The Philippines is currently poised to see some of the greatest advancements in technology made to date. 2018 has provided some incredible strides towards the Philippines becoming a world leader in technological developments, and businesses should be getting ready to take advantage.
After studying the significant leaps made in the Philippine digital ecosystem so far, global market intelligence agency and technology trend analyzer, IDC, called on local enterprises to become part of the new digital landscape and help accelerate innovation in the country.
As emerging technology trends are set to redefine IT and businesses in the Philippines over the next few years, it is time to delve into some of the hi-tech advancements set to change the game.
AI
Businesses would be foolish to ignore the developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent robotic automation. Whilst the average corporation may not currently be interested in the early stages of experiments into AI implants in humans, the road towards programming intelligent machines to replace humans is already being paved.
Automating processes will improve operational efficiency. From chatbots to database management, AI is already becoming part of daily operations. With the intention of making the Philippines an AI global hub, CEO of Silicon Valley-based Wave Computing, Derek Meyer, has predicted the creation of 697,000 middle to high-skilled jobs in the country by 2022. As the rapid pace of innovation in AI continues, businesses will only see further implementation.
Communications
There are two very important reasons why the Philippines is on track to see some revolutionary advancements made in the field of communications.
SES 12 satellite
In June 2018, the world’s second-largest satellite operator, SES, used a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to launch their new communications satellite, designed to boost connectivity across the Philippines. The SES 12 satellite will enable high-speed internet and broadcast connectivity options to all Philippine municipalities, including those in remote islands and rural areas.
According to SES CEO, John Paul Hemingway, their new satellite will bridge the digital divide. Be it near perfect mobile service or high-speed broadband services, the SES 12 satellite will allow businesses to embrace twenty-first-century technology regardless of their locality.
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
The ICT arm of Globe Telecom is currently pioneering their new communications technology in the Philippines. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is an affordable and secure corporate data network, which complements existing WAN and IP-VPN connections.
Primarily designed for businesses, this game-changing technology works with a plug-and-play device utilizing cloud-based technology. Companies can optimize their connectivity through SD-WAN’s intelligent re-routing of traffic or diverting of “non-mission critical activities”. This type of network will allow for the continued running of processes, even if a connection drops. Enterprises and growing businesses can manage and expand their corporate network more easily.
eCommerce
People in the Philippines already spend more time online and more time on social media than anywhere else in the world. Last year, mobile transactions alone grew by 33 percent in one 12-month period. According to chief commerce strategist of Akamai Technologies, Jason Miller, in a recent interview with the BusinessMirror, they are seeing more and more consumers that want to conduct business via mobile transactions.
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) will fast move beyond sari-sari stores. Paolo Azzola, COO and MD of PayMaya Philippines, says that eCommerce and e-payments will ensure a streamlined supply chain and help FMCG enterprises engage with their customers online.
However, eCommerce is not just about selling products online. Even exclusively “bricks-and-mortar” businesses can benefit from the current advancements in eCommerce technology in the Philippines. With cryptocurrencies and blockchain gaining momentum, addressing their presence is unavoidable. A cashless ecosystem is on the horizon. Therefore, even physical locations should update their operations and embrace new eCommerce technologies as well.
With new, game-changing technological advancements, especially in the fields of business and commerce, the Philippines is facing a transformation. For any company wishing to evolve along with the technology, staying abreast of the changing ecosystem and emerging trends will greatly go towards understanding how it can improve your business efficiency.
