Sandro Shubladze

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With large-scale, global environmental data collection, how do we integrate and put such information to use to address environmental challenges?

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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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The future of decision-making is getting a major upgrade.

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In March 2024, Business Insider characterized the rollout of 5G as “slow and underwhelming,” but also noted that “there are blue skies ahead as 5G advancements finally arrive.” Additionally, industry giants (including Verizon) are saying 2024 will be a “big year” for 5G technology. With that in mind, companies can begin (or revisit) their plans for leveraging the faster speeds, lower latency and enhanced connections 5G can bring. While all businesses and consumers are likely to reap benefits as 5G’s footprint grows, certain industries and functions stand to see a big boost in terms of efficiency, productivity and reach. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council detail specific sectors and applications that will see big benefits from 5G and why.

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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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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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Addressing the digital divide involves addressing the community's and businesses' ability to access data.

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The Internet of Things comprises devices that can communicate with each other and collect and share data via the internet. The IoT has already made a big impact in both industrial and consumer marketplaces via a variety of technologies, ranging from predictive maintenance systems in factories to connected appliances in kitchens. Consumer-use IoT devices, as well as systems that impact the customer experience, may soon be even more widespread and functional, contributing to enhanced convenience, safety and entertainment in homes and public spaces. Even as the marketplace benefits from new developments, however, it’s essential to keep IoT technology’s limitations and potential downsides in mind. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss the devices they believe are poised to make a big impact in the consumer-facing IoT market and what the results of these new marvels may include.

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Produced and hosted each January by the Consumer Technology Association, CES gets each new year off to an exciting start for tech experts and enthusiasts. Featuring the latest developments in consumer-focused technology, CES not only helps tech industry leaders keep an eye on new and emerging tools and gadgets, but also inspires them to think outside the box about their own organizations’ efforts. Even with CES 2024 in the rearview mirror, attendees are still buzzing about the groundbreaking developments that were on display. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council talk about the products and services showcased at CES 2024 that they found the most intriguing and how these technologies could soon make life easier, safer or simply more fun for all of us.

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In recent years, protecting consumer data has not only been a major concern for consumers themselves, but also for government bodies around the globe. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act are two of the most prominent examples of legislation designed to ensure consumers have more insight into and control over their data and that any information they choose to share is safeguarded by the businesses that collect it. Most technology companies have welcomed the guidance and clarity provided by carefully crafted legislation, but even so, there's no doubt that complying with varying (and growing) national and regional privacy statutes brings an added layer of challenge when building new technologies. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share strategies to help tech companies balance pursuing innovation and ensuring compliance to continue to grow and serve their customers.

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Diving into data extraction without a plan is like navigating a ship without a compass.

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In business, when the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing, there’s a problem. The various teams in an organization each collect and have access to vital information and data, and often, those teams can become so focused on their own smaller initiatives that they lose sight of the big picture—and how the data they hold helps to paint it. When data is tightly siloed in a business, not only do executive and departmental leaders not have access to all the information they need to make the best decisions, but they may also make avoidable and significant missteps. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council discuss a variety of tools and strategies that can help a business break down silos to gain the maximum benefit from all of its collected data.

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Partnering with a popular technology or brand can simplify the creation and maintenance of a technology stack for a business, but it can also be limiting. You and your team may not always be using the freshest technology on the market, and long-term vendors may grow complacent. Further, you may get locked into a contract that limits your resources to try something new. Many companies are considering going tech-agnostic—instead of committing to a particular technology tool or brand, they instead opt to use the technology tools that currently best fit their unique needs and goals. But as with any business philosophy, the tech-agnostic approach has both upsides and potential downsides. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share their expert insights to ensure business leaders who are considering adopting tech agnosticism know exactly what benefits and challenges they might be in for.

