" in app development operations. Their best tips are below.

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Prepping for the holiday season rush is something e-commerce companies do every year, but 2020 may prove particularly challenging. It’s likely many consumers will prefer to do most of their shopping online as the pandemic lingers. While this is good news for the bottom line, e-commerce sites must be ready to smoothly manage increased Web traffic, sales and shipments this year if they want to keep their customers happy—and coming back. So what additional steps should e-commerce businesses be considering as they ramp up for the end of the year? Below, the members of Forbes Technology Council share 14 tips to help you get your e-commerce business ready to run at top speed this holiday season.

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Earlier this year, the coronavirus pandemic forced many companies—including those in the tech sector—to shut down all in-person operations. Businesses had to quickly pivot their daily and long-term operations to rely more heavily on tech than ever before, and leaders often needed to make difficult decisions to ensure survival. Tech leaders won’t soon forget the experience of the lockdown or the lessons they learned in rapidly adapting to the new tech-dominated normal. We asked 15 tech leaders from Forbes Technology Council to share the lessons they’ll carry forward in responding to future emergencies. 

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With advanced technical skills and knowledge, professionals in the tech industry may have an easier time than others when adjusting to the logistics of remote work. However, they may still feel the lack of synergy from working side-by-side with their colleagues. To help mitigate this issue, tech leaders with remote employees need to make an extra effort to build and maintain a strong team culture. If you’re looking for ways to make your offsite team feel more connected, try these 15 tips from the members of Forbes Technology Council.

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Smaller companies and startups may not have the luxury of an in-house IT team when something goes wrong—including when they've been hacked. Getting hacked not only means your company data could end up in the wrong hands, but it could also lead to a whole host of financial and customer trust issues as you try to recover. Fortunately, you can educate yourself on the signs of a data breach to help you catch it early enough to address it quickly. Below, 14 experts from Forbes Technology Council share some key red flags leaders should watch for and how to mitigate any potential damage.

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Artificial intelligence has seen a meteoric rise in recent years. From chatbots and marketing initiatives to automating workloads and improving customer service, businesses are increasingly turning to AI to streamline operations, while consumers use AI-driven tech like smart speakers to make their lives easier and more enjoyable. As the technology behind artificial intelligence evolves, developers must continue to consider one of the primary goals of AI development: to make it more “human” than “artificial.” More human-like AI is not only more likely to be trusted and adopted by the general public but also provides a smoother, more successful user experience. If you’re working to build an AI application that’s more “human-centric,” keep these 15 important factors shared by the members of Forbes Technology Council in mind.

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A mentor can be a tremendous boon to any professional, but especially to new tech professionals, who are coming into an industry that operates at high speed and changes quickly. A fellow industry professional has the experience and insights that are invaluable to someone just starting out. It's important to take the time to research and find the best person to help you, because the right mentor can help you navigate unfamiliar territory and get your career off to a strong start. If you’re looking to find a mentor in the tech industry, remember these 15 expert tips from the members of Forbes Technology Council.

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Ergonomic design has long been a primary consideration for developing furniture, hardware and other consumer products. But ergonomics doesn't only apply to physical objects; good ergonomic design is a factor in everything people interact with, including software and mobile apps. Therefore, tech developers need to be thinking about this as they design and create user experiences. To help, we asked a panel of experts from Forbes Technology Council to explain what developers should know about ergonomic design. Their best responses are below.

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In today's world, companies need to be agile and adaptable if they hope to survive. This is especially true when it comes to tech; both the way the tech team operates and the way the company leverages technology tools can have a big impact. Smart strategies and the right software and applications can help a team's productivity, efficiency and sales skyrocket, while outdated methods or poorly functioning tools will only slow them down. For more insights on the role of technology in the modern workplace, we turned to the members of Forbes Technology Council. Below, they share 14 low-cost, high-impact initiatives an IT team can implement to increase the company's overall productivity.

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As 3D printing continues to mature, its practical uses are seemingly infinite. From artwork and toys to entire buildings and even transplantable organs, this technology can go as far as our imaginations will allow. While 3D printing may be most exciting for companies looking to streamline their prototyping technology, its potential for the non-tech consumer world is growing and evolving. That’s why we asked members of Forbes Technology Council what potential uses of 3D printing non-tech companies should be excited about and why. Keep an eye out for its use in these 10 applications.

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Due to the facial identification features in today’s smart devices and laptops, many people are familiar with the concept of facial recognition technology. However, they may not know exactly how it works or realize how many software programs and applications use this technology to function. Technology experts aren't the only ones discussing the current state and potential of facial recognition technology: Politicians, human rights advocates and others are examining both its possibilities and its troubling drawbacks, and it's wise for the public to stay informed about both the pros and cons. For a better understanding of how facial recognition works, we turned to the experts of Forbes Technology Council. Below they share 12 features of facial recognition technology everyone should know about.

