Destigmatizing Some Popular IT Buzzwords

Even the most seasoned technology professional—the most gung-ho person about the technology—probably thinks that there’s too much IT-related jargon and buzzwords now floating around. There is a good reason for this: analogies and euphemisms are effective ways to communicate concepts and ideas that would otherwise require technical experience.

However, there is such a thing as too much.

We wanted to try and avoid that by giving you a list of oh-too-common buzzwords and go over what they really mean… and why we’re all so sick of them.

“Disruptive Technologies”

What is intended: A technology has come out of the ether to blindside industry with new opportunities.
How it is used: Any new technology.

Here’s the crux of the matter: disruptive technologies are, as their name suggests, disruptive. That means that whatever enhancement enables the technology to exist would need to come out of nowhere—like if teleportation was suddenly possible and practicable tomorrow.

This simply isn’t the case for all technologies, including many that have been labeled “disruptive.”

Instead of “disruptive,” most of these technologies have evolved into their current state over time. These slow developments run counter to the very idea of a disruption. Using the term “disruptive” so freely simply takes away its meaning.

“Digital Transformation”

What is intended: A transition from analog to digital solutions to benefit a company, its processes, and its workforce.
How it is used: Adding technology to make a business sound more capable without adding capability.

While it may look impressive to have an office filled with advanced workstations and really impressive-looking technology, and to have the capability to leverage future-focused technologies, what’s the point if none of it results in your business performing better or obtaining better outcomes?

There’s no point, that’s what.

You should always make sure that your IT improvements have a strategy behind them to benefit your operations in some way, shape, and/or form, not just to portray yourself in a more impressive light.

“5G”

What is intended: “5G” is intended to refer to the technologies that power the high data speeds and low latency that some networks are beginning to utilize.
How it is used: “OH BOY LOOK HOW CUTTING EDGE THIS TECHNOLOGY IS”

The term “5G” simply refers to the technology standard that cell phone companies have begun to implement in their broadband networks. However, since it’s a relatively new term in tech, many people are using it to boost their marketing messaging. Turns out, 5G isn’t even a standardized speed—each carrier has their own definition of what 5G is capable of. Many modern routers have their own definition of 5G, which actually does stand for something; 5 GHz, which is the frequency of the radio signal coming out of the router. Your office could benefit from a “5G” router because they typically offer higher bandwidth and faster internal speeds at the cost of pushing the signal over longer physical distances. 

The kicker? You don’t need brand new 5G-compatible smartphones to use the Wi-Fi version of 5G. Buzzwords make things confusing!

“Machine Learning”

What is intended: A tool has the capability to improve its processes based on provided data.
How it is used: A tool uses basic automation to complete a predefined task.

While automation is an incredibly useful utility to have in any business, it can effectively be summed up as a machine that follows a set process based on certain established triggers. True machine learning, on the other hand, implies a larger involvement by the program itself.

With machine learning, a tool can independently adjust its processes to improve outcomes. This allows users to focus more on other matters while their technology handles the otherwise immensely time-consuming task of crunching the data.

“Business Intelligence”

What is intended: Software that reports various metrics and analytics for a business so management can make informed decisions.
How it is used: A skeleton key for unlocking success.

Okay, we’re being a little snarky here, but the lesson is important nonetheless. So many business owners and C-levels pay a ton of money on reporting tools and business intelligence software that goes underutilized. These applications are extremely powerful, but they can’t do the work for you. Making informed decisions based on your data requires good data to be a part of the equation first.

For example, you can’t tell how effective your staff is if they aren’t logging their time or output consistently.

Leave it to us to cut through the IT jargon.

With the assistance of BNMC, your team can focus more on doing their jobs without having to worry that the tools they are working with are lacking. Find out more about our IT services and how we can apply them to your needs by calling (978) 482-2020 today.