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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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In the energy and excitement of designing and developing a new technology product or service, it can be easy to focus on functionality and push security to the back burner. However, wise tech leaders and teams know that security should and must be top of mind when building any new tech product. It’s far easier, safer and more efficient to build in security from the beginning than it is to backtrack and plug in holes at the end—or worse, release a product or service that’s vulnerable to cyberattack. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their practical, expert tips for ensuring security is the foundation of all new tech products—and team cultures.

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Whether you’re creating a Web app or a mobile app for your business, the end goals are to provide a helpful service for as many customers as possible and expand your company’s reach. But how do you know whether a Web app or a mobile app will be the better path forward?  It’s essential to consider a variety of customer- and business-focused factors when choosing between the two options. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council share important insights and considerations for company leaders who need to decide whether a Web or mobile app is the right option for their business, as well as essential details to remember once development starts.

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From the times of ancient scholars to modern researchers, the quest for knowledge has been a constant.

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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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When a business establishes an e-commerce site, whether standalone or to supplement brick-and-mortar sales, its customer base can potentially go from narrow and local to fully global. But a website is far from the only tech tool needed to compete in a worldwide, 24/7 marketplace. From tracking orders to providing personalized experiences, launching and running a successful e-commerce endeavor takes a robust tech stack. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss essential tools and strategies an e-commerce company needs to leverage to drive sales and remain a top shopping choice for consumers.

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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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The term “digital twin” is apt and descriptive; it refers to a digital representation (or “twin”) of a thing, person, system or process. But while the name itself is simple and straightforward, what can be accomplished with digital twins is anything but. Industries ranging from finance to retail to healthcare—and every sector in between, including government—are finding creative, innovative uses for digital twins. Advances in the technology are or may soon be improving patient outcomes and customer experiences and helping organizations streamline processes, cut costs and more. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council explain ways digital twins can be leveraged in multiple industries to support human workers and the people they serve.

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These days, businesses and industries are using artificial intelligence to improve operations across a broad spectrum, from marketing and content generation to talent recruitment and human resources. Unsurprisingly, business leaders are starting to think about ways AI can help them with what is increasingly becoming a critical consideration for organizations of all stripes: reducing their carbon footprint. Doing as much as possible to improve the sustainability of their operations isn’t just the right thing for businesses to do; it’s also an initiative that’s drawing increased regulatory oversight from governments around the globe. Further, engaged consumers keep an eye on environmental, social and governance efforts when deciding which companies to patronize (or avoid). Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss ways AI can help business and industry boost sustainability and, thereby, the bottom line.

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As data is the new gold in today's digital era, there are critical questions to be explored about ownership and ethics.

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In today’s digital marketplace, businesses are working to find ways to leverage third-party data, which is information collected about companies and individuals by another source. Paired with the customer information businesses collect themselves, third-party data can be valuable for everything from learning important details about a target audience to refining products and services—if it’s managed and used wisely and well. Achieving maximum ROI from third-party data involves not only knowing both its potential and possible limitations, but also how best to apply it. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their tips to help businesses verify, prep and leverage third-party data to see real, effective results.

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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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All of today’s technology marvels were built on the work of innovators who came before—including some who lived thousands of years ago. Many of these brilliant minds not only laid the foundations for many of the technologies we use today, but also broke down boundaries to give others the chance to explore science and technology. Today’s tech leaders are well aware that they stand on the shoulders of giants, and many would like nothing more than to meet these innovators in person and tap into their expertise and inspiration. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council discuss 20 of tech’s “top stars” and detail why their work still carries such an impact today.

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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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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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While a CSO or tech leader’s C-suite colleagues understand the importance of cybersecurity, they’re often primarily focused on the bottom line. They may even ask, “But is it necessary to spend the resources we do on these efforts?” The ability to explain, in terms comprehensible to laypersons, both the companywide and specific outcomes and protections of dedicated cybersecurity initiatives is an essential (and inescapable) part of any CSO’s—and indeed, most tech leaders’—roles. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council detail both broad and specific factors and metrics that show the value of, progress on and need for robust cybersecurity initiatives.