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Tech leaders juggle a lot of responsibilities. Depending on their company's focus, a single day may entail overseeing the day-to-day operations and workflow of their team, engaging with current and potential clients, participating in leadership roundtables, maintaining and troubleshooting in-house tech, and ensuring the critical products their team develops are up to the company's—and the end-users'—standards. With so many tasks on their to-do list, tech leaders often don't have much time left to source and recruit top talent for open positions on the team. That's why we asked the members of Forbes Technology Council how they manage to balance their talent search with their heavy workloads. Try these 14 innovative strategies to build out your dream tech team.

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With COVID-19 prompting office closures and a sudden shift to remote work, companies have had to adapt to and learn new tech on the fly in recent months. Even if your organization has adjusted successfully, the “new normal” is an ever-moving target, especially when it comes to technology. As top industry leaders, the members of Forbes Technology Council strive to identify upcoming tech trends and their potential impact before they arrive. Below, they predict the top 10 trends coming to your workplace and how your company can prepare for them.

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Machine learning (ML) is quickly becoming a mainstay of the business world. Some entrepreneurs and small business owners may shy away from investing in it because they don’t fully understand the ins and outs of the technology. However, you can still make effective use of machine learning in your business without being an expert in it. We asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members to share some smart ways entrepreneurs and small-business owners can make effective use of ML. See their best recommendations below.

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When planning and implementing tech initiatives in your company, developing a tech roadmap can make the process significantly smoother. A well-designed roadmap can help your organization understand and carry out the necessary processes, adjust quickly to any internal or external changes, and meet both short- and long-term company goals. As a technology product manager, it’s up to you to guide the success of the project. To do this, you’ll need to know how to make the best possible roadmap for it. Below, the members of Forbes Technology Council share 13 effective roadmapping techniques you can and should leverage for your development plans.

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As consumers and businesses alike become increasingly concerned with how their information is being used, data-privacy regulations are coming online both overseas and in the U.S. However, there is currently no single, universal law that dictates data protection, so tech leaders have to take extra care to stay “in the know.” The members of Forbes Technology Council understand the importance of keeping up with ever-changing data-privacy regulations. Below, they share 16 tips for tech leaders looking to maintain compliance with growing and changing data privacy laws.

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As consumers become increasingly connected with businesses on their smartphones and devices, many businesses develop mobile apps to connect with their customers. If your company is going the app route, you want to be sure it’s worth your time and money. While a mobile app can be an invaluable tool for many companies, certain company types may not necessarily need one. Below, the members of Forbes Technology Council share their best insights to help you determine if a native mobile app is right for your business. Be sure to ask yourself these 14 questions before you begin the app development journey.

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More people are working from home because of the coronavirus pandemic, and as a result, there’s been a significant surge in cloud use. Companies are relying on the cloud more than ever for file storage and business-critical programs, but these functionalities come at a cost. Knowing what cloud computing and programs your company does and doesn’t need can save you money in the long run. That's why we asked the experts of Forbes Technology Council how companies can get a handle on their surging cloud-computing costs. Follow their recommendations to help you stick to your IT budget.

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When working on a project, you and your IT team are likely determined to see it through to the end—especially if you’ve already put in significant time and effort. However, whether it’s a sudden shift in needs or a simple lack of progress, IT projects must sometimes change direction if they're to reach a successful conclusion. Spotting the signs that an IT project needs a course-correction takes experience. Below, 15 expert tech leaders from Forbes Technology Council share signs your IT project needs to shift focus.

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From business to leisure to everything in between, technology can make our lives easier and more enjoyable. However, tech can also be used to promote the common good and make a positive impact on humanity. When an innovation can do both, it's something truly special and important that deserves our attention. As industry leaders, the members of Forbes Technology Council stay on top of current trends and developments, including the most exciting and impactful new technology out there. Below, 15 of them share the coolest products and services they’ve seen that are making a real difference in the world.

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Even in the current economy, finding and keeping the best dev talent is a problem multiple industries are facing. Learning what attracts and keeps tech professionals—and what pushes them away—is vital. As with any other hire in a company, developers are affected by factors both inside and outside the enterprise. Below, 13 experts from Forbes Technology Council explore the most common reasons developers leave a job and how companies affected by these issues can turn the tide.

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As more people work from home, they essentially become their own first line of IT support. That means it's important for even non-tech professionals to learn some basic tech best practices and troubleshooting tips.  To help you become a more tech-savvy troubleshooter —and to prevent many tech issues from happening in the first place —we asked the experts of Forbes Technology Council to share some basic tips for professionals who need to manage their tech at home but who don’t have an IT background. 

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Building a strong tech team from the ground up takes a recruiting effort that tracks down people with a wide variety of talents and backgrounds. You might think to limit your search to candidates with broad technology experience, but by also looking for candidates with highly niche or nontraditional skills, you can improve the diversity of thought and ability on your team—a must for success. So what qualities should you be looking for in the search for your first tech hire? We asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members for their advice. 

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Network troubleshooting can challenge even the most experienced IT professionals. New issues can crop up any time a device is added or the network changes, and it can be difficult to determine exactly where the problem is. Fortunately, there are several effective network troubleshooting solutions that can make your job significantly easier. We asked the members of Forbes Technology Council to share their favorite network troubleshooting tools that every IT pro should know about. Try one of their recommended solutions to help you solve your tech problems faster.

