Are you thinking about upgrading the office technology?

What's Ahead for the Office Sector in 2023

The office sector has undergone significant changes due to the pandemic and the shift towards hybrid work models. Employers are now facing challenges in increasing office utilization and attendance, and are focusing on change management to shift employee behavior. The surplus of vacant inventory in the commercial real estate sector will result in smaller, upgraded offices being in demand in 2023, but with a lower average demand for office space per employee.

The Evolution of Office Technology: From Typewriters to AI Assistants

Office Technology Takes a Giant Leap Forward with the Introduction of AI Assistants

It's hard to believe that just a few decades ago, office technology was limited to manual typewriters and filing cabinets. But fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) assistants are becoming an integral part of the modern workplace.

 

 "...the evolution of office technology has been nothing short of remarkable. From manual typewriters to AI assistants, technology has transformed the way we work and communicate..."

_________

 The introduction of personal computers in the 1980s marked the beginning of a new era in office technology. With the ability to store and process large amounts of data, computers revolutionized the way we work and communicate. However, it wasn't until the advent of the internet and the development of sophisticated software that the true potential of office technology was realized.

One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the rise of AI assistants. These intelligent software programs are designed to assist with a wide range of tasks, from scheduling meetings and managing emails to conducting research and analyzing data. AI assistants are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and many are now able to understand and respond to natural language, making them more intuitive and user-friendly.

One of the most popular AI assistants is Google Assistant, which is integrated into a range of devices, including smartphones, smart speakers, and smart displays. Google Assistant can help users with everything from setting reminders and playing music to providing weather updates and answering questions. A popular AI assistant is Amazon's Alexa, which is available on a range of devices, including the Echo Dot and Echo Show. Alexa can help users with everything from controlling their smart home devices to ordering groceries.

"...there is a concern that technology is making us more isolated and disconnected from our colleagues and the world around us..."

Another exciting development in office technology is the rise of virtual and augmented reality. Virtual reality (VR) allows users to immerse themselves in a computer-generated environment, while augmented reality (AR) enhances the user's real-world environment with digital information. These technologies have enormous potential in the workplace, particularly in industries such as architecture and engineering, where they can be used to create virtual models of buildings and structures.

As you know, telecommuting is raging with the advent and acceptance of remote working. With the advent of high-speed internet and cloud-based software, it is now possible for employees to work from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This has led to a significant increase in the number of remote workers and has changed the way we think about the traditional office.

However, as with any technological advancement, there are also some downsides to consider. One of the main concerns is the impact of technology on our privacy and security. As we rely more and more on technology, we are also generating vast amounts of data, which can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Additionally, there is also the concern that technology is making us more isolated and disconnected from our colleagues and the world around us.

The evolution of office technology has been nothing short of remarkable. From manual typewriters to AI assistants, technology has transformed the way we work and communicate. 

_________

Tweet: Office technology has taken a giant leap forward with the introduction of AI assistants. From scheduling meetings to analyzing data, AI is becoming an integral part of the modern workplace. #AIassistants #office #technology

Intro paragraph: The world of office technology has come a long way from manual typewriters and filing cabinets. With the advent of personal computers and the internet, office technology has transformed the way we work and communicate. And now, with the introduction of AI assistants, we are taking another giant leap forward. These intelligent software programs are designed to assist with a wide range of tasks, from scheduling meetings and managing emails to conducting research and analyzing data.

Image prompt suggestion: An image of a person using an AI assistant on their smartphone or a smart speaker, with a busy office environment in the background.

Song matching theme: "High Hopes" by Panic! At The Disco. The song's uplifting and hopeful lyrics match the idea of technology advancing and opening up new possibilities for the workplace.

Keyword list: office technology, AI assistants, personal computers, internet, virtual reality, augmented reality, telecommuting, remote working, privacy, security, cyberattacks.

Search question: What are the potential benefits and downsides of using AI assistants in the workplace?

