Category Big Data, Cloud, BI

4 Ways AI Can Improve Your Marketing Strategy

4 Ways AI Can Improve Your Marketing Strategy

AI technology is rapidly changing the state of business. Last year, around 35% of businesses reported using AI to some degree. This figure is going to rise sharply as more companies discover the benefits of using various AI tools such as ChatGPT.

AI seems to be popping up in all sorts of places, including in marketers’ toolkits. We talked extensively about some of the benefits of using AI in marketing before. While a lot of the discussions are centered around the hype of AI in marketing and some of its applications may be overblown, it is also going to be a gamechanger for the future. Strategy is no longer something dreamed up by humans in a brainstorming room on a Tuesday afternoon. AI is getting into the game when it comes to ideation and implementation.

Ways that Marketers Are Using AI

For marketers worried about the profession’s future, know AI can only be a supercharged assistant at this stage. And you want this technology by your side because it can help you improve your promotional strategies in four ways. Check out how AI enhances marketing approaches below.

1. Create More Relevant Content

As we mentioned in the past, there are a ton of ways that AI can help with content creation. We even listed a number of AI tools that can help with creating great content, such as ChatGPT.

Part of an inbound marketing strategy is to draw leads to your website. Once they’re there, you want to keep them engaged enough to stay. Your online content, whether it’s a blog post or a landing page, is responsible for driving engagement levels. The content must be relevant to your audience’s interests, pain points, and search needs to do this.

A high bounce rate can indicate your website’s content isn’t targeting your audience as it should. Bounce rates are the percentage of people who land on a single page of digital content and leave. They don’t stick around to browse other pages or convert by taking a desired action, such as buying a product.

According to Hawke, average bounce rates have increased from 47% to 56% in 2023. This means brands aren’t captivating and targeting audiences with as relevant content as before. AI programs can help address this issue by refining keyword research and discovering target market insights. Instead of guessing what your market wants to read about and see online, AI can collectively analyze all your data. These sources include your customer service calls.

2. Streamline Everyday Tasks

Do you have a social media manager who’s overwhelmed by having to constantly post to platforms like Facebook and Instagram? This aspect of their job may take up too much of their time. If you’re a smaller company with a one-person social team, everything they’re responsible for can turn into unrealistic targets.

Today’s social media managers aren’t just overseeing digital content. They manage online customer service, digital marketing strategy, and social listening. The growth of social media is one of the reasons why social media manager roles are expected to expand. From 2020 to 2030, the growth of these roles will be a minimum of 10%

With increased staffing needs, you don’t want your team to be unable to effectively juggle competing tasks. AI can automate the most repetitive of them, including scheduled posts. Other possibilities include streamlining lead-gen campaigns, competitor research, and routine responses to customers’ questions. Your social media manager will have additional time to devote to and perfect digital content strategies.

3. Make Market Research a Breeze

Not doing your homework and expecting to ace the test is usually futile. There’s a high chance you won’t get the results you want. It’s like this with marketing strategies, too. You want to do your homework (aka market research) before you design and execute anything.

Why? Because even if you think you know your audience like the back of your hand, you probably don’t. There’s always something new to discover, and consumer preferences can change. Launching a different set of products, rebranding, and entering unfamiliar markets are actions companies routinely take. You can’t assume two-year-old research is going to do the trick.

However, gathering and analyzing all the data can become a cumbersome project for any team. You’re putting in months of work after you design surveys and collect third-party sources. Your data could become outdated or miss the mark a bit. Thankfully, AI tools can speed up the process of collecting up-to-date information.

AI will show what your clients ask about from conversations with your organization. These tools analyze your existing first-party data so you don’t waste time duplicating it. Your research will also be more accurate, allowing you to optimize your strategies. 

4. Predict Emerging Trends

AI isn’t exactly a crystal ball. Still, the technology does take large amounts of customer data and make predictions based on patterns. Known as predictive analytics, it’s one of AI’s most powerful capabilities. As this article from LinkedIn points out, AI can create a powerful advantage for companies trying to predict future trends. Think of it as the equivalent of human wisdom gained through experience. You can predict that x is likely to happen in a specific scenario because you’ve seen it play out before.

A brand like Coca-Cola might use AI’s predictive capabilities to introduce new flavors. A prepaid wireless company like Mint Mobile might see trends in consumers’ concerns about price. The carrier could launch a plan with a lower price as a test. If enough customers switch, AI’s predictive analytics prove correct.

Beyond products, companies can use AI’s predictions to further segment customers. If you can identify who’s most likely to remain brand loyal, you can target them with effective messaging. Automated mobile app notifications based on past purchases and browsing behaviors are examples.

Maybe the data shows a boost in the number of customers who swing by the coffee shop every Friday. AI can isolate who’s stopping by so you can target them with messages about an ongoing BOGO Fridays promo. The trends revealed by predictive analytics have the power to spark ideas about drip campaigns, new promotions, and strategic overhauls.

Refine Your Marketing Strategies With AI      

A marketing strategy is only as good as the information behind it. When plans fall short of performance goals, something usually goes awry with the data. Typically, you can point fingers at problems with research methodologies and analysis.

Add in overtaxed marketing teams, and you have another layer of complications. By taking advantage of AI’s capabilities, your company can improve its approaches to targeting and engaging its audiences. The results will speak for themselves.

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7 Major IT Infrastructure Challenges for Data-Driven Companies

7 Major IT Infrastructure Challenges for Data-Driven Companies

Big data technology has been a huge gamechanger for countless companies in every sector. Around 60% of companies rely heavily on data analytics technology to meet their goals.

However, despite, the many benefits of big data technology, many companies still have difficulty implementing it properly. Only 13% of companies that have instituted data strategies are delivering on them.

There are a number of reasons that companies have difficulty meeting their objectives with big data. One of the biggest issues is that they don’t manage their IT infrastructure properly. This can lead to a number of problems, such as data storage issues.

IT Infrastructure Issues Are a Major Source of Problems for Data-Driven Companies

Your business relies heavily on its information technology, and its IT lives and dies by the maintenance of its infrastructure. If you and your IT team improperly manage your business’s IT infrastructure, you will suffer unbearable amounts of downtime that will cut deep wounds in your budget and potentially cause your business to fail.

