Welcome to our look back at the 2024 tech scene.

AI got smarter, but that’s not all. Outdated systems held some businesses back. Bigger tech companies bought smaller ones, shaking things up (for the better? Let’s see …).

We’ll talk about what’s working, what’s not and where AI fits in. Stick around. There’s plenty to chew on!

AI learned patterns faster, understood language more deeply and spotted subtle trends in data. But let’s be clear. It’s still just a tool.

Though the technology itself is advanced, many businesses aren’t prepared to use it effectively. They’ve got to fix their old ways first.

Don’t get us wrong – AI can help. It can handle coding, data tasks and other mind-numbing chores. But it won’t replace real people. They still matter. Always will!

Think about nonprofits. AI can draft a decent email or tidy up a messy list. But it can’t offer the warmth and empathy these groups need to show their communities. And it certainly couldn’t understand a lot of the processes people actually go through in their day-to-day work. That would be one hell of a prompt.

Speaking of those users, not everyone wants to deal with digital forms and chatbots. Some just need a friendly human who cares. But their interaction still needs to be tracked to ensure a full picture in your reports. Providing easy to use interfaces for internal data collection is key.

Technology should serve people’s needs, not push them aside. For certain groups, a handshake or a kind word will always matter more than any digital shortcut.

The buzz around AI made many organisations realise how outdated their systems are. They can’t jump into AI if they’re still wrestling with old spreadsheets.

This isn’t just about AI. It’s about data and inputs. Even basic automation is still missing in many places. Stubborn old methods slow everything down. Meanwhile, a few simple tools could handle the dull stuff, freeing humans to focus on real work.

Automation isn’t new. It’s about using digital tools for simple tasks that don’t require human thinking. By connecting a few systems together smoothly, many common issues disappear.

Before rushing in to buy every shiny platform, take a breath. Look at your goals. Where’s the bottleneck? What’s actually slowing you down? Then pick a tool that fits, whether it’s AI or just a smarter way to handle your workflow.

In 2024, many small tech companies got snapped up by larger ones. This can unsettle groups that count on friendly, personal support – like nonprofits. They might worry that a big firm will replace their warm, human touch with scripted calls.

Why does this matter? If you need close, hands-on help, these buyouts can open up room for new providers.

For example, say a small IT firm once offered you direct support at any hour. If a big player buys them, that help might change.

However, other specialised providers often emerge to fill the gap. They focus on personal care and can adapt to your needs in ways big brands usually won’t.

This shift highlights an important point: not every task needs a giant, one-size-fits-all platform. Different tasks can be completed using different tools. As long as your systems work together nicely, there’s no need to unify it all.

Looking ahead, consider the risks of your chosen tool being sold:

• Will your data stay safe?
• Will you be stuck with a product you didn’t sign up for?
• Will your team hate the new platform?
• Will it still integrate with all your other systems?

Pick tools with those questions in mind. In 2025 and beyond, flexibility matters more than ever.

People kept talking about having “one source of truth”. They wanted to know exactly what systems they had and what data they held.

As laws changed and security concerns grew, organisations looked for a clear starting point. They didn’t want to lump all their data into one spot. Sometimes, they just needed one reliable entry point.

The standout tools were those that linked everything together. Platforms like Zapier, Power Automate and n8n had their moment. They were the glue, making all these systems talk to each other.

Any system without an open API – an easy way for other tools to connect – was in trouble. Standard integrations didn’t solve every problem and they weren’t supposed to. Custom connections, built for your unique needs, became essential. In 2024, making all your tools work together mattered more than ever.

Don’t expect a huge leap next year. Just more steady progress! Web3 crawls along, AI keeps trying to move past its initial hype. What matters is finding real uses for these new tools, not just showing off shiny gimmicks.

Pure design or development work will get even cheaper and easier. Anyone can spin up a site in minutes. The real value will lie in deciding what you actually need to do. The “what’s next?” thinking will be in demand. Businesses will pay for clear advice, not just quick fixes.

Security will remain a big deal. With so much going on in the world, keeping your data safe is not optional. We know this firsthand. After all, we’re ISO certified.

In 2025, choose tools that work for you. Ask the right questions first. Keep people at the centre, not just the tech.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s figure out what fits your needs and put it to work.

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