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Even when operating with small staffs and budgets—and often, no tech professionals—small-business owners cannot overlook cybersecurity. A data breach at a large, established company is a crisis; for a small business, it's likely a catastrophe. Fortunately, there are simple, affordable steps and resources that can help even the smallest business harden its cybersecurity posture. Below, 20 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share their advice to help small-business owners begin the ongoing work of managing cybersecurity.

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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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Supplying employees with the tools they need to do their work is an inescapable expense for every business. In most of today’s workplaces, the primary tool team members are provided with is a laptop. It’s a choice that makes sense for a variety of companies, including those with traveling sales reps or field workers and those that offer remote or flexible working options. When choosing laptops for team members, it’s a given that a business will look for the best possible deal; however, keeping an eye solely on the bottom line can lead to a variety of issues that can make the “cheapest” option prove to be quite costly. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some of the criteria businesses should consider when shopping for employee laptops and why these details are so essential.

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When more people can access and understand data, decisions become transformative.

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“Innovation” is a guiding principle among tech teams, and that doesn’t just apply to the products they create for the marketplace. Experienced tech leaders pride themselves on introducing smart innovations to their organizations’ culture, processes and practices as well.  Below, 20 experienced leaders from Forbes Technology Council each discuss the innovation they’ve introduced that they’re most proud of and why they feel it’s made a positive difference. Leaders of all stripes may be inspired to take a closer look to see what could be done better in their own workplaces.

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There’s never a day when cybersecurity isn’t a top issue for tech teams. Every company—no matter its size or profile—that relies on computing and data is a target for hackers, and the threat horizon is ever-expanding. Regularly assessing your cybersecurity protocols is an essential part of managing tech systems and digital assets. The best way to test your defenses is to have an outside team actually try to breach them. That’s where penetration testing comes in. A pen test can give an organization’s cybersecurity systems a workout, prodding for weak spots and providing valuable feedback to help strengthen defenses. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council share smart steps to take both before and after a pen test to ensure you realize the maximum benefits from the exercise.

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The DevOps philosophy is simple: Bring development and operations teams closer together in the tech product building process. Companies that swear by DevOps tout improvements in team speed, efficiency and collaboration as well as higher-quality finished products. While the theory may be uncomplicated, if it's not executed properly and thoroughly, its advantages are unlikely to be achieved. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some DevOps best practices that are often overlooked by tech teams and why these practices are important pieces in the DevOps puzzle.

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Businesses are often advised to “meet customers where they are,” and when it comes to apps, where they are is on their mobile devices. Most people always have their cellphones with them, so a well-designed mobile app can give customers instant and convenient access to the information and services they need from a business—which can lead to more loyalty and higher sales. With the variety of devices on the market and a diverse user base, however, creating an effective mobile app that provides a good user experience requires thoughtful design choices. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their tips for building an ergonomic, user-friendly mobile app.

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When a tech team completes the build of a new software product, a leader's job isn't done. The next essential step is ensuring that the new tech performs as intended and meets customers' expectations. A variety of key performance indicators, tracked both before and after release to the market, can tell tech teams what's working, what isn't and where improvements can be made. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss KPIs they rely on for assessing software quality and why they provide valuable insights.

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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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As digital transformation becomes a leading initiative across industries, businesses are onboarding and using more and more applications—leading, in many cases, to more and more application programming interfaces. Having too many APIs—or “API sprawl”—can lead to confusion, inefficiency, higher technology costs and even increased cybersecurity risk. To protect themselves and ensure that digital transformation yields the intended benefits (and avoids unintended consequences), organizations and their tech teams must establish ways to avoid sprawl and responsibly manage APIs. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council share their expert tips for effective API oversight.

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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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There’s a lot of excitement prior to a large-scale tech product launch or update, as devs look forward to seeing all their hard work in action and users anticipate the new benefits and/or experience. The last thing anyone wants—whether it’s someone on the dev team or an end user—is to discover bugs, inefficiencies or security flaws in a newly launched or updated product. To avoid this, a robust quality assurance system is vital. Below, 19 members of Forbes Technology Council share essential pre-release QA steps for dev teams and why it’s so important not to skip them.