The first step to setting your IT infrastructure up for success is to understand some of the most significant challenges affecting infrastructure management that can impact your data strategy. You can read about those here, so you can make important changes that keep your business alive and well:

Network Access

It should go without saying that high-speed internet is essential for smooth operations — and yet, many companies continue to struggle with weak internet connections for a variety of reasons. In any environment, it is possible to achieve fast internet speeds, and an experienced team of IT professionals can help your business achieve and maintain a fast and efficient connection to the internet.

Data Management

Many businesses run on TCP/IT networks, which utilize routers and switches to protect emails, apps, internet browsing and more. Unfortunately, these components can radically reduce network speeds, negatively impacting workflows and making online communication difficult. Worse, when poorly managed, these networks can lose packets of information, and substantial data loss is dangerous to an organization in dozens of ways. A secure IT infrastructure needs to upgrade its networks to the latest high-speed, high-security options.

Workforce Retention

It may sound facile, but your workforce is the most valuable resource you have for maintaining a secure and efficient IT infrastructure. Without knowledgeable and skilled IT staff who have a deep and thorough understanding of your infrastructure, your infrastructure is likely to suffer in various ways. Therefore, you must make it a priority to attract top IT talent and retain it. You may need to reconsider how you approach IT recruitment and create systems for rewarding and empowering existing staff to ensure they feel engaged and excited to contribute to your company into the future.

Hardware Age

Computers and other devices have estimated lifetimes of between three and five years. This is not necessarily because devices break down so severely after this relatively short period of time but more often because the new hardware available on the market is so much more advanced and offers compelling advantages like speed and power that can enhance productivity. However, replacing an entire organization’s hardware every few years is a monumental endeavor that is expensive and time-consuming. It might be more efficient for IT to focus on repairing hardware as necessary and only replacing hardware that is supremely out of date.

Workforce Mobility

Even before the pandemic, many businesses were moving toward increased mobility of their workforce, with more and more mobile devices added to business networks. Today, in addition to workforce mobility, more than 16 percent of companies have to contend with a fully remote workforce, which offers a tremendous challenge to IT staff tasked with maintaining integrity and cohesion in an infrastructure. IT needs to be able to develop strong policies for the types of devices and applications permitted on the network and carefully controlled strategies for securing all manner of devices and data.

Cloud Computing

Almost every business utilizes the cloud to some degree, but rarely is cloud usage straightforward. More often, cloud computing involves a diverse environment of public and private clouds as well as on-site data storage to accommodate all business needs. IT teams should work with business leaders to manage their existing cloud systems effectively, which may involve finding solutions for consolidating and simplifying the cloud to enhance its security.

Capital Investment

You must strike a careful balance in how much capital you invest into your IT infrastructure. Too much funding could overwhelm your IT team and overcomplicate your IT infrastructure, resulting in more technology than your business needs. Then again, not enough capital will force your IT team to cut corners that will inevitably result in inefficiencies and insecurities that will hamper your business growth. You need to ensure that you have IT leaders that you trust, and you may want to welcome IT into upper management with positions in the c-suite such as CTO, CIO, CSO and CISO.

As tempting as it might be to imagine IT infrastructure as a one-and-done project — something your IT staff can construct and forget — the truth is that infrastructure requires careful and continuous maintenance. By paying attention to some of the most pressing IT infrastructure problems, you can keep your business’s technology up and running for years to come.

Data-Driven Companies Need to Make it a Priority to Manage their IT Infrastructure

There are a number of challenges that you need to contend with when you are trying to run a data-driven organization. You will need to implement the right IT management practices to handle data effectively. Fortunately, you will have an easier time if you are willing to follow the guidelines listed above.

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Green Data Centers Make Data-Driven Entities More Sustainable

Green Data Centers Make Data-Driven Entities More Sustainable

The proliferation of big data has had a huge impact on modern businesses. We have a post on some of the industries that have been most affected by big data. However, it has also created some concerns about sustainability.

Of course, there are some reasons big data can help make our communities more sustainable. On the other hand, data centers have large carbon footprints, so companies need to find ways to make them more energy efficient.

The Importance of Green Data Centers for Data-Driven Businesses

By the year 2023, the global data center colocation market will reach $131.80 billion – but as powerful for resources management and bolstering security as DC facilities are, they’re also very harmful to our environment. Researchers estimate that in 2025, they will consume around 20% of the world’s power supply. To stop – or at least minimize – their negative impact on the planet Earth, more and more organizations steer toward greener data center solutions. What makes them different from traditional data centers? And what are the benefits of investing in sustainable DC facilities? Let’s embark on a journey to understand this pivotal transformation.

The digital revolution is nowhere near slowing down, with data centers spearheading the rapid advancements in IT resources. While this growth trajectory is met with enthusiasm in many circles, it also raises environmental concerns. And those are not without cause, as data centers already account for 4% of global energy consumption and 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While these numbers may not seem high at first, they may become troubling when we think of how quickly data centers are growing – and according to the Globe News Wire, their global colocation market will expand with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% from 2021 to 2027. That’s why it’s so crucial to look into solutions that help counteract the rising threat that DCs pose to our planet’s environmental stability.

Leading Initiatives in Data Center Sustainability

The transition to a green data center is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity acknowledged and embraced by industry forerunners such as Meta and Microsoft. Here, we highlight some of the most important data center operators’ initiatives:

Meta: In 2022, Meta showcased data centers with an impressive Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.09 and a Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) of 0.20. These figures represent a significant stride in optimizing energy and water utilization in data center operations.

Microsoft: Setting a benchmark in renewable energy utilization, Microsoft has projected that by 2025, its data centers in Ireland will be fully powered by renewable energy sources. This initiative is backed by new projects supported by Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

Global Investment: A study conducted by Arizton Advisory & Intelligence predicts that the worldwide investment in the green data center sector will escalate to an estimated $35.58 billion by 2027.

These are just a few initiatives taken on by the industry leaders, which indicate a trend that will probably engulf the sector in the near future. As more companies join this green revolution, the emphasis on sustainability within data center operations is definitely going to amplify.