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Building a new tech product—or updating something you didn't build initially—for a new client always comes with challenges. Addressing the client's true needs can be difficult, especially when you’re working with someone outside of your industry. They may not know how to fully communicate or describe what they want, which can make their asks vague and unclear. To help you ensure you're giving the best service to your non-tech clients, we asked members of Forbes Technology Council how to gain better clarity with a non-industry client to better understand their tech needs. They recommend asking these questions to get both of you on the same page.

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As legislation regarding cybersecurity, user data and other tech topics become more widely discussed and understood, tech leaders are keeping their eyes on political headlines. The decisions made by lawmakers can set the precedent for responsible (or irresponsible) technology use, so it’s important for tech professionals to get involved and speak up to bring the right topics and policies on the table. We asked the members of Forbes Technology Council to share some advice for politically minded industry leaders who want to make sure appropriate and effective tech legislation is passed. Their best answers are below.

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Sometimes non-tech team members are wary of the IT team because they don't understand their methods, rarely interact with them directly or are intimidated by technology. If not addressed, this can lead to breakdowns in communication, inefficiencies, poor customer service and even interoffice resentment. Fortunately, tech leaders can reach out and help bridge the gap between their teams and co-workers. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share their best tips for tech leaders looking to help non-tech team members work more effectively with their IT teams.

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Technology “laggards” are those who are the last holdouts in adopting a new tech gadget or tool. They're often skeptical of innovation and may even have an aversion to change. It may seem like these individuals simply hold back the innovative process, but they can actually play a critical role in pushing technology forward. That's why we asked Forbes Technology Council members why "laggards" are important to innovation and what other tech leaders can learn from them. Their best responses are below.

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Cybersecurity continues to be a hot-button issue in the tech world. From prominent data breaches to upcoming changes to legislation, businesses are increasingly concerned with keeping their data secure. Many are looking toward adopting a "zero trust" IT strategy, which requires strict identity verification for both external and internal individuals and devices. To help you do this, we asked the members of Forbes Technology Council to share their best advice for companies looking to successfully adopt zero trust security. Their top tips are below.

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In any organization, team members will inevitably need to take time off, and leaders need a workable plan in place for appropriate coverage. If you’re a tech leader, you will at some point find yourself in need of a coverage plan for your IT team. After all, your department is expected to keep your company’s systems up and running, no matter the season or staffing numbers. We asked the members of Forbes Technology Council to give their insight on this issue. Here, they share 16 ways you can plan for your team members to take time off without letting important projects fall by the wayside.

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Many consumers follow technology news because they're interested in the latest gadgets or cutting-edge tech tools. Technology pros also spend plenty of time reading about all the latest tech, from fun personal devices and apps to potentially life-changing breakthroughs. Their expertise gives them unique insight, and they know if the latest tech to hit the headlines is really a game-changer that could make a big splash in the market or revolutionize an industry.  To find out what up-and-coming tech devices, apps and procedures are really impressing industry leaders, we asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members to share their selections for the most impressive new tech that's caught their eye. 

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Augmented reality has found a home in several industries and professions. While some organizations and companies are developing products incorporating AR, others are leveraging the technology to improve their own training methods, internal processes and customer service. AR's unique possibilities can bring "hands-on" training and realistic experiences that aren't confined by geography and without unneeded risk. Below, 10 experts from Forbes Technology Council share innovative and intriguing uses of AR technology that are already offering benefits in a variety of industries.

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In the past, those in the tech profession often had limited direct interaction with clients, focusing instead on the “nuts and bolts” work of development and troubleshooting. However, just as tech leaders have taken on more prominent roles in the C-suite, they’re also becoming increasingly outward-facing and today are just as likely to directly interact with clients as their peers in sales and customer service. That’s why it’s important for leaders to brush up on their client-relations skills. To help tech leaders do this, we asked the members of Forbes Technology Council to share their top-recommended resources on customer service. Check out their favorites to improve your own knowledge and skills.

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While members of an IT department all share a talent and passion for technology, they are also unique individuals with varying personalities and work styles. A strong team is vital to the success of any tech department, and leaders must work to facilitate the trust and camaraderie needed for employees to work as a cohesive unit. At any time—but especially now, when so many people are working remotely—CTOs and tech leaders must take the extra effort to build the foundation of teamwork to help everyone work together most efficiently. Not sure where to start? Try these 15 team-building tips from the members of Forbes Technology Council.

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Starting a new company is a difficult task, regardless of your field. In the tech industry, which is increasingly crowded and dominated by giants, it’s even more challenging. Fortunately, though, there's always room for new innovators, and success in the tech startup world is not impossible. As top industry leaders, the members of Forbes Technology Council have learned how to “make it” in this highly competitive field. Below, they share their best advice for tech entrepreneurs looking to break into the industry and stand out from the crowd.

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The age of artificial intelligence is here, and AI will eventually change how every business and industry operates. With so much potential, AI is poised to solve numerous societal problems. However, as with any new technology, it may also cause problems, too. As prominent tech leaders, the members of Forbes Technology Council are keeping their eye on the rapidly-evolving AI and trying to predict its impact. We asked 15 of them to share their thoughts on whether artificial intelligence will help or hurt society in the long-run. Here's what they believe the overall impact of AI will look like.

