2024 TECH TRENDS WITH JUSTYN MILLER

For Shift, 2023 was an incredible year. I saw our team grow in ways I never could’ve imagined — from diving head-first into the world of AI to developing new partnerships all around the globe and being recognized as Iowa’s Small-Business Software Company of the Year. It was a whirlwind, and I wouldn’t want to be on this journey with any other team by my side.

But you may be saying, “It’s already 2024, bro..”. And you’re right; as we step into the future of technology in 2024, the landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. So, let’s get into a few of those trends we have our eyes on this year.

Large Language Models

We at Shift envision a future where small businesses harness the power of Generative AI, creating their private versions of language models like ChatGPT to leverage proprietary information. Larger enterprises are expected to develop personalized, internal versions of AI Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance their processes and decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is set to play a pivotal role in reshaping smaller businesses across various domains. In marketing, we anticipate a surge in AI-driven content creation, enabling businesses to tailor their messaging with unprecedented precision. Customer service is poised for a transformation with voice recognition technology becoming more conversational and copilots assisting or automating repetitive tasks. Moreover, AI will be instrumental in collecting and charting company data, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making.

Cybersecurity

The ever-growing concern for cybersecurity continues to gain prominence in 2024. Both businesses and consumers are becoming more vigilant about who has access to their personal information. Ensuring the secure and responsible management of data is a top priority, and companies must be at the forefront of adopting robust cybersecurity measures to instill trust in their stakeholders.

CX & E-Commerce

In the realm of customer experience and e-commerce, simplicity is the key. Small businesses should embrace mobile-friendly e-commerce options, allowing customers to make quick purchases with the convenience of using logins from platforms like Amazon or omnichannel partners. Streamlining payment processes and incorporating contactless options will be crucial, sparing customers the hassle of entering their credit card information repeatedly.

Sustainability

Sustainability takes center stage in the tech trends of 2024. Consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental impact, and businesses are expected to respond by actively working towards reducing waste and lowering costs. QR-codes on products will be utilized to showcase and track sustainability data, providing transparency and empowering consumers to make environmentally conscious choices.

AR/VR

Lastly, Apple's bold bet on Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) indicates a paradigm shift in the business landscape. As AR/VR technologies find their way into the corporate world, businesses can expect innovative applications that redefine communication, training, and collaboration.

In conclusion, Shift is committed to being at the forefront of these transformative tech trends. By embracing Generative AI, fortifying cybersecurity measures, simplifying customer experiences, championing sustainability, and exploring the potential of AR/VR, we aim to lead the way as thought leaders and experts in the dynamic realm of technology in 2024 and beyond.