What Makes a Data Center Sustainable?

With green data centers gaining momentum, some may ask what this trend is even about. Below, we’re listing the top factors that contribute to data center sustainability, as well as exploring the complex interplay of technological advancements, government policies, and the existing challenges and solutions involved in this transformation.

Advanced Cooling Techniques
A sustainable data center are increasingly adopting liquid cooling systems and heat reuse solutions that are not only energy-efficient but also significantly reduce the carbon footprint.

Energy-Efficient Hardware
The heart of these centers lies in their utilization of energy-efficient components. This involves harnessing processors and storage devices that offer superior performance while consuming a fraction of the energy utilized by conventional counterparts. Energy efficiency is one of the top conditions a data center must meet in order to be recognized as sustainable.

Renewable Energy Integration
A monumental shift is noticed in the power sources of these data centers, with a considerable emphasis on tapping into renewable energy avenues such as wind, solar, and geothermal energies, thereby diminishing their reliance on fossil fuels. This initatives help maximize energy efficiency and minimize carbon footpring simultaneously.

Waste Management & Recycling
Embarking on responsible waste management practices is an intrinsic aspect, which encompasses diligent recycling and disposal procedures to prevent environmental degradation and foster a circular economy.

Intelligent Monitoring Systems
Implementing intelligent systems that offer real-time data on various environmental factors, assisting in pinpointing inefficiencies and creating avenues for improvements, thus setting a benchmark in environmental responsibility within the tech industry.

Advantages of Green Data Center Integration

Green data centers are a great way to reduce energy consumption and lessen the environmental impact of traditional DC facilities. But what about business? Are there any tangible upsides to implementing sustainable data center solutions in and for your company? Here are some of the rewards you can reap by integrating them into your business strategy:

1. Gaining a competitive advantage

Green data centers are the bedrock of cutting-edge technology. The integration of state-of-the-art IT infrastructure guarantees not only higher reliability but also significantly improved uptime. That’s what poises your company as a leader in innovations and can help you attract new potential clients.

2. Optimized performance

Leveraging an eco-friendly data center is a surefire way to boost IT operations performance and minimize disruptions or downtime. The utilization of features like uninterruptible power supply fosters operational continuity in your business, which aids employee productivity and customer satisfaction.

3. A financial booster

Embracing green technology can lead to substantial long-term savings. Companies are finding that by minimizing resource wastage and optimizing cooling systems, they can significantly reduce operational expenses related to electricity and other resources. What’s more, various global initiatives offer incentives to encourage organizations worldwide to adopt green technology practices. Here are a few that mastered it:

US Federal Tax Incentives: Offers deductions for the incorporation of energy-efficient systems in business infrastructures, encouraging a shift towards greener technology.

Green Mark Scheme (Singapore): Recognizes and rewards companies for reducing environmental impacts, fostering a sustainable business ecosystem in Singapore.

Horizon 2020 (EU): Provides substantial funding for environmental R&D projects, promoting innovation and global competitiveness in the European region.

6. Adaptable Infrastructure

One of the best features of green data centers from the business POV is their modular designs and flexible infrastructure. This adaptive approach enables businesses to address unique needs and requirements better, offering a competitive edge in the dynamic digital landscape.

7. Enhanced Reputation

In the contemporary market, sustainability is more than a trend; it’s a demand. Companies making a shift towards green initiatives not only witness an improved brand reputation but also attract customers who prioritize environmental responsibility. After all, going green will always attract some welcome attention. Need proof? Just take a look at Apple, a company with a significant commitment to renewable energy, which has seen a surge in brand loyalty and customer approval, showcasing that sustainability and business success can – and do – go hand in hand. 

As the journey towards a greener future accelerates, understanding and leveraging the multifaceted benefits of a more eco data center can be a game-changer for businesses looking to thrive in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.

The Future Ahead: Innovations and Insights into Sustainable Data Centers

Sustainability is definitely THE trend to look out for in the future of data centers. However, though the solution bringing about so many environmental and business benefits, it poses many challenges as well. What direction will the green data centers take? Here are a couple of perspectives that are worth considering while looking into tomorrow of the data center industry.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Green data centers are increasingly incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance efficiency and minimize energy consumption. Companies like Google have already set a benchmark by utilizing AI to reduce their data center’s energy usage by 15%, showcasing the potential of intelligent technologies in optimizing data center operations.

Geo-Distributed Data Centers

The advent of geo-distributed data centers is revolutionizing the way data is managed and stored. These centers not only facilitate reduced latency and improved data accessibility but also allow for the utilization of region-specific sustainable resources, creating a harmonious balance between technology and the environment.

Policy Influences and Government Initiatives

As governments globally tighten regulations surrounding environmental conservation, data centers are urged to align with these guidelines. For instance, the European Commission’s Green Digital Program aims to render the ICT sector climate-neutral by 2030, urging data centers to adopt more sustainable practices and thereby shaping the future trends in the sector.

Renewable Energy Integration

With a stern focus on reducing carbon footprints, many data centers are gradually transitioning to renewable energy sources. Microsoft, for instance, has committed to becoming carbon-negative by 2030, with plans to draw 60% of its data center energy from renewable resources, setting a precedent for others in the industry.

Collaborative Innovations

Collaborative efforts between industry giants are fostering innovation in the sector. Recent partnerships like that between Equinix and Singapore’s national research agency A*STAR aim to develop green data center technologies, signaling the promising future of collaborative research and development in this sector.

Summary

As we venture further into this era of green technology, an eco data center stands as a pivotal entity, continuously evolving to meet the environmental and technological demands of the future. It’s a journey of innovation, collaboration, and commitment towards fostering a greener, more sustainable world.

Prepared by: Data Center Team at Comarch

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NIST 800-171 Safeguards Help Non-Federal Networks Handling CUI

NIST 800-171 Safeguards Help Non-Federal Networks Handling CUI

Today, there is a pressing need for non-federal networks to utilize efficient cybersecurity measures to protect the controlled unclassified information (CUI). CUI is delicate yet unclassified government information involving matters like military equipment specifications. Although this information is unclassified, unauthorized access can have extreme economic and national security implications.