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Edge computing has been a hot topic in the tech world. This fast-evolving technology allows users to save bandwidth and enjoy faster response times by bringing computation and data storage closer to where they're being used. While companies may see the value of these benefits, many don't realize the full potential of edge computing and how much it can change business and industry for the better. For further insights on edge computing and how it might revolutionize business in the near future, we polled a panel of Forbes Technology Council members. Here's what they believe edge computing can do for the business world and why it's so important.

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Social distancing measures prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically decreased in-person meetings and travel. As a result, many people became more interested in virtual reality as a means of enjoying places and experiences that weren’t accessible. The opportunities provided by VR and its potential to revolutionize everything from education and industry to travel and entertainment have taken center stage. As top tech leaders, the members of Forbes Technology Council are watching the VR space and how it’s developing to meet consumers’ needs. Below, they share 16 uses for VR that are sure to make a big splash among consumers in the months to come.

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Recently, many companies have made the transition to remote work arrangements—some for the first time. Many tech leaders, however, are seasoned in leading remote teams, since several tech companies adopted remote work arrangements either from the beginning or early on to gain access to leading tech talent from around the globe. Their leadership teams have learned strategies for creating bonds and building unity among team members who may be located in multiple countries around the world. If you’re looking to expand your business’ borders and hire more remote employees in the future, take a look at these 13 tips from the members of Forbes Technology Council. Their advice will help you build connections and camaraderie among your team members, regardless of where they’re physically located.

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Tech teams are often working against a constant stream of incoming requests and tickets. Not only are they troubleshooting external customer problems, but they're dealing with internal priorities, bugs and feature requests that all seem to require urgent attention. As a tech leader, it's your job to help your team properly prioritize these internal and external tickets, but with so many to deal with, it's hard to know where to start. That's why we asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members how they determine which tasks get tackled first. Read on for the criteria they use to set their team's priorities.

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Tech professionals know how much time and energy goes into building and maintaining internal and product technology. However, non-tech colleagues only see the results of that hard work, rather than everything that goes into it. They experience technology that’s seamlessly integrated into their working lives, and expect to have IT experts on hand to quickly solve any problems they have. This disconnect between the tech team’s reality and other departments’ expectations can lead to miscommunications or frustrations between the two. To help bridge this gap, the members of Forbes Technology Council share 14 things they wish their non-tech colleagues knew about the work they and their teams do every day.

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Staying on top of industry trends is vital to your continued professional growth and development. This is especially true if you work in the tech industry, which is constantly evolving as both technology and society advance. Fortunately, staying on top of the latest tech trends isn’t impossible -- you just need the right resources to grow. If you’re looking for some new resources for professional development, check out these top picks from the members of Forbes Technology Council.

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Many companies use nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect their intellectual property (IP). However, your NDA is only as effective as the signer is trustworthy. Whether it’s an internal team member or external source, you can never play it too safe. To help you better protect your IP, we asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members how to keep proprietary information safe from former employees and competitors. Take these 14 precautionary measures to keep your IP out of the wrong hands.

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The market is chock-full of tools that help business teams automate their workflow. But if you're a non-tech business leader, it can be intimidating to evaluate each option and find one that works best for you. As technology experts, the members of Forbes Technology Council have firsthand experience with many of today's leading automation tools. Below, they recommend 15 helpful tools for automating workflow and getting more done.

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Schools have always embraced technology, and education technology (edtech) is one of the fastest-growing areas of tech today. With so many more education professionals looking at ways to deliver electronic lectures or engage their students remotely, this comes as no surprise. However, not all edtech is the same, and some applications and strategies offer far more in terms of innovation. Some edtech advances haven't even made it into products as yet, but they are extremely promising. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss the latest developments in edtech -- products and approaches -- and explain why they find them particularly compelling.

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User experience is one of the most important considerations for an app designer—particularly a designer addressing the unique challenges presented by mobile devices. Using the right design strategies and remembering to incorporate the latest UX trends can boost an app’s usability and popularity, as well as your company’s bottom line. Below, 14 experts from Forbes Technology Council share the UX trends that mobile app designers should be focusing on.

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Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa are a few of the more common voice-activated assistants, but they aren't the only ones. As speech recognition tech has become easier to incorporate and more efficient in performing its tasks, more app designers have begun to include it in their development. As exciting as this is, there are yet many unknowns regarding voice-activated technologies' potential, as well as their impact on privacy and security. As with any new technology, we don't know for sure what the pitfalls of voice tech are and what negative aspects we could be facing down the road. Below, 10 members of Forbes Technology Councilshare some of the most important things users should know about their voice-activated tech.

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Between Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, the world seems to have a lot of voice-activated assistants. Voice recognition has grown immensely from its early days as a technology and is now being integrated into an ever-growing number of devices and applications. As its popularity increases, users become more familiar with the main traits, as well as the pros and cons of voice-activated technology and its best uses. These 10 professionals from Forbes Technology Council share below what they think all consumers should know about their voice-activated technology.

