It is estimated that by 2025, around 500 million new applications will be deployed. This projection underscores the rapid pace of digital transformation and technological innovation across industries. The surge in new applications comes with varying requirements and concerns, including security, scalability, compatibility, and performance. This growth is driven by advancements in cloud computing, AI, IoT, and the increasing need for digital solutions to meet evolving business and consumer demands. For SMBs, this trend highlights the importance of adopting flexible and scalable IT infrastructures that can support the integration and secure management of a wide array of applications.
References: Cisco Small Business Solutions
•
Question # 5
How do Meraki cameras perform in the smart SMB experience?
Cisco Meraki cameras are designed to provide enhanced security and business insights for SMBs. They do not record room temperature, as their primary function is not environmental monitoring. While they do record videos, this is a standard feature of most security cameras and not unique to the smart SMB experience. Scheduling policies for recording is also a feature, but it is not highlighted as a key performance aspect in the context of smart SMB experience. The distinguishing feature of Meraki cameras in a smart SMB setup is their ability to count people1. This is part of the advanced analytics capabilities that Meraki cameras offer, which include motion heatmaps, historical person tracking, and intelligent motion indexing. These features are particularly useful for businesses to gain insights into customer behavior, occupancy, and usage patterns.
A hybrid SMB technology solution must prioritize security, especially in a landscape where remote work is prevalent. Zero trust identity-based access is a security model that requires all users, whether inside or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. This approach aligns with the modern needs of SMBs to provide secure access to their resources in a hybrid environment, where users are accessing systems both on-premises and remotely. It ensures that only authenticated and authorized users and devices can access applications and data, thereby reducing the attack surface and providing a more secure IT environment.
References: = Insights from the Spiceworks article on the importance of hybrid cloud for SMBs1, and Cisco’s discussion on hybrid workforce solutions for SMBs, which emphasizes the need for secure access in a hybrid work environment2.
Question # 7
Which technology is now in the middle of the same type of transformation that revolutionized telephones 20 years ago?
Video surveillance technology is currently undergoing a transformation similar to the one that revolutionized telephones 20 years ago. The shift from analog to digital, the integration of Internet Protocol (IP) technology, and the use of artificial intelligence for facial recognition and behavior analysis are all part of this transformation. This evolution mirrors the transition telephones experienced with the advent of mobile technology and smart devices, which turned simple voice transmission tools into multifunctional devices with capabilities far beyond making calls.
References: = An article on the evolution of telephone technology that discusses the significant changes over the years1, and a report on the pace of technology transformation that highlights the rapid changes in communication technology2.
Question # 8
What do SMBs need to be truly smart?
A.
visibility for each process at each location separately
B.
optimized customer and employee experiences by providing an environment that meets modern expectations
C.
individually managed technology stacks
D.
separate dashboards to provide intelligent monitoring with actionable insight and device manageability
To be truly smart, SMBs need to optimize customer and employee experiences by providing an environment that meets modern expectations. This involves leveraging technology to create a seamless, efficient, and responsive experience for both customers and employees. A smart SMB utilizes integrated solutions that enhance collaboration, productivity, and security, enabling the business to adapt quickly to market changes and customer needs. By focusing on the user experience, SMBs can drive innovation and growth, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape1. References :=
•Cisco Smart Services for Small and Medium Business2.
•Investing in your success scaling SMB sales like never before1. =========================