Due to the increase in alarming cyber attacks, the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology released the NIST Special Publication 800-171 to safeguard CUI in non-federal organizations and information systems. NIST 800-171 is a noteworthy framework that empowers organizations to have a firm cybersecurity posture. As you interact with this article, you will learn how the publication has successfully harnessed data security in non-federal organizations. 

Awareness and Training

Awareness and training are critical components of the NIST Special Publication 800-171 that guides non-federal organizations in working with CUI. It ensures that the personnel within these organizations get educated on the policies that revolve around information security, procedures, and best practices. It ensures that they are well informed about their roles in protecting CUI. They should also be able to recognize threats and respond to incidents. 

Access Control

The NIST 800-171 ensures that all non-federal organizations safeguard CUI by only allowing access to authorized persons in the organization. According to the publication, organizations must manage and restrict access to data, systems, and resources. They apply controls like:

User authentication: The personnel must always use multi-factor authentication to access the information. 

User authorization: Even though the personnel can access data, it is only restricted to the information relevant to their roles and responsibilities (the principle of least privilege).

Access permission: The publication dictates that organizations must have set parameters that dictate who views, modifies, or deletes CUI. Again, access depends on the roles and responsibilities of the staff.

Configuration Management

Configuration management is another safeguard in the NIST 800-171 publication. It guides non-federal networks in establishing and maintaining secure software and hardware systems configurations. It ensures that the organizations have maintained an inventory of all the authorized devices within every network that is up-to-date. Devices include workstations, servers, switches, routers, and others. 

Non-federal organizations should also keep an inventory of all the authorized devices and software applications in every network device. That way, the system can automatically detect and remove any unauthorized software. 

Audit and Accountability

The special publication requires that non-federal organizations follow the stipulated guidelines for securing controlled, unclassified information. In this safeguard, strong audit and accountability techniques are established to monitor and keep track of the activities and events related to security.

These organizations should establish and implement audit policies and configurations for their systems. These policies should specify the event to be audited, the information to be collected, and the appropriate place to store the audit logs. There should also be audit trails whose purpose is to record security-related activities and events. Non-federal organizations should also store the audit logs securely to ensure no one can access them unauthorizedly, tamper with them, or delete anything from them.

Incidence Response

The NIST 800-171 publication is keen to ensure non-federal networks adhere to the incident response security guidelines. It prepares organizations to have effective responses to arising security threats. The publication requires organizations to create a well-organized incident response plan outlining how it is supposed to handle security incidents as they arise. It should have procedures for detecting, reporting, and responding to security threats. 

Constant Monitoring

The NIST 800-171 special publication requires that these networks conduct continuous monitoring to ascertain the safety of CUI. Continuous monitoring is about organizations having ongoing surveillance and assessing their security posture to determine and respond to possible security threats. The process involves risk assessment, where organizations must identify and assess potential vulnerabilities and risks to help prioritize monitoring efforts.

Also, organizations should constantly monitor security controls to ascertain their reliability in CUI protection. It involves monitoring access controls, detecting intrusions, and monitoring encryption. The organizations should also have ways to gather threat intelligence to stay informed on any vulnerabilities. They should be able to scan the systems using different scanning tools to help identify the weaknesses that attackers can maximize in their attempts to penetrate the systems. 

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The Role of Data in Automating Healthcare Processes for Improved Patient Results

The Role of Data in Automating Healthcare Processes for Improved Patient Results

In recent years, data has become a more important aspect of business operations across a range of sectors. One space that is benefiting significantly from utilizing data in healthcare. In fact, healthcare organizations across the world are improving their operations as a result of using data to glean important insights.

However, while data has brought healthcare many benefits, one of the most important of these is improved patient results. Understanding how automation is benefiting patients is vital for understanding the immense impact that data is currently having on healthcare.

Here is the role of data in automating healthcare processes for improved patient results.

Understanding Robotic Process Automation

Robotic process automation is improving healthcare in a variety of exciting ways with the help of data. Essentially, robotic process automation is a process in which software is automated to perform repetitive tasks automatically without the interference of a human.

In healthcare, this technology is being used to automate a variety of processes. While this may seem insignificant at first glance, this improved efficiency can also cause healthcare organizations to become more productive. As a result, this means that patients receive better healthcare outcomes because of the improved care they receive.

One incredibly important way that robotic process automation is being used is in performing administrative tasks. This includes tasks such as scheduling appointments for patients and sending out billing information. To perform these tasks, data is quickly analyzed and used to glean pertinent information. As a result, healthcare workers can spend more time and energy caring for patients than engaging in these menial tasks.

Another incredibly significant way that healthcare organizations are using robotic process automation is to coordinate treatments for patients. This is immensely important for patients who need care from a variety of specialists to achieve optimal health outcomes. Now, instead of needing an employee to engage in these tasks, robotic process automation systems utilize health data to coordinate treatment automatically.

By taking some of the workload off of staff, healthcare facilities can save money by taking advantage of robotic process automation. In this way, these healthcare providers can even help patients reduce healthcare costs without having to sacrifice the standard of care they receive.

This is one of the many ways healthcare companies are now using data to improve their offerings. As a result, patients are now receiving improved care and health outcomes thanks to the utilization of data in specific and meaningful ways.

Data-Informed Healthcare Decisions

Today, patients rely on healthcare professionals’ expertise and specialized knowledge to decide the best course of their care. While these professionals are typically incredibly talented, human error can still sometimes occur, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Beyond this, crafting a treatment plan and making healthcare decisions for patients can also be a lengthy process, especially if it involves different types of specialists.

Fortunately, data has presented itself as an effective and accessible solution to this healthcare problem. Essentially, software is now capable of rapidly analyzing large health-related data sets. After conducting these analyses, this software can quickly provide healthcare professionals with insights about the best statistical healthcare options that patients have.

This can help streamline the process of making healthcare decisions while also significantly reducing, or completely eradicating, the chance of human error. As such, data is helping patients achieve better health outcomes by providing insights that can inform healthcare and treatment decisions.