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Tech is an ever-changing industry. Each year, new developments and challenges arise for professionals in the field. Technology leaders must be prepared to adapt to these obstacles as they come up and develop a plan for moving forward. We asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members what challenges they’re facing this year and how they’re planning to overcome them. Read on for their best responses.

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Recently, it seems many Silicon Valley tech execs have gotten increasingly political. There are mixed opinions of whether this is a good or bad idea, and some experts believe it can ultimately be a good thing for leaders to voice political opinions. However, there are ways to do so without causing too much controversy. Below, a panel of Forbes Technology Council members shared some best practices if you want to get political.

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Every year, the CES expo offers businesses a chance to present their latest technological advances and products to the buying public. Naturally, it's a heavily hyped gathering, but even so, the technologies that make their way there are new and surprising. With each new technological breakthrough, the world gets closer to achieving a level of technology that we have only dreamed of in the pages of science fiction. Even so, some tech advancements that came out at CES 2020 were more exciting than others. Below, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council talk about the most exciting and intriguing products that made their way onto the stage at CES 2020 and what they could mean for technology in general in the future.

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One of the noticeable characteristics of the tech field is how fluid and dynamic it is. For an executive in the industry, the only way to stay at the top of their game is to anticipate the in-demand skills that the industry needs and learn them. Just learning a skill isn't enough, however. A serious tech executive who wants to provide value for his or her company needs to master those skills. How does a tech leader figure out what skills are necessary in this day and age? To help those executives who are still trying to figure that particular question out, 15 contributors to Forbes Technology Council examine some of the skills and abilities they consider most important to master in 2020.

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When leading a tech team, it’s important to measure your team’s overall productivity. This metric can be used for major business decisions down the line. However, measuring your tech team’s productivity isn’t as simple as counting revenue gained or units produced. Beyond the outcome of the project, there are several other factors that should be taken into account. Below, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council share the most effective ways of evaluating team productivity.

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From bug fixes to developing new solutions, most tech teams have a lengthy to-do list. When there’s so much to be done, it can be challenging to determine what needs to be done first, as well as how to get everything done. As leaders in the tech industry, the members of Forbes Technology Council have learned how to effectively prioritize their projects while ensuring that everything gets completed on time. Below, they share 14 specific questions to ask yourself or your team when prioritizing tech projects.

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With increasing reports of data breaches and misuse of data, people are understandably wary about trusting companies with their personal information. In fact, 97% of consumers are somewhat or very concerned about protecting their data, and approximately half of consumers don’t feel well-informed about what companies plan to do with that data. As a tech company, building trust with your customers regarding personal data use is pivotal. That's why we asked a panel of Forbes Technology Councilmembers how you can establish that trust with your customer base. Here are their top recommendations.

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When developing new tech, you know that the customer should always be at the top of your mind. This is especially true when the "customers" are your colleagues. Building new tech for company use can improve systems and solve problems, so you want to be sure the product meets everyone’s needs. The tech leaders of Forbes Technology Councilknow the importance of getting teamwide feedback for in-house tech, and how to use that feedback to make the best possible product. Read on for their top tips.

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Today’s world is growing more and more tech-driven. For example, coding is becoming a must-know for professionals in the technology industry. Because of this, many new workers -- whether their role is IT-related or not -- are wondering if they should take the time to learn how to code. We posed this question to the members of Forbes Technology Council. Below, they explained their position, along with how to navigate and get ahead of a tech-inclined world.

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As businesses handle larger and larger volumes of sensitive data, more information is being stored in the cloud or via email. Securing physical data centers isn’t always enough to keep this data safe, so many businesses are turning their focus toward a data-centric cybersecurity approach. Data-centric cybersecurity can offer greater protection for your company’s sensitive data, especially in an era where security breaches are far too common. If you’re looking to shift your business to a data-centric cybersecurity model, read on for some top tips from the members of Forbes Technology Council.

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IT teams have a stressful job ahead of them, and many times members have to deal with packed schedules, weird hours and overtime work. The mental and physical toll on an IT team member can be detrimental to their health. However, a lot of employees hide the symptoms of overwork they are experiencing, so it is up to team leaders to figure out when their members are experiencing burnout. Once you notice the signs of burnout, however, dealing with it requires accepting the problem and figuring out how to work around it. To help, 14 experts from Forbes Technology Council discuss the best approaches that tech team leaders can implement to help their members deal with burnout.

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Tech organizations tend to thrive on innovation. The most innovative tech companies make headlines almost every week, and their successes compound on one another. In the case of tech leaders, these innovation powerhouses provide an essential resource that they may sometimes overlook. Whether by taking more risks or by having better talent in key roles, great tech innovators manage to not only get ahead of their competition but also set the tone for the entire industry. So what exactly makes big tech innovators stand out and make the headlines? How can other companies follow in their footsteps? To help, nine members of Forbes Technology Council examine some of most crucial lessons that these innovation powerhouses can impart to tech leaders.

