Technology has come a long way! Every year these advancements blow our minds. Even just 20 years ago we would have never dreamed we would be where we are today when it comes to the use of the internet, mobile phones, online shopping, banking and more.
Last month we dealt with the “Seven Deadly Sins” of web development. This month let’s turn the tables and look on the bright side. While there are hundreds of topics we could cover, we’re focusing on seven just to keep things short and sweet!
I recall in the mid-80s going to a staff meeting and introducing the subject of email to everyone - what it was and why we all needed it. Nobody around the table had even heard of it. They didn’t even know what a domain was. One guy asked what is this “www” stuff he’s starting to see on tv. Needless to say, email opened up a world of possibilities, allowing people to not only stay in touch, but you no longer needed a fax machine or even the post office to send documents or pictures. It seems we went from mailing it to emailing it overnight!
Talk about convenience - this one is huge! While many still visit their local bank, there’s really not much you can’t do online. From reconciling your bank statement, monitoring your balances and paying bills, to making mobile deposits with your phone! Next thing we knew there were online services such as PayPal, Venmo, Cashapp and more! Banks have also turned the corner and are building more smaller branches as opposed to the huge buildings at all locations.
According to Digital Commerce 360, online sales in 2022 surpassed the 1 trillion mark for the first time ever. That’s a trillion - with a “T.” They also noted that online sales were up by 7.7% over the previous year - and predictions are that this trend will continue. While going to the malls and local shops are still enjoyable options, when it comes to convenience and access to a plethora of options, it’s hard to beat the online shopping experience. Some companies even offer same day delivery from groceries to prescriptions! Kinda sad to think that the days of the old Sears & Roebuck Catalogs are behind us.
Over the years, many educational institutions have dabbled in the long distance learning arena. In most instances, this helped colleges and universities financially as they shared faculty. More and more, it became apparent that it was possible to get an entire degree via the online classroom. THEN the pandemic hit - and the trend was all about online education. Piano teachers and other instructors even continued lessons via Zoom and other online platforms.
In addition to obtaining degrees, one can prepare for competitive exams such as the ACT and SAT. There are also specialty classes and tutorials that you can take online - such as photography, video editing, makeup and more!
This one probably tops the list when it comes to why most people get online each and every day. Billions of people around the world use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and more. While each of these platforms offer their unique set of features, they all serve to keep us connected instantly from anywhere in the world.
In the old days, stock trading was mostly reserved for the wealthy and/or those connected to the business world in some shape, form or fashion. As the internet developed, so did the development of stock trading and other investment opportunities, making it easy and accessible to the common trader. A big advantage of online trading is that it has brought about more transparency in different markets. You can research currencies, stocks and other commodities, which has in many instances leveled the playing field.
Back “in the day” we used to rely solely on encyclopedias, newspapers and the library to do any type of research. Term papers and other projects were totally written with these limited resources (plus we used an old school typewriter or even wrote them by hand). BUT NOW - it’s unreal how the internet has revolutionized the way people conduct research. The words “Cut” and “Paste” have entirely new meanings now. Professors even comment that their students often “google” during a lecture just to verify the truth of what’s being said. You can search for books, reports, articles on any topic from anywhere in the world. The possibilities are endless!
In 2007, in the midst of all of these internet advancements that were happening, VisionAmp was born from the desire to help businesses and individuals make sense of it all. In addition, we’ve helped companies harness the latest in technology and internet advancements to bring success and growth their way.
If you’re ready for a website upgrade, or perhaps you don’t have a website yet, look no further. Our company simply “Builds Websites that Work.” Don’t get lost in today’s technological revolution. Give us a call today! 870.580.0909
-Blog written by David Jackson, VisionAmp Content Specialist