Robot Nurses

Though it may sound more like fantasy than reality, technology is finally reaching the point in which robots can help treat patients. While this technology is still relatively new and isn’t being used in every healthcare facility, this will likely change over the next few years.

Robot nurses can perform a wide variety of tasks ranging from cleaning hospital rooms to running diagnostics on patients. These robots are programmed with health data to be able to provide patients with specific types of care based on their specific needs. In addition, these robots can be provided with facility-specific data to perform tasks based on need rather than being programmed to perform specific tasks at specific times.

The implications of this type of technology are immense, with robot nurses being able to help both healthcare workers and patients in a variety of ways. One specific way robot nurses can ensure that patients are receiving better care is by decreasing instances of nurse burnout. Essentially, these robots perform many tasks that human nurses currently have to perform, thereby decreasing their workload and giving them more opportunities for respite.

As this technology improves and becomes more robust, it’s likely nurse robots will become a staple in every healthcare facility and possibly even in the homes of patients with more acute healthcare needs. In this way, data is playing a vital role in automating healthcare processes and improving the level of care that patients receive.

Data is Helping Healthcare Become More Automated in Exciting Ways

While there are many exciting technologies now making the healthcare space more robust, those that utilize data are having some of the biggest impacts. From software that helps create perfect treatment plans for patients to robot nurses that help care for patients, data-driven technology is helping healthcare organizations become more efficient and resilient.

Hopefully, new ways of taking advantage of data in the healthcare space will be discovered in the near future and even more patients will benefit from experiencing optimal health outcomes.

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Does Data Mining Really Help with White Label SEO?

Does Data Mining Really Help with White Label SEO?

Big data technology has disrupted the marketing profession in countless ways. Therefore, it should be no surprise that the marketing analytics market size is projected to double from $3.2 billion in 2021 to $6.4 billon by 2026.

This is especially true when it comes to SEO. We have talked extensively about the benefits of data analytics in SEO. It can be especially helpful with white label SEO.

Find a Reputable White Label Agency that Uses Data Analytics that You Can Work With

Is your company struggling to meet your clients’ SEO needs? Are you ready to offer a wider range of SEO services? It’s time you entered the world of SEO reselling.

SEO reselling involves using a white label SEO agency to perform your clients’ SEO work. When you get an SEO order from a client, you’ll simply send that order to the white label SEO agency you’re working with. They’ll do all the work, such as performing keyword research, creating content, building backlinks, and generating reports. They’ll send you the deliverables and you can sell them to your client. Because you’re buying the SEO services on a white-label basis, you can rebrand the products with your company’s brand before you resell them. With SEO reselling, you can sell a wider range of products and services while saving the time and money you would spend producing the deliverables yourself.

Many of these SEO resellers use data analytics to offer the highest quality service to their customers. Data analytics helps with a variety of tasks, such as finding the best keywords, reverse engineering competitor SEO strategies and identifying new ways to create content efficiently. As a result, data-driven SEO is very helpful for businesses during lean economic times.

Finding the right white label SEO agency to work with is central to success as an SEO reseller. You need to make sure you’re working with a reputable white label agency that can meet your clients’ needs in a timely fashion. You’re going to have to carefully vet any white label SEO agency you’re considering before you sign a contract.

Start by checking online reviews for the company. Look at the company’s own website – most reputable companies will have some client testimonials available for you to look at. But don’t stop there. Go to independent online review sites like Better Business Bureau, Google Business Profiles, Trustpilot, G2, or TrustRadius. Find a company that is transparent about their SEO tactics and doesn’t practice any unethical or black hat strategies. Verify their success by looking at case studies or other examples of past work.

Send Your Clients’ Orders to the White Label SEO Agency

Once you’ve found an agency to work with, you can sign a contract and start reselling SEO. Your contract will specify white label permissions allowing you to rebrand the SEO products as your own. It may also contain a non-disclosure agreement. It may also establish details of the relationship, such as timelines for projects or who gets to keep intellectual property rights to the work.

SEO resellers get to take advantage of an entire team of SEO specialists that they can have access to as soon as the contract is signed. It’s a lot faster than hiring people to do it in-house. When you receive an SEO request from a client, you can simply send it to your white label SEO provider and they’ll let you know what products and services will be required and what timeline the project can be completed on. SEO resellers will typically use a white label SEO agency for all kinds of SEO tasks, from content creation and keyword research to backlink building, on-page optimization, and overall strategy. You can even use a white label agency to produce pitches to sell SEO services to new and existing clients.

Resell the SEO Deliverables to Your Client

You’ll love how easy it is to get white label SEO services for your business, and you’ll love even more how easy it is to resell to your clients. You can put your brand on it and sell it as your own service. Many white label SEO agencies use non-disclosure agreements to keep end-user clients from discovering the white label relationship between a boutique marketing company and their SEO agency, so your privacy will be assured. All you have to do is markup the cost of the deliverables and services so you can still make a profit.

Doing this should help you manage your finances more easily. You’ll be able to estimate how much SEO services are going to cost each month, especially if you find a company that offers monthly packages. You’ll know exactly how much revenue you can expect to make on SEO services each month. You won’t have to worry about surprises, like a much-needed in-house professional suddenly quitting or being rendered unable to work. A good white label agency should give you access to enough services to scale up your business as you’re able to bring in more clients.

Find a Company that Uses Data Analytics to Offer Quality White Label SEO Services

If you’re wondering how you can possibly afford to give your clients SEO services, you should consider SEO reselling. Use a white label SEO agency to complete the services, then rebrand them and sell them to your clients. Many of these companies use data analytics to offer the highest quality SEO services to their customers. You’ll save money and time, and you’ll be able to truly be a full service marketing firm.

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Machine Learning Bolsters Digital Marketing Strategies

Machine Learning Bolsters Digital Marketing Strategies

Artificial intelligence is starting to have a huge impact on the way many companies around the world operate. One of the biggest reasons that biggest ways that AI is changing the business world is with marketing.

One recent survey found that 61.4% of marketers use AI in marketing to some degree or another. AI technology is especially beneficial with digital marketing, since digital marketers can take advantage of large amounts of data to optimize their strategies.