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The role of chief information officer (CIO) brings with it a lot of power and responsibility. However, under the shiny new door plaque and business cards, there are a few things that no one tells the new CIO about the position. Sadly, many new CIOs may have to spend their first few months figuring out how the office works. Each business's CIO operates differently, and while no one can tell you exactly how your position operates, those who have filled the role for some time can give general pointers to help newbies navigate the waters. To this end, 15 contributors to Forbes Technology Council share a few essential tips to help new CIOs get acclimated faster to the new office.

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With the continuous presence of technology where everyone on the planet seems to be connected, apps have become an essential part of life. Many tech leaders would get dragged into a mire of complexity without access to their apps. From team communication to scheduling, applications provide functionality in the palm of a user's hand that was impossible before today's technologically advanced society. What are some of the apps that tech leaders swear by when it comes to performing their primary tasks? These 15 experts from Forbes Technology Council weigh in on the apps that they consider to be the most important to their day-to-day activities, regardless of if they fall under work or leisure.

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Digital initiatives form the core of a lot of business ideas today. As more companies move toward digital transformation and implementing a more complex technology infrastructure, the onus is on IT leaders to restructure their departments to suit the demand. Restructuring is a complicated process and requires deep understanding of the need for different services. Once we know the market, we can adjust the supply so that the IT department can lend support to all areas of the business in their digital transformation initiatives. These 13 experts from Forbes Technology Council examine some of the most common mistakes IT teams should look out for when restructuring and explain how an organization can avoid these pitfalls.

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Tech is an ever-changing industry. Each year, new developments and challenges arise for professionals in the field. Technology leaders must be prepared to adapt to these obstacles as they come up and develop a plan for moving forward. We asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members what challenges they’re facing this year, and how they’re planning to overcome them. Read on for their best responses.

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Preparing your company for remote work can let you eschew many of the issues that could arise from any disruptive event. Plan ahead now to stay resilient to ever-changing circumstances.

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DataOps has the potential to transform the way businesses gain insights from their analytics processes. By reducing the cycle time and increasing the quality of the analytics results, DataOps already presents a whole world of opportunity for businesses invested in implementing it. Given that a lot of business intelligence is based on the quality of analytics that the heads of a company can access, DataOps can help streamline this information, allowing a company to focus more on reaching its goals using the available data. Below, nine contributors to Forbes Technology Council explore some of the key problems that DataOps can address specifically within a business

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Bottlenecks create inefficiencies whenever they occur. Within an IT department, bottlenecks can lead to a severe slowdown in processing time and an inability to receive results on time. The most effective way of dealing with bottlenecks is finding and addressing their root cause. Sometimes, these issues stem from practices that are already ingrained within the IT department's system or culture. To help leaders deal with these issues, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council share some of the bad practices IT teams typically engage in that can lead to preventable bottlenecks within the system.

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Most companies operate within strict budgets. Keeping the budget balanced within multiple departments needs input from each one, as well as an understanding of the department's place within the enterprise's overall goal. Tech leaders have to present the company's tech goals in such a way that they align with the business's goals for the department to secure funding. Naturally, the competition for budgetary allocation is stiff, and tech leaders have to be creative in presenting their case to the board. Here, 13 professionals from Forbes Technology Council delve into strategies that tech leaders can use to underscore the importance of their needs but also to keep their tech goals on track with limited resource allocations.

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As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated in our daily lives, it’s also become more embedded into popular culture. While some TV shows and movies successfully portray technology like AI, others don’t always take the time to explain the nuances of tech -- or if they do, it’s not always accurate. For non-tech people who glean much of their tech knowledge from pop culture, this can lead to a lot of misinformation. That's why we asked the members of Forbes Technology Council to clear a few things up. Below they share 12 things pop culture gets wrong about AI, and what the public should know instead.

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Automation in the workplace has been steadily gaining momentum over the past several years, and with good reason. Automating certain processes, especially repetitive or easily replicated tasks, can greatly improve accuracy and efficiency in the workplace. However, automation doesn’t work for every task -- there are some jobs that will always require the human touch. We asked Forbes Technology Councilmembers to share which jobs should never be automated and why. Their best answers are below.

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No matter how you feel about automation in the workforce, the reality is that many businesses have benefited greatly from this rapidly-evolving technology. Tedious, repetitive tasks like data entry and scheduling that once ate up valuable hours in an employee's day can now be streamlined with the right automation processes. Now that the business world has seen the power of automation, the question then becomes, "What's next?" The members of Forbes Technology Council are constantly looking out for new tech trends, and they believe the next jobs to be impacted by automation might not be the ones people expect. Below, 14 of them share the roles they predict will be automated in the next five to 10 years.

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Technology is constantly evolving, with new systems and programs being updated and implemented regularly. Because of this, tech departments move incredibly fast, so it’s important for new hires to get up to speed as soon as possible. Implementing effective onboarding methods can help expedite this process. That's why we asked a group of Forbes Technology Council members how they bring their new hires into the fold. Below, they share their top onboarding methods for tech team members.

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Regardless of their role, any employee can appreciate tech that improves their work and productivity. However, your colleagues outside the tech department may not immediately understand the process of rolling out new technology, or the benefits of incoming changes that may seem inconvenient at first blush. That’s why it’s crucial to communicate your plans clearly with your non-tech employees, in a way that makes sense to them. We asked a group of Forbes Technology Council members to share some concrete ways you can share your plans with the rest of the company to keep everyone on the same page. Their best advice is below.