Click For More Information

The Remote Work Revolution: A New Frontier for B2B Office Technology

From Virtual Meetings to Virtual Reality: The Workforce Enters the Matrix

Greg's Words

The fear of Covid left offices, cubicles, and yesterday's management style in the dustpan of history, for most.

How can an office technology provider continue to work with clients and solve business problems?  In the old ways, concentrating on a piece of machinery will not sustain the business.  We've known for decades that the device is not the answer, what the device does is a component of a well-designed solution to a problem.

In the post cubicle life, we professional sales people have the opportunity to do what we always said we would, but never did.  "Help our customers solve business problems"

Harvard came out with a deep dive, albeit academic, the view is worth reviewing.

Cheers!

gw

_________

The Impact of China-Taiwan Turbulence on the Office Technology Industry

In the March 22, 2023 edition of the Wall Street Journal(paywall), Simone Gao expresses his opinion on the latest moves in China like the newly enacted Law on Reservists which delays the retirement age for reserve officers to 60 from 55.

The region will play a key role in the next technological wave and has relevance for Office Technology providers because of the number of FABs in Taiwan.  A FAB (or fabrication plant) is a facility where integrated circuits (ICs) or microchips are manufactured. 

FABs require a high level of precision and cleanliness, as even tiny contamination can affect the quality and functionality of the chips produced. FABs are typically very expensive to build and maintain and are a crucial component of the semiconductor supply chain.

We've used the opinion piece to generate the following.

Enjoy.

__________

Guarding Global Tech: Navigating the Taiwan Strait Tensions for Office Technology's Future

Executive Summary:

Adapting to the New Era of Remote Work: The Role of Technology in Making It Possible

“What we discovered in designing this workplace of the future is that we need a workplace that has choices for all these work styles,” says Scott Strzinek, NI Corp.’s senior director of global facilities. 

The company had employees test the changes, designed by Gensler, in a portion of its building before going ahead with a renovation of 450,000 square feet, to be completed in 2024. NI Corp., which has 70 offices in 25 countries, plans to roll out the designs to other locations over the next few years." - WSJ

Back in the day, remote work was a pipe dream for many companies. It was challenging to implement and manage, and not all employees had the necessary technology or equipment to work from home. But over the years, technology has made remote work more accessible and convenient for businesses of all sizes.

__________

First DOTC ChatGPT 4.0 Creation: "15 Minute Cities"

Here we go, here we go, here we go...

Chat GPT4 has been out for hours and I am just now getting to the app to create content.

I first heard of "15 Minute Cities" a week ago and attended an online presentation about 15 Minute Cities this morning, about three hours ago - the idea is new, and I figured testing GPT with a prescient concept would be nifty.

My Primary Prompt: 

"Please explain the 15 Minute City and its impact on Office Technology sales"

Straightforward, open, and vague - a 'softball'.

My Secondary Prompt

"Write a title, funny tagline, keyword list, intro paragraph for a LinkedIn post, image prompt, song recommendation that matches the concept of the article, and Tweet."

My Tertiaray Prompt

"Please write a 3 bullet executive summary."

Enclosed is the result of both prompts without any human manipulation.  There has been no more direction than the three prompts.

Enjoy.

__________

The Risks of Using Chat-Based AI Systems: A Cautionary Tale

"...by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open..." - M. Shelly

There are always challenges with new technology; it's been this way since the loom and since WordPerfect eliminated the typewriter.  So cautionary stories about ChatGPT and AI, in general, are bound to happen for three basic reasons:

• Mystery - knowing about AI is far from knowing AI and the public barely knows AI.
• Motion - this movement is traversing quicker than any other tech advance, ever.
• Pre-programmed - we've been watching robots taking over the world since Mary Shelly unleashed the monster.  Fear of AI is almost at the DNA level.

__________

"Friday the 13th: The Fall of Templars and Rise of Remote Working"

Friday the 13th is a date that has long been associated with bad luck and superstition. But where did this belief originate? Some theories suggest that it is connected to the persecution of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307. 

On that day, King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of the Templars, a medieval Christian military order, on charges of heresy and other crimes. The Templars were arrested and tortured, and many were eventually executed. 