Machine Learning is Crucial for Success in Digital Marketing

If you have a Spotify or Netflix account, you have probably noticed a trend. When you watch or listen to something one day, the next day you will have a whole category of recommendations from the same genre as your most played or watched. It’s also how your Amazon account has recommendations on more products you can buy.

Have you ever wondered how this happens? If yes, then you will be amazed to learn that this is all machine learning. It is using artificial intelligence to create patterns and solve problems.

And no, it is not a new concept which means it’s time you start using machine learning to drive your digital marketing strategies. No worries, we will show you how. You can refer to thesisgeek.com which offers great essays on these topics, and then explore more with experts.

Now read on to learn more about machine learning and digital marketing.

Analyze Data Sets

Any business without an online presence now is missing out on a lot of clients. Once you get online, you will realize that there is a lot of information to organize, inspect, and use to make decisions. Even if you employ someone to do that for you, the information will still be a lot.

However, whichever social media account you run, will probably have an analytics page where you can view your statistics.

That’s an aspect of machine learning. The business account you have on let’s say Facebook will collect data from the marketing you are running. This is data you might have struggled under or missed some important sets. The software will then organize it and present it to you in a simplified way.

Do you see how easy this is for you? Now all you do is tweak your digital marketing strategy to get the desired results.

Create and Optimize Content

We previously shared five ways that AI can be used in content marketing. The benefits of doing so cannot be overlooked, as automation is more important for reaching customers with quality content than ever.

We cannot emphasize more on how important content is to your marketing efforts. However, what kind of content are you putting out there? Does it add value? Does it make people come back for more content and eventually they convert to clients? You can have a great writer, but machine learning can help you create content.

For example AI-powered writing assistants. However, since people don’t like AI-written blogs and articles, you can choose to have your work written by a human but then optimized by software.

This way you will know how your content ranks on search engines and how you can make them rank better. The software will suggest how you will use keywords and even which topics interest potential clients more.

Increase Personalization

After you have optimized your content and a client has converted, does your brand feel personalized? Most brands ignore personalizing content and communication with clients. Clients value brands that are personal.

Personalization is also very important with social media marketing. Fortunately, data analytics technology has proven to be remarkably helpful in this regard.

For example, send emails that include client names on it. Or have your brand recommend products that they have previously looked at.  Without this, clients will switch over to another brand.

You don’t need to wonder how you can personally reply to each email and honestly finding the time for this is difficult. That’s how machine learning can help you. You can run an algorithm that tracks client behavior and respond accordingly.

If they looked at products but didn’t buy, send an email with similar products to prompt them. If they went along, only to abandon their cart, send a prompt reminding them to buy the products. And always, make it a personal message.

Remember the Amazon example we mentioned above, that’s the same algorithm they use.

Improve Marketing Automating

Influencer Marketing Hub also emphasizes the benefits of using AI to automate marketing. This is going to be more important as more companies have limited marketing budgets and need to use their resources more efficiently.

Now that you have personalize your brand, you can also use machine learning to automate your marketing efforts. This way you will improve customer engagement.

Let’s say you send an email to clients who sign up on your pages.

Most brands send a generic email that may come off as bland. However, with machine learning, you can configure your communication to be engaging based on product offers that may interest your clients.

You can also set it up so that the algorithm finds data on potential leads which help you focus your marketing to target groups that will respond favorably. While it is possible to do this without machine learning, automation makes it easier and faster saving you time and energy you can focus on making your products better.

Chatbots

Finally, you can make use of chatbots. If you are running an online business, you must get a good chatbot to help with customer queries and requests. With a chatbot, you don’t need to have a human answer to customer queries or direct customers to the right page.

The beauty about chatbots, at least the well-developed ones, they can respond with a high degree of accuracy. This is because they learn your page and from previous conversations with clients.

Because chatbots continuously learn and improve, it will give an even better experience with more conversations with humans. So you might want to train your chatbot to answer complicated queries so that it gets better. Soon you will have a bot that is very clever and can sell to customers without any input from you.

Probably your clients won’t even know they are talking to a bot. All you will receive are the chat transcripts and orders.

Visual Imagery

Finally, we all know that people are visual-oriented. We tend to focus on colors and layouts that are attractive. With machine learning, you can have your page evaluated and improved to boost client engagement. You can look at marketing campaigns you run, and you can get an idea of what works and what doesn’t.

Final Thoughts

If you are starting your online business, consider using machine learning to boost your efforts. We have provided the ways you can take advantage of machine learning.

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AI Helps Businesses Enjoy Fast & Secure IT Infrastructures

AI Helps Businesses Enjoy Fast & Secure IT Infrastructures

AI technology becomes more vital for businesses with each passing day. One of the most important yet often overlooked benefits of AI is that it can help businesses bolster their digital security.

A growing number of hackers are using AI to perpetuate cyberattacks. Cybersecurity professionals need to use AI as well if they hope to combat these growing threats.

AI is Crucial for Helping Businesses Stop the Growing Threat of Cyberattacks

As things stand, there are more than thirty thousand cyberattacks occurring per day. With that in mind, businesses must do everything to ensure their processes and data are secured, as even the slightest problem can cost them financially.

Any attempts to stop cyberattacks without using AI technology will be of no avail as hackers become more sophisticated. The good news is that AI has proven to be extremely effective against these increasingly fearless criminals. Major changes in AI are helping thwart them.

As cyber threats evolve and become more sophisticated, it’s vital for organizations and individuals to regularly assess and fortify their digital defenses. Let’s explore several best practices businesses can employ to enjoy a fast and secure IT infrastructure.

Hosting Your Own Website and Network

Businesses that want to enjoy full control over their IT infrastructure opt for setting up everything in-house. While many believe that it’s quite expensive to achieve that, it could not be further from the truth.

Recently, refurbished servers have become quite popular as they offer the same benefits as a brand new one of the same series. For instance, used Dell servers, which are refurbished, offer the same performance as Dell servers of the same make and model; however, they come for a fraction of the cost.

The main benefit of hosting your own website and managing your own network can provide immense control and flexibility over your digital content and infrastructure. Instead of relying on third-party hosting services, which can have restrictions and might not always align with your specific needs, having your own setup means you can tailor it precisely to your requirements. 