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Cloud-based services are becoming more and more commonplace, and it's not hard to see why. The cloud can save companies time, money and frustration, and offer more flexibility for employees to access data remotely. Whether your business is just beginning its cloud journey or looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest cloud solutions, it's important to keep up with what industry leaders consider to be "must-have" services. That's why we asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members which cloud-based services they believe every tech department should be using. Their best answers are below.

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Tech has advanced to such a point that creating wearable apps is a viable solution for many companies. However, wearable tech comes with its own expenses and limitations. Wearable technology usually needs special considerations for design and functionality. Getting any of these nuances wrong could be a costly mistake for a company. Many times, with the amount of money spent on developing the app, it's infeasible to scrap the entire project. To help businesses be aware of what they're getting into, 13 associates of Forbes Technology Council examine how companies can avoid the costliest mistakes when designing and developing wearable tech.

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No company wants to suffer a data breach, but as the headlines prove, it can and does happen to businesses on a regular basis. Data breaches not only bring a potential dollar loss to your business, they also damage your business’ reputation by shaking your customers’ trust. There are also a variety of factors that leave certain businesses more vulnerable to breaches than others. We asked 14 Forbes Technology Council members to share some data security risks that could make a breach more likely. Here are the top risks your business should be addressing as soon as possible.

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From foldable devices to 5G, 2019 was a year of new and exciting developments in smartphone technology. Of course, the tech field continues to march forward with time, and many consumers and technology pros alike are wondering what changes might be emerging for smartphones in 2020 and beyond. The members of Forbes Technology Council have their finger on the pulse of upcoming technology advances, including those in the smartphone market. We asked a group of them to share their predictions for these ubiquitous devices in the coming years. Here’s what they had to say.

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Customer experience (CX) is not a new concept, but it's one that has taken off in recent years. As competition becomes the norm in many digital and application spaces, the interaction that the consumer has with the company becomes more important. CX is vital in helping a company retain its customers and grow its customer base through organic referrals. Luckily, technology offers several ways for businesses to improve their customer experience and make for a much better solution for dealing with consumers. Below, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council expound on the techniques they use to improve their customer experience ratings through the use of technology.

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Building or updating software requires a lot of thought, effort and patience. Usually, the reward for this hard work is a slew of satisfied users. However, sometimes developers must face the reality of low adoption rates. After all the painstaking hours you spent on a project, it can be frustrating when people simply don’t use it. That’s why we asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members for their top strategies to get users to adopt new or updated versions of your software. Their best answers are below.

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Most consumers are well aware of the widespread availability of voice assistants. However, not many of them have considered their usefulness in the workplace. Having a voice assistant could aid a business in several ways, including in its workplace efficiency. Combining the voice assistant with other tech advancements can make for a lot of drastic improvements in how a company does business. Implementing these changes may not even be that expensive, and it is something that companies should look into exploring. Below, 12 contributors to Forbes Technology Council examine the potential ways that a voice assistant could help businesses be more productive.

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Thanks to modern technology, businesses of all sizes have access to rich, granular data about their customers and operations. However, understanding what to do with these massive amounts of data can be difficult and costly, and even with the right tools, it can be overwhelming. With so much complexity around big data, businesses can easily make mistakes when working with their datasets. We asked a panel of Forbes Technology Council members the most common of these mistakes and the best way to correct them. Follow their tips to help your company avoid these big data pitfalls.

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Smart technology has shaped not only how we communicate, but how we live in our own homes. From voice assistants controlling our lights to security systems monitoring our front porch while we’re at work, these technologies are becoming more prevalent in the 21st century residence. As leading experts in their field, the members of Forbes Technology Council follow the trends on smart technology, including mainstream adoption of certain devices. We asked them which up-and-coming smart device they believe most homes will have in five to 10 years. Their top predictions are below.

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Modern technology like smart boards and student iPads have become the norm in the typical classroom. From ensuring a student’s full participation to greater ease in grading exams, certain aspects of educators' jobs have become easier these technologies. However, the gadgets we’ve seen could be just the tip of the iceberg. With limitless possibilities in mind, we asked members of Forbes Technology Council how they believe educators will push the barriers to leverage tech in the classroom. Here are their best predictions for the future of education technology.

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Cybersecurity is among the most prominent concerns for businesses in the 21st century. In the past, physical security was all a company needed. Today, however, poor cybersecurity could put a business's assets at risk without the perpetrators needing to perform a physical break-in. Cybersecurity teams are a critical element to aid enterprises in staying one step ahead of online criminals. The development and management of a strong cybersecurity team isn't an easy task, however. To support companies that may need to build a cybersecurity team from scratch, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council offer their advice for making and maintaining a professional cybersecurity team to deal with potential threats to the business.

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Resolving to change is an old tradition that stretches back into the mists of civilization. With the year's change into a new one, people are encouraged to make changes to their lives as well. Sadly, as with many forced changes, New Year's resolutions have a reduced rate of success. In the past, we could just let it slide as something to be expected. However, technology has given us an edge and a chance to better ourselves with a little help from the silicon processor. Here, 13 professionals from Forbes Technology Council share the ways they see tech impacting people's New Year's resolution for the better, helping them improve themselves.