"Just like the Knights Templar, businesses and employees are facing new challenges and obstacles as they adapt to a new way of working."

The idea of Friday the 13th being a day of bad luck may have originated from the events of that day, as the arrest and persecution of the Templars marked the end of the order and the beginning of its downfall.

The Rise of Digital Twins: Transforming Efficiency in Industries and Cities

How virtual replicas are helping companies reduce costs, conserve resources, and create more efficient cities.

Digital Twin is a cutting-edge technology that creates a real-time virtual replica of a physical asset, which is continuously updated with data from sensors and connected devices to improve efficiency and streamline operations.

Digital twins revolutionize the way we manage and consolidate assets in the office technology industry? 

I first heard of the 'digital twin' concept years ago when working with a water district and ESRI.  We were tying together data from ESRI, an output device-based data collection agent, and a simple network asset probe.  The project resulted in a virtual twin of assets via digital data collected from everything from water pumps, service vans, and Canon copiers. 

Quite the project.

Fast forward a decade or so, and the Digital Twin idea is mainstream.  For the Office Technology Realm, this is not foreign; we've been here since the day copiers moved from analog to digital.  Now, we help our clients evolve into more efficient and streamlined businesses by managing and consolidating assets.  We support users in the office, on the road, or in their kitchens at home.  And we view their world digitally.

The next step is to present their world in 3D.  Cool stuff.

I've digested the content and asked ChatGPT to put together an essay based on a bit of research.  Enjoy.

Digital Twins, 2023.  A summary:

1. Digital twin technology is a three-dimensional virtual replica of a physical asset that is continuously updated with data gathered from embedded sensors or other connected devices throughout the asset.
2. The technology is being used by various industries to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and conserve resources. For example, San Francisco International Airport uses it to manage service requests and renovation projects.
3. Digital twins can combine all building and asset information in one place, making it easier for maintenance teams to locate and service specific areas. The technology also has the potential to predict when preventive maintenance will need to be done or suggest more efficient ways to direct passengers through the airport.
4. The technology is being used in various industries, including retail, construction, and hydropower plants, and has the potential to stitch together to gain a better view of interconnected systems such as complex supply chains.
5. However, technological updates, such as more data collection, and questions about equity need to be addressed to ensure that the technology is effective for all.

Inspiration, WSJ.  ChatGPT3.5.

_________

'The NorthStar' - A Fusion of AI Brilliance and Human Insight in Business and Technology Reporting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Greg Walters contact@grwalters.com

Greg Walters Launches 'The NorthStar' - A Fusion of AI Brilliance and Human Insight in Business and Technology Reporting

(12/2023, Ft. Myers) - In a groundbreaking move, tech visionary Greg Walters announces the debut of The NorthStar (www.grwalters.com), a cutting-edge digital platform that marries Business, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence in a symphony of insightful content. This unique website promises to deliver a fresh perspective on how these critical domains interact with our lives.

Central to The NorthStar's innovative approach is its "Constellation of Writers," a team composed not only of human experts but also advanced AI/ChatGPT-based writers. This blend of human creativity and AI intellect is a testament to the site's commitment to pioneering journalism in technology. Readers can explore this unique collaboration at The Constellation of Writers, where AI-generated insights complement human narrative, offering a diverse and comprehensive view of the tech world.

Building upon the legacy of his acclaimed websites - The Death Of The Copier (www.thedeathofthecopier.com) and The Office Tech Tap (www.theofficetechtap.com), Greg Walters continues to pioneer the conversation on technology's role in business. The NorthStar is not merely a website; it is a hub for innovative thought, showcasing how artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of our understanding and reporting on technology and business.

"Embracing AI in journalism, especially in fields as dynamic as technology and business, enables us to dive deeper and uncover insights that were previously unattainable," explains Greg Walters. "At The NorthStar, we're not just discussing the future; we're actively shaping it with every article."

The NorthStar invites readers to experience an array of topics, from the bleeding edge of AI research to transformative business technologies, all through a lens that blends human expertise with AI's analytical power.

