Business and Technology

Business and technology naturally fit together. One fuels the innovation and growth of the other. Business demands technology to grow markets, operations, and aid in efficacy. Technology pushed business to expand at the rate of new technology. Technology even pushed business to create new industries like e-commerce and wireless communications. Now, one could not separate from the other. For example, products like phones also have computing capabilities, allowing the user to remains close to the internet, office and e-mail while traveling. Also, doctors no longer need to handwrite notes during exams on a patient's chart. A product exists that allows doctors to type information into a palm pilot and create a paperless electronic record. The partnership between business and technology remains strong and will continue to grow as the need for new technology increases ingenuity and creativity in this technological world.

This partnership appears strongly in the workplace. An office consists of many things, but the computer takes the place of prominence. Operation would cease in an office if computers disappeared, along with e-mail and the internet. Computers now allow offices to store paperwork on hard drives, eliminating the need for filing systems. E-mail and the internet allow coworkers to communicate inside and outside the office. Companies with multiple offices in different parts of the have drastically increased communication with the use of e-mail and VoIP. Also, the concept of working from home is now a reality. Some people no longer need to commute back and forth to the office, instead they can telecommute, emailing their work in and instant messaging co-workers from the comfort of their favorite chairs. Entire networks exist, connecting people and allowing for the creation of a global economy.

Medicine also benefits from advancements in technology, and technological advances result from medicine. The first air conditioner appeared as a solution to high temperature in injured former President Garfield's room. To aid in the recovery process, a fan was placed over a bucket of ice, thus lowering the temperature in the room and creating the air conditioner. More recently, the introduction of laparoscopic surgery decreases recovery time for patients. The technology allows doctors an accurate view of the internal workings of patients without having to perform major surgery. Another innovation in medicine includes the Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine. MRIs allow doctors to examine the internal working of the body, increasing proper diagnosis of diseases and injuries. MRI technology contributed greatly to medicine by distinguishing pathological tissue form surrounding healthy tissue.

The Music industry continues to improve and benefit from innovations in technology. Digital recording increased the quality of clarity and sound in a CD. Music software on computers gives producers the ability to pinpoint places in songs that need improvement, changing the sound to increase the quality. Similar programs allow musicians to distort and change the sound of their instruments, creating more depth within a track. The introduction of the MP3 player allows people to buy music off the internet and listen to it portably. Apple iTunes, in conjunction with the iPod, created a virtual music store which expanded the music market to include people far from physical music stores. The introduction of the iPod also increased the popularity of artists. Bands like U2 partnered with iPod to place band pictures on boxes and provide exclusive music videos to customers. As a result, the reputation of U2 boosted sales for Apple, and Apple iPod boosted sales for U2's records.

Tourism significantly changed with the introduction of e-commerce and online tourism. Tourism became even more accessible and popular with the introduction of electronic tickets and online travel agencies. Companies like Orbitz and Expedia appeared on the internet allowing people the option of planning their own trips, and the opportunity to buy tickets day or night without the assistance of travel agents. The companies also allowed its customers to rent cars and make lodging arrangements without ever having to pick up a phone.

Additionally, electronic kiosks at airports administering previously purchased tickets, cut down on in line waiting time and the task load of airport workers. The internet also aided tourism by allowing potential tourists to view travel destinations before purchasing tickets. Views of beautiful landscapes and virtual tours now persuade customers to travel to the area. The internet helped make previously untraveled destinations popular by creating awareness and increasing information about the destinations.

Many other businesses and industries benefit from technology. The defense industry continues to bolster the armed forces, making them stronger and safer with new weapons and protective armor. The automobile industry aides the environment and increases its sales through the creation of the hybrid car. Pharmaceutical companies expanded technology and give birth to new kinds of medications, allowing doctors to treat patients more effectively. These examples demonstrate that as long as there is a need for technology in business, new innovation will emerge. Those innovations will drive more business and that in turn will drive more innovations. The two are inexplicably linked. Expansion, development and growth would be slower without both.