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Every professional has their daily to-dos, from answering emails to chatting through problems with team members, and tech execs are no exception. These day-to-day “chores” may not feel as invigorating as working on technology directly, but they’re vital to keeping your team and company operating efficiently. The experts of Forbes Technology Councilhave figured out some tricks to manage their daily to-do lists more effectively, so they can get back to their company's technology sooner. Follow their tips to help you better manage your housekeeping tasks and spend more time focusing on your passion.

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Remote work is becoming more and more common, and companies are having to learn the best ways to keep their team in touch. This can be especially challenging in the field of technology. Many tech employees tend to keep their heads down and focus on the task at hand, so they might not be constantly monitoring their phones or emails for updates. As successful tech leaders, the members of Forbes Technology Council know how to effectively communicate with their teams, no matter where they're located. Below, they share 13 ways to effectively communicate with remote technology employees to keep everyone on the same page.

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With the exponential growth of cloud computing and the internet of things, you may be hearing more and more about edge computing. Though it’s a commonly used buzzword, edge computing is still an unfamiliar and untested concept for many companies. As a beginner, how can you start using edge computing to grow your business? We asked a panel ofForbes Technology Council members for their advice. Fourteen of them shared some beneficial tips for leveraging this rapidly-evolving technology.

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With exhibitions, conferences and the opportunity to connect with tech leaders and colleagues, most tech professionals have the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas marked on their calendar each year. CES 2020 kicks off on January 7, so you’ll want to prepare yourself to get the most out of your experience, whether you’re planning to present, attend or simply get feedback from your team members who are attending. We asked the experts of Forbes Technology Council to share how they’re getting ready for CES 2020. Their best responses are below.

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Most people have heard about artificial intelligence, but a surprising number of them are unaware of how AI impacts our everyday lives. The truth is that while we don't have AI that is as complex as Kubrick's HAL 9000, we still interact with it quite a lot every day. From the searches we perform in Google to the advertisements we see on social media, AI impacts all of them to some level. To help nonspecialists grasp the degree to which AI has woven itself into the fabric of modern society, 12 experts from Forbes Technology Council explain precisely where we encounter AI and the ways we may be interacting with it that we aren't aware of.

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The rate of advancement in technology over the last hundred years is exponentially more significant than any other time in human history. As a result, there is a state of constant evolution in the tech department of most companies. Both software and hardware see improvements so regularly now that systems that are less than five years old are already dated. How does a tech department stay ahead of the curve then? To help, 11 members of Forbes Technology Council offer suggestions for tech leaders who want to ensure that their teams are always at the cutting edge of technology and stay ahead of the competition.

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The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the best-represented tech expos in the world. Businesses from all over come to show off their latest developments, and buyers arrive en masse to witness what the coming year is likely to hold. For a tech business, attending conferences also helps market the brand, and to raise awareness among customers. Sadly, with the sheer number of attendees in CES, it's unlikely that smaller companies will get noticed. The answer is to attend other conferences that show off similar products but may have less competition for attention. Below, 15 professionals from Forbes Technology Council offer alternative tech conferences that smaller companies might have better luck visiting in 2020 to raise awareness of their products and get the latest news and updates in the industry.

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The buzzword “digital transformation” has become a mantra for many businesses that think digital improvement will magically fix their issues. Many success stories exist that underline how vital digital transformation can be. However, the reports may leave out critical details regarding the preliminary steps a company needs to take before digital transformation and what internal issues it needs to resolve first. If that doesn't happen, the company may end up merely moving its problems from one platform to another, making the whole process a waste of time and money. To help, 12 professionals from Forbes Technology Council suggest some of the issues that a company should prioritize to resolve before it starts considering digital transformation, and explain why fixing those issues is so critical.

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When you hear the term “best practice,” it usually evokes the thought of something agreed upon by professionals within the field and generally applicable across the entire industry. However, these so-called “best-practices” change as the industry evolves and perhaps even more so in the fast-changing world of tech. Even recently, many of the practices companies had implemented as industry standard had to be revamped or discarded. Instead of bringing the benefits that businesses expected, they ended up crippling or hobbling the company in some unforeseen way. But still, some of these practices persist, despite being detrimental. Below, 14 experts from Forbes Technology Council investigate the harmful “best practices” that a company should try to avoid in their daily operations, and how they could impact the company's present and future dealings.

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It's obvious that today's software developers must have talent and creativity to write good code. However, it's also important that they have self-discipline. Successful developers should always be studying and following current best practices for their work. To help you and your team consistently create better code, we asked 14 members of Forbes Technology Council to share their best advice for developers. Read on for their top tips.

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Your business doesn’t have to wait for years to start preparing for the 5G future.

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Follow these steps to recruit the best graduates these boot camps have to offer.

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Tech is necessary, but the people and strategies behind the tech are equally important.

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Your team is often your best asset in a technology company. By making the environment fun and diverse and investing in improvements on the front end, you can maximize the success of your team.