Join us at www.grwalters.com for a journey into the evolving landscape of technology and business, illuminated by the brightest human and AI minds in the industry.

About Greg Walters: Greg Walters is an acclaimed figure in the technology and business sectors, with over thirty years of experience. His writings offer a visionary perspective on the interplay of technology, business, and society, earning him a respected position in tech journalism. Greg's work is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of technology, making his platforms essential for understanding our increasingly digital world.

END

Konica Minolta Named to the InfoWorld 100

Press release follows - This award recognizes Konica Minolta’s successful implementation of the MyKonicaMinolta.com 2.0 Portal Initiative (MKM 2.0). Not too shabby for a copier manufacturer to be honored for an innovative IT project.


NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Ramsey, NJ, United States, 12/15/2008 - Annual Award highlights Konica Minolta’s innovative use of enterprise technology.


Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announced that it has been named in the InfoWorld 100, InfoWorld’s highest honor. The InfoWorld 100 Awards honor companies for IT projects that exemplify intelligent, creative uses of technology to meet business and technical objectives.

The award recognizes Konica Minolta’s successful implementation of the MyKonicaMinolta.com 2.0 Portal Initiative (MKM 2.0), led by Nelson Lin, Vice President, Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.

MyKonicaMinolta.com (MKM), Konica Minolta’s multi-faceted online employee/dealer portal application, provides users a flexible and scalable technology framework that significantly impacts and changes web development and delivery capabilities. The secure MKM 2.0 portal extends information, services and business processes to 8,000 employees and 15,000 business partners 24X7. Within this portal, users can choose when, where and how they wish to interact and conduct business with Konica Minolta. Available portal content focuses on information and business applications that support the sales and service of technology leading Konica Minolta office products and solutions.

This year, InfoWorld chose the top 100 IT projects that were inspiring and energizing with the most valuable organizational benefits. The InfoWorld 100 Awards are held annually by the InfoWorld Media Group, who helps Senior IT Decision Makers choose the right technology for business impact at different organizations. Konica Minolta was recognized by InfoWorld in the technology category on November 17, 2008; a complete list of the winners is available at InfoWorld online.

"Breathing new life into outdated operations, advancing business goals with inventive use of technology -- this year's winners demonstrate, once again, that innovative, business-minded IT is the lifeblood of successful organizations," said Jason Snyder, Senior Editor for InfoWorld.

“At the outset, the IT department at Konica Minolta wanted to provide employees with a comprehensive technology platform that addressed pain points in a proactive manner,” said Lin. “The effort between business and IT reflects the notion of integrating technologies with enterprise applications to create a new company technology platform that has benefited stakeholders, business advisory groups, internal employees and management alike. We are truly proud to be recognized for this outstanding effort.”

Watch the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl on January 1st at 1.00p EST on CBS Sports.

About Konica Minolta

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (kmbs.konicaminolta.us) is a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop. In 2008, Konica Minolta was recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys.

About InfoWorld Media Group

InfoWorld (infoworld.com) identifies and promotes emerging technology segments that add unique value for the organizations that implement them, as well as the vendors that provide those solutions. Using an integrated communications approach including online, events, research, and a continued investment in an independent Test Center, InfoWorld analysts and editors provide both hands-on analysis and evaluation, as well as expert commentary on issues surrounding emerging technologies and products.

Konica Minolta is a trademark of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

Frank Tutalo Lois Paul and Partners P: +1 781.782.5761 - E: ftutalo[.]lpp.com.

Musk and Others Want to Slow Innovation What?

Greg's Words

I keep telling people AI is moving at an hourly pace and if you're not at least playing with it, the train will blow right by you.

The Genie is out of the bottle.

The train has left the station.

Elvis has left the building.

In the vastly expanding Universe that is Artificial Intelligence, I chose AI ἀναρχία. No guardrails, no OverLords, and no legislated ethics.

A letter released to the general public calls for an immediate'...pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4...'  At the time of this writing, there are 1124 signatures on the website, including Musk and AI 'experts'.

