A Practical Approach to Emerging Tech for SMBs: AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, IoT, and AR/VR

 TL;DR: Today’s small business owners represent the most technologically savvy cohort of SMBs that has ever existed. From email infrastructure to search engine optimization, CRMs to automated customer support – SMBs today have access to unprecedented technological power, and use it every day to grow better.

But the development of new technology never stops. In recent years, the rate of emerging technology seems to have reached a fever pitch as headlines announce the arrival of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency prices threaten the arrival of a new bubble (and ensuing burst).

Should SMBs be paying attention to all the noise? Do these emerging technologies represent imminent disruption? What’s hype and what represents real opportunity for business growth?

This report is designed to break down the big five emerging technologies: artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT). We’ll walk through the practical implications of each technology, highlighting the aspects that SMBs should be paying attention to, and what can be deprioritized (for now).

Emerging Technologies - The HubSpot Guide

(This report is best viewed on desktop devices)

	ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE	BLOCKCHAIN	CRYPTOCURRENCY	INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)	AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY
WHAT IT IS	Computers with “human-like” intelligence	An electronic ledger	Digital currency that operates independently of central banks	The interconnection of the everyday physical objects to the internet	Technology that blends the physical world with a digital world
HOW IT WILL CHANGE CONSUMERS	Raise expectations of ease and convenience	Change our ideas about security (i.e., transparency is more secure than a traditional database)	Potential to break down international barriers and create a global economy	Raise expectations of ease and convenience	Increase demand for immersive experiences
PRIORITY FOR SMBS	High. Narrow AI is already here	Low	Low	Medium	Low
BUSINESSES THAT WILL BE IMPACTED FIRST	All businesses are impacted	Industries dealing with supply chain management	Businesses concerned with international commerce