Conducting Regular Cybersecurity Audits

Cybersecurity, in today’s digital-centric era, is not a one-off task but an ongoing commitment. With the increasing reliance on technology in businesses and personal endeavors, cyber threats continue to evolve at an alarming pace. 

The SANS Institute reports that AI can be very helpful for conducting these audits. This will help prevent more cyberattacks in the future.

To ensure robust protection and resilience against such threats, organizations and individuals must go beyond installing security tools and software. One critical measure in this respect is conducting regular cybersecurity auditing, which will provide you with a complete assessment of potential risks and best practices for keeping your data and processes safe and secured.

So, it’s in your best interest to find a service that provides thorough and effective cybersecurity audits.

Why Are Regular Cybersecurity Audits Essential?

Evolving threat landscape. Cyber attackers are continuously innovating, finding new ways to breach defenses. A defense mechanism that worked last year might be obsolete now.

Maintaining compliance. Several industries and regions have strict data protection regulations. Regular audits help organizations stay compliant and avoid hefty penalties.

Trust and reputation. Regularly auditing and showcasing good cybersecurity health can enhance the trust of clients and customers, safeguarding the organization’s reputation.

Financial health. A security breach can have severe financial repercussions. Regular audits act as a preventive measure, which is more cost-effective than dealing with post-breach consequences.

Software Updates and Their Importance

Software updates play an indispensable role in safeguarding devices and networks from the constantly evolving landscape of threats and vulnerabilities. When we talk about software updates, their importance goes beyond just introducing new features. One of the primary reasons updates are released is to address and fix vulnerabilities that could be potential entry points for hackers. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, it’s imperative for software to undergo regular revisions to close these security gaps.

But it’s not just about security. Software updates also bring about performance improvements. They often come packaged with optimized software code that can make the software run more efficiently, sometimes even speeding up its operations. 

Every software, no matter how well-designed, can have bugs or glitches. These updates play an important role in rectifying these issues, ensuring the software operates smoother and more reliably. Moreover, as technology progresses, newer software or hardware often necessitates the latest versions of accompanying software to function seamlessly. Thus, updates ensure there’s compatibility across varying systems and devices. On top of these benefits, updates can introduce new functionalities, further enriching the user experience.

Best Practices For Keeping Software Updated

When it comes to best practices for updating software, it’s crucial to be proactive. Even with automatic updates enabled, it’s a wise move to manually check for updates at regular intervals to ensure no critical update is overlooked. Before initiating significant updates, always back up essential data to safeguard against potential data loss. It’s paramount to ensure that updates are downloaded directly from the software vendor or a trusted source, guarding against the risk of downloading malicious versions. 

For businesses, the introduction of a new update should ideally be tested on a subset of systems first. This allows any issues to be identified and addressed before the update is rolled out on a larger scale. Keeping yourself informed is another essential aspect. By subscribing to official newsletters or alerts from software vendors, users can stay abreast of crucial updates or emerging vulnerabilities.

Conclusion 

With daily cyberattacks on the rise, companies must proactively take measures to fortify their defenses. Embracing in-house hosting offers unparalleled flexibility and control, allowing businesses to align their digital needs precisely. Furthermore, as cyber threats continuously evolve, it is vital for organizations to undergo regular cybersecurity audits. These audits not only identify potential vulnerabilities but also ensure compliance and enhance trust among clients. 

Routine software updates, both for security and performance enhancements, are also essential. A holistic approach encompassing proactive strategies, regular assessments, and staying updated is indispensable for a robust, fast, and secure IT infrastructure.

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IT Hardware Startups Turn to Data Analytics for Market Research

IT Hardware Startups Turn to Data Analytics for Market Research

Data analytics technology has been instrumentally valuable for the marketing profession. Global companies are projected to spend over $9.7 billion on marketing analytics within the next seven years.

One of the biggest ways that data analytics is changing marketing is that it can help with marketing research. Last month, we talked about the merits of using data analytics to get a better understanding of your competitors. However, analytics technology is even more important when it comes to understanding your customers.

It isn’t just large companies using marketing analytics to get a better grasp of their customers. Small companies, such as IT hardware providers, are using data analytics as well.

Hardware Providers Use Marketing Analytics to Get a Better Handle on their Customers

Starting an IT hardware company may be an exciting adventure full of innovation and potential. The IT landscape, on the other hand, is intensely competitive, with growing technology and fast-changing client demands. Startups require a solid foundation founded on extensive market research to flourish in this volatile climate.

Here are some market research best practices for IT hardware companies to help them make educated decisions and expand sustainably:

Understanding Your Target Audience

Begin your market research adventure by learning everything you can about your target customer. Create comprehensive buyer personas based on your ideal consumers. What are their concerns, requirements, and preferences?

Are they private individuals or businesses? What industries or sectors are they a part of? Knowing your target audience helps you to customize your hardware solutions to their individual needs.

Competitor Analysis

The rivalry in the IT hardware business is strong. Analyze your competition thoroughly, including established firms and rising entrepreneurs. What are their advantages and disadvantages? What are their products or services, and how do they promote them? Identify market gaps where you can shine. Your objective is to outmaneuver the competition by providing distinctive value to your clients, not merely keeping up with them.

Market Segmentation

Market segmentation allows you to restrict your focus and establish customized marketing tactics. Segment the market depending on characteristics such as demographics, region, firm size, and industry. You may tailor your product offers and marketing to each category by knowing their individual demands. This method helps you to be more efficient in your marketing efforts, allowing you to reach the correct audience and increase your chances of success.

Trend Analysis

Technology trends are always changing, thus trend analysis is an important part of IT hardware market research. Keep an eye out for new technology, industry trends, and customer preferences. What new technologies are on the horizon? What influence may they have on your hardware solutions? Keeping your products current and competitive requires staying ahead of the curve.

Customer Surveys and Feedback

Direct input from prospective clients is priceless. Conduct surveys and interviews to learn about their preferences, problems, and expectations. This real-time data has the potential to influence product development, marketing strategies, and even price. Accept constructive criticism and use it to help you develop. Customer input not only improves your services but also develops a strong bond between your firm and its target audience.