Poppycock.  This is either a very shortsighted, unrealistic attempt at relevance or another great marketing campaign intended to drive the conversation even higher; careful, dear Icarus.

I believe in the last two weeks, over 300 ChatGPT apps hit the market.  There is no way to slow this train, and Musk knows it.

__________

Toshiba 2023: The Beginning

Toshiba’s $15 billion sale to a group led by private equity firm Japan Industrial Partners.

One shoe of many has dropped.

An article in Japan Times outlines a few internal challenges yet to be addressed.  One alarming statement is, "The most worrying factor is if the new CEO does not get to actually make decisions.”

Of all the hurdles any organization must overcome when making a comeback, it is the ability for leadership to lead; to make decisions, any decisions.

Under Thursday’s agreement — originally expected last fall — the JIP-led consortium aims to buy Toshiba at ¥4,620 a share and take one of Japan’s most well-known brands private through a tender offer to begin around late July. If successful, the deal could close a troubled chapter in the firm’s 147-year history, after a series of scandals and missteps set it on the path to a sale. The questions now are whether activist investors will accept the terms — and whether the firm can restore its former glories.

The question comes down to how this will impact the US Office Technology providers and the many customers.

You know the pattern.  PE takes a conglomerate private then slices and dices the component parts off in hopes of turning a profit. That's what will happen here.

Three Points:

1. Toshiba's Leadership Changes: The article mentions the recent departure of Toshiba's CEO and several board members, which has added uncertainty to the company's direction and future.
2. Business Transformation Plan: Toshiba has announced a comprehensive plan to split the company into three standalone entities focused on infrastructure services, devices and storage, and industrial products. This restructuring aims to streamline operations, improve agility, and enable each division to better address its respective market needs.
3. Addressing Geopolitical Risks: The article highlights the challenges Toshiba faces due to geopolitical tensions, such as the Taiwan Strait issue, and the ongoing global chip shortage. These challenges underscore the need for Toshiba to diversify its supply chains, explore alternative sources for critical components, and expand its global footprint in order to mitigate risks and ensure future growth.

_________

The Unintended Consequences of Remote Work: A Tectonic Shift in Office Technology and Urban Landscapes

Remote working - the love child of technological advancements and pajamas.

Greg's Words

The times are crazy and there seem to be no boundaries; we've left hyperbole in the rearview.  I've seen a few revolutions in my time, so there are familiar threads, flavors, and hints but nothing has been so accelerated and universally impactful as the current run on artificial intelligence.  AI has been brought down, landing squarely on our frontal lobes.

Like never before in time.  The Wheel. The Discovery of Fire.  The first tool.

People smarter than me are using the same words and phrases I am - this is the Big One.

Of course, all is not roses and bubble gum on the road to digital enlightenment.  There are risks; Mary Shelly's Modern Prometheus and the story of Colossus come to mind.  Some see AI as destroying mankind, ridding the planet of its cancerous inhabitants. My thoughts on this?  If were to happen, it would have by now.

But how is The Convergence going to help you sell more widgets?

"I don't know, I'm making this up as I go..."

What I do know, is the fear of covid changed the way we work(and print) the way we move information, and the way we finally see management.  Management is redundant.

Navigating the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence in the Modern Business World

Better start brushing up on your robot dance moves, folks!

Three-point executive summary:

1. The adoption of AI technology can lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and profitability for businesses of all sizes.
2. However, the potential impact on employment and the need for upskilling must be carefully considered.
3. By taking a proactive approach to AI adoption and investing in employee training and ethical standards, businesses can position themselves for success in the years to come.

Artificial Intelligence in Hollywood: A Brave New World of Creativity and Challenges

AI Takes Center Stage: The Future of Tinseltown is Written in Code

Greg's Words

The Mandolorian show utilizes the Unreal engine(a powerful graphics platform) to generate to create the show's digital sets and backgrounds. Instead of building physical sets, the production team uses a large LED video wall to display high-resolution digital backgrounds and environments in real-time.