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In their reading and networking, non-tech leaders may latch on to a frequently discussed tech “buzzword” or concept and believe their organization needs to “add it” or “do something with it”—even when they don’t really know what “it” is. Whether they overestimate the current capabilities of an emerging technology or misinterpret the insider vocabulary of tech experts, non-tech leaders who insist on adding a new tech tool or process just because “everybody’s talking about it” not only frustrate their tech-focused colleagues, but can also add unneeded complications and costs to their processes.  The best first step for leaders who are intrigued by a new technology or process is to talk to the tech pros on their team to gain some clarification. It also helps to find educational resources that can explain tech concepts in simple, layperson-friendly terms. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some common tech buzzwords that are overused and frequently misunderstood by those who aren’t tech-savvy and what the reality behind these terms is.

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With the exploding use of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools across industries, many skilled and knowledge workers worry about AI disrupting or even eliminating their jobs. However, tech experts assert that AI is just another in a series of tech tools that are intended to help humans—not replace them. Indeed, as its use grows, AI is likely to require professionals with all-new skill sets to manage it, as well as enhance the need for the creative work produced by millions of skilled professionals already in the workforce. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their predictions for new jobs AI could create, as well as current specialties that could become even more in demand with the rise of AI.

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In the quest to develop robust AI, extensive data is a prerequisite.

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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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By now, anyone who pays any attention to the media has heard of ChatGPT, and millions of us have tried it. While there was a bit of stumbling out of the gate, professionals ranging from journalists to teachers to communications professionals are leveraging the generative AI tool for research and streamlining the content creation process. Still, there’s more to generative AI than writing press blurbs, test questions and memos—indeed, there’s much more to generative AI than writing, period. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some creative and even surprising ways businesses may soon be leveraging generative AI in their operations.

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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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From supply chain disruptions to uncertain labor markets to the shadow of a potential recession, ongoing and looming issues are leading many companies to focus on ways to become more crisis-resistant. In a global economy, tracking and analyzing the multitude of variables that can impact a business can’t be done manually—technology is essential. Reviewing options and relying on tested best principles can help companies ensure they effectively use technology to monitor and identify risks and proactively address emerging threats. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share tips for companies looking to leverage technology to become more crisis-resistant.

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We may soon be hearing much more about nanotechnology and its potential to have a major impact across a wide range of industrial and consumer-facing applications. Nanotechnologists focus on the study and engineering of materials at the nanoscale level (between 1 and 100 nanometers). Such materials may have unique properties and capabilities we’ve never seen before. While those of us who aren’t tech specialists may struggle to come to grips with the details, we can all marvel at the potential innovations nanotechnology may soon bring to our global society. Here, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some new and progressing developments in nanotechnology and how they may impact us all in the future.

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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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Given its frequent usage and diverse interpretations, data has become a complex concept.

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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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Many professionals work with one or more tech tools as they carry out their day-to-day tasks. Through that interaction, someone may discover they have an affinity for tech and become interested in making a lateral move into a technology role within their organization. The timing is right for that kind of change; as the competition for tech talent tightens, companies are increasingly opting to offer reskilling opportunities for their existing team members to fill open positions. Still, making the transition can be challenging, particularly for those who don't have a formal technology background, so it's best to lay some solid groundwork before initiating a change. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council offer their best tips for professionals thinking of switching their focus to technology. By following these expert strategies, you can position yourself for success and gain a competitive edge in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

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Most newly minted CTOs are stepping into their roles after years of working in the tech profession. However, that doesn’t mean someone new to the C-suite won’t experience any bumps in the road as they transition into a new leadership role—it’s expected that they will deal with a learning curve. Still, there are some common mistakes that all too many new CTOs make that can be avoided with some insight.  While many of the members of Forbes Technology Council have held leadership roles for some time now, they can all remember their first days with more responsibility, and many of them have mentored and guided other new CTOs. Below, 16 of them share some of the common mistakes rookie CTOs make and how others can avoid making those same errors.

