Microsoft Ignite, the infamous Microsoft Conference which gathers over 30,000 attendees and announces incredible news. Ignite was held once again in Orlando, Florida and the report again did not disappoint. There was so much news that all press received a 27-page booklet detailing all announcements. Although all announcements were exciting in their own right, there were a few that really tickled our fancy, and we hope they get you jumping for joy as well.

As of last week, Apple had released massive changes to their operating system. This update is one of logic and usefulness unlike many updates in the past that were not always helpful but leaned more on the sparkly side. This round appears to be very well thought out and baked. The changes, in fact, have not only been suitable for the new devices but also seem to be great improvements to the older technology as well.

The must-have technologies for a successful small business

For anyone who has ever started a business, you know just how challenging the process can be. Many times, the concept of owning your own business is hugely glamorized. Many dream of having a beautiful office, making your own hours and instantly finding great success with the launch of your idea or product. What people do not think about is the day-to-day grind that can quickly flip a small business to no-business. Which is why over 50% of small businesses do not make it more than 5 years. Below are three technology musts to help make the day-to-day world of small business as efficient as possible.

What is Artificial Intelligence and how can the small business owner benefit from it?

Artificial Intelligence or AI is the “it” technology. Everyone is talking about AI but without fully understanding what it is many think it is unattainable for their business. We see companies like IBM, Facebook and Google using it and believe that it is extremely out of reach for the average sized company. Let’s take a look at AI and debunk that notion and dig into how this incredible technology can benefit companies of any size and specifically, small businesses.

What are they and how do they work?

Security is a top priority in business. Everywhere you turn someone’s data is being compromised. One of the highest recommended tips for security is to use a password manager, and luckily, it is one of the simplest methods as well. Although it is easy, many still hesitate as they do not fully understand what it is and where the passwords are being stored. Let’s take a high-level look at what password managers are and how they work.

Watson...is it one of the robots from Mystery Science Theater or the Smartest Golden Retriever ever?

Watson is Artificial Intelligence. A computer that thinks like you and me but light-years faster and doesn't have the brain-fog from last night's carb-loaded meal. To understand the basis of this, first, take how our search process has worked in the past. Previously, we could do a keyword search that would return a list of content listed in order of relevancy. Watson is different, it is based on Question-Answering technology. Instead of traditional search capabilities relying on computer-based "coding" language, Watson understands actual human languages. According to IBM, more than 100 different techniques are used to understand and analyze natural language, identify sources, find and generate hypotheses, find and score evidence and merge and track predictions. So instead of returning a list of content, it honestly answers your questions.

Keylogging. Is it a new concept or just an updated version of Espionage?

Information and specifically confidential data have always had a price, and someone has always wanted to get a hold of it. Documented spies date back in history from the 1st century. Espionage continues to evolve, and we as users of technology must stay on top of how our data is being hacked. Keylogging is one of today’s modern cyber-crimes but has the same basis as ancient spies.