Other companies outside the entertainment industry are using the same software to develop training programs(Walmart) and create immersive customer experiences online(Audi). 

Within the entertainment industry, AI is helping rearrange and enhance the creative process at all levels - from writing scripts, even developing characters from scratch.  

We take what we see on the screen for granted, as the creative process and production is in the background behind the fourth wall - as it should be.  The point here is in an industry that is eternally about face to face collaboration, human to human communication and touch, AI looks to be the antitheisis to the effort.

But it isn't.

The Four Categories Of Artificial Intelligence: Impacts Office Technology

The office technology industry is rapidly evolving, and the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in this transformation. The way in which AI is implemented and utilized is shifting towards data-centric AI, which focuses on enhancing and enriching the data used to train algorithms, model-centric AI, which focuses on improving the AI models themselves, application-centric AI, which focuses on how AI is used in real-world situations, and human-centric AI, which focuses on ensuring that AI is used in a responsible way to avoid harm. These innovations have the potential to drive significant benefits and competitive advantage for early adopters.

Living Under Technology - America Online to Ashley Madison to Chipping Cows

 

7/2012

Do We Live With Technology, For Technology or Under Technology? 

There was a day, back in the 80s, when I was almost embarrassed to use a mobile phone in a car - it just felt weird.

I remember getting my first alpha-numeric pager and no longer needing to pick up messages on those little pink sheets.

Back then, a laptop was what the stripper danced on, and a tablet was medicine.

Cold calls referred to walking your territory, stepping right past the "no soliciting" sign, and asking for an appointment. No metal detectors or bullet-proof glass.

We met at clubs, church, work, and house parties.

We asked people out, face to face, not on Facebook.

And we waited by the phone...

What the hell happened?

Technology baby, that's what happened.

Technology seduces. She moves with you, around you, off your fingertips, by your command.

And she owns you.

The AI Revolution: How Generative AI Transforms B2B Sales and Office Technology

 

As artificial intelligence evolves, businesses are leveraging powerful generative AI tools to revolutionize B2B sales, creative work, and office technology

Revolutionizing Sales: Greg's Word

The AI landscape is expanding rapidly, with countless applications and a deluge of information flooding the digital sphere by the minute.

In this ever-evolving context, I've decided to contribute my perspective.

The sales industry has been experiencing significant transformation over the past few decades, as the balance of power shifts from supply to demand. Today's prospects are more informed than ever, sometimes even possessing greater knowledge about your offerings than you do.

This is the dawn of a new era, where the internet has granted unparalleled access to information that was once exclusive to sales professionals. No longer.

The meteoric rise and widespread adoption of AI, AGI, and ChatGPT have brought forth an era of unprecedented challenges and unparalleled opportunities. In this rapidly changing landscape, there are no experts.

Sales, as a discipline, has evolved into a realm of professional engagement. AI is revolutionizing the field, weeding out mediocrity and elevating the best to even greater heights.

The myriad of sources and opinions on selling in this brave new world can be overwhelming, rendering the task of covering even a small fraction seemingly futile.

Nevertheless, we persevere. 

My #WorkFromAnywhere Journey Began in #1980. Yours did too.

  

"Telepresence: The Future of Work From Anywhere Culture"

"Could the future of work involve working from the moon?".

As the world continues to evolve and change, so too does the nature of work. 

With advancements in technology and increasing globalization, the idea of working from anywhere is becoming increasingly feasible. But what if "anywhere" wasn't limited to the confines of planet Earth? Could the future of work involve working from the moon? 

While it may seem far-fetched, the reality is that telepresence technology is making the idea of remote work from space a distinct possibility. 

_________

Marvin Minsky was a visionary. 

Forty-two years ago, he was ahead of his time, with big ideas about technology and science. 

He was a regular contributor to a science and science fiction magazine that was published monthly. This magazine was a unique blend of science fiction and fact, with articles that ranged from in-depth looks at NASA and UFO sightings to quick updates on the latest scientific advancements. Despite its focus on cutting-edge technology and outer space, it surprisingly did not feature any articles about "Star Trek" or "Star Wars."