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As artificial intelligence technology continues to improve, more companies have become interested in machine learning—technology that is able to "learn" and adapt to become increasingly adept at analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. While ML can prove an invaluable tool to help businesses use data to improve everything from productivity to customer service, setting up a system to leverage it is a process that shouldn’t be rushed.  As leading tech experts, many members of Forbes Technology Council have experience with implementing machine learning to improve their company’s operations. Below, 10 of them share essential foundational steps that tech departments should take prior to rolling out this technology.

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A database management system can help teams create databases and keep critical information organized in a central repository. However, to make the most of the system, it's critical that organizations choose software that will meet their specific needs. If you're searching for a new database management system but aren't sure where to begin, it can help to get some expert insights on what to look for. To that end, a panel of Forbes Technology Council members shared 15 essential features your system should have and why this is such an important factor when implementing and using your new tool.

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When it comes to data extraction at scale, it's unlikely to achieve success without proper planning. The fundamental ways of extracting data can be defined by three major approaches.

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Home-based smart technology, once considered a luxury or a “nice-to-have” feature, is becoming increasingly commonplace. Advances in technology, especially the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, have transformed the way people interact with their homes, whether they are on premises or not.  With more than 45% of all households in the U.S. using smart home devices in 2023, today’s innovative technologies could soon become standard fixtures in new home construction. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council predict which smart-home technologies and tech services new homeowners will come to expect as basic features within the next decade.

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Tech pundits have dubbed IBM’s Simon Personal Communicator the world’s first smartphone. Released in 1994, it didn’t gain much traction; it wasn’t until Apple’s first iPhone launched in 2007 that the smartphone started its journey toward becoming the indispensable piece of tech most of us never leave home without.  Wearable tech has seen steady growth in adoption in recent years, but when most people think of wearables, they think only of smartwatches and fitness trackers. However, with the ongoing addition of new capabilities and products—from glasses to headsets to clothing—wearable tech may soon take its place alongside—perhaps even surpass—the smartphone as must-have, everyday tech. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some new features, forms and functions that may soon be coming to wearable tech that consumers should know about.

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Web scraping is the process of automatically extracting and organizing data from websites.

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The launch of a new tech product is an exciting time for a business. There are many stakeholders in its success, from the leadership group to the design team to the end users. Sometimes, these different stakeholders focus on different priorities when it comes to the new product, and everyone likely thinks their ideas are the “right” or “most important” ones. That can place a young tech leader or project manager in an awkward—and frustrating—position of being the deciding vote, pleasing some but upsetting others. Experienced tech leaders know there are objective strategies and criteria to leverage to ensure everyone feels heard while they steer the ship toward the true North Star—creating a marketable product that solves end users’ problems in a unique and valuable way. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share tips to help a young tech leader or project manager deal with conflicting goals when planning a new product’s design.

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In today’s tech-driven workplace, tech leaders need to devote a significant amount of their time to helping drive big-picture issues—the technology initiatives and strategies that will take the company to the next level. However, that doesn’t mean that day-to-day tasks such as managing emails, addressing team requests and tracking KPIs are going anywhere. Tech leaders must develop strategies to ensure they manage their necessary day-to-day work in an efficient, effective way so they have plenty of time to focus on higher-level issues. Here, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share their own tips and tricks for managing their day-to-day work so that they can get back to essential technology initiatives and strategies sooner.

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With the combination of today’s tech-dominated workplace and a tight workers’ market, qualified tech talent is extraordinarily valuable, so businesses need to create a culture that encourages them to stay. While a certain amount of turnover is to be expected within any company, if leaders don’t take steps to ensure that culture, compensation and opportunities reflect the current generation’s expectations, it’s likely they’ll regularly see talented tech professionals moving on to greener pastures. From a lack of training opportunities to feeling unseen and unheard, there are many reasons why tech talent chooses to move on from a company. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share some of these reasons and explain how they can be addressed.