Prototype Testing

Consider generating prototypes for testing before releasing your IT hardware product. These prototypes can be shared for feedback with a small group of target buyers. Their feedback might point up weaknesses, usability concerns, or places for development that were not visible during internal testing. Prototyping allows you to fine-tune your product, ensuring that it fits your audience’s real-world demands and expectations.

Market Entry Strategy

Based on your study results, carefully develop your market entry approach. Will you begin locally and gradually expand, or will you go worldwide from the start? Think about things like regulatory compliance, distribution networks, and localization. company market entry plan should be consistent with company resources, budget, and long-term goals. Flexibility is essential for adapting to changing market circumstances and possibilities.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Decisions in today’s data-driven environment should be based on facts and insights rather than intuition alone. Gather and analyze market data using data analytics technologies. These tools can assist you in tracking client behavior, determining the effectiveness of marketing activities, and identifying areas for improvement. Data-driven decision-making not only decreases the likelihood of expensive errors but also maximizes the return on investment.

Networking and Industry Insights

Networking within your sector may provide a wealth of knowledge. Participate at trade fairs, conferences, and industry events to meet colleagues, potential customers, and industry experts. These contacts can give essential information about developing trends, difficulties, and opportunities. Consider joining industry organizations and forums to share expertise and remain up to speed on industry trends.

Stay Agile and Adaptable

Successful startups are known for their adaptability. As you gain real-world facts and experience, you may need to revise your early assumptions and techniques. Be ready to turn if required. Agility enables you to react swiftly to changing market conditions, grasp new opportunities, and deal with unexpected problems. The capacity to adapt is frequently what distinguishes successful startups from their competitors.

Protect Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is a significant asset in the tech hardware business. Make sure you understand the significance of intellectual property protection and that you take action to secure your discoveries. To protect your hardware designs and branding, you may need to apply for patents, trademarks, or copyrights. Intellectual property protection not only protects your inventions but also increases their market worth and reputation.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations

Modern customers are becoming more concerned with environmental and ethical issues. Consider how your IT hardware startup’s ideals may be aligned with these. Is it possible to create eco-friendly products or lessen the environmental effects of your operations? Transparency in your supply chain and ethical business practices may connect with customers and provide you with a competitive advantage.

Continuous Learning

Market research is a never-ending activity. It does not end after your company is created. Maintain a constant eye on market trends, consumer feedback, and competition developments. Update your buyer personas on a regular basis and alter your approach as appropriate. This dedication to constant learning and development makes your business flexible and sensitive to market changes.

Data Analytics Can Help Hardware Companies with their Customer Research

There are a number of ways that data analytics technology can help improve the ROI of marketing campaigns. One benefit is that it can help with customer research.

Market research is critical to the success of IT hardware firms. It gives you the information you need to understand your audience, manage competition, and make sound decisions. By using these market research best practices, your firm may map a road for long-term success in the competitive world of tech hardware. Remember that market research is a continuous commitment to understanding and supporting your consumers in an ever-changing marketplace.

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The Power of Big Data and Analytics in Digital Signage

The Power of Big Data and Analytics in Digital Signage

Welcome to 2023, the age where screens are more than mere displays; they’re interactive communication portals, awash with data and always hungry for more. It’s time to dig deeper into the nexus of Big Data, Analytics, and Kitcast Digital Signage, the new frontier of business intelligence that’s transforming our interaction with the commercial environment, one digital billboard at a time.

The Intersection of Display and Data

Let’s first establish what we’re talking about when we mention digital signage. This is more than just an HD screen displaying a PowerPoint slideshow. Modern digital signage is smart, connected, and more often than not, interactive. When linked with Big Data and analytics, it turns into a powerful tool that businesses can wield for customer engagement, real-time advertising, and more.

Digital Signage: Not Just a Pretty Face

Walk through any international airport, and you’re guided by a myriad of digital signs, from flight information to food menus. These displays are changing dynamically, reflecting real-time data. But what if, instead of just spitting out updates, these screens were capturing data as well—evaluating how many people walked by, how many engaged with the screen, what choices they made, and so on?

Retail is another classic example. You walk into a clothing store and are greeted by a wall-sized screen showing off the latest fashions. But it’s also capturing your image, analyzing it for age, gender, and even mood. It may then change what it displays based on that data—pushing winter coats if it recognizes you shivering or summer apparel if you look overheated.

It’s All About the Data, Baby!

The possibilities are limitless, but only if we harness the data these signs can gather. This is where Big Data comes into play. These screens can collect data at a monumental scale: tracking eye movements, calculating linger time, measuring crowd density, and even observing emotional reactions.

To analyze and derive actionable insights from this sea of information, businesses deploy powerful analytics tools. These can range from straightforward statistical models to advanced machine learning algorithms. It all boils down to the Holy Grail of business intelligence—delivering the right message, at the right time, to the right audience.

Privacy Concerns and Ethical Implications

Now let’s pump the brakes for a moment. With great power comes great responsibility. The capture and use of personal data, even if it’s anonymized, pose significant ethical and privacy concerns. GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations have already put constraints on what can be collected and how it must be stored and used. Businesses venturing into this arena must be extra cautious about following these guidelines and ensuring customer data is handled with the utmost care.

Future Outlook: The Digital Signage Ecosystem

As businesses become more comfortable with the integration of Big Data and analytics into their digital signage, we’re likely to see a more interactive and data-rich digital environment. Imagine walking into a shopping mall and having personalized discounts sent to your phone, driven by facial recognition and your past shopping history. Or imagine public service signs that adapt their messages during emergencies, based on real-time crowd behavior.

Conclusion: An Intelligent Future

Digital signage has evolved from a static display tool to an intelligent, data-driven, interactive medium. As we continue to integrate Big Data and analytics into these platforms, the lines between the digital and physical worlds will blur even further. We’re entering a new era where our environment understands us as much as we understand it. 

Let’s harness this synergy responsibly to build an ecosystem that enhances customer engagement, optimizes business operations, and even makes our public spaces more informative and safer.

With data as the new oil, digital signage is the refinery that’s turning raw information into actionable insights. Strap in, folks; we’re in for an intelligent ride.

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