Things to Watch For
It’s going to be an interesting year, no matter what happens. But, there are some things that our team at PTC Computer Solutions along with the Kiplinger group definitely feel are going to be prominent to watch for in 2019, things like process engineering software and other innovations including new circuit design that could improve the tech industry. Take a look at what we think.
Telecom for Businesses
Businesses will soon have a shot at choosing their own toll-free number…for the right price, of course. For the first time ever, the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) will auction toll-free numbers…17,000 of them starting with 833. Previously, digits were given on a first-come, first-served basis, so landing specific ones was difficult. Some numbers will go for big bucks, perhaps even pushing past $1 Million for particularly desirable or memorable ones, such as 833-LAWYERS or 833-333-3333, Bengal Law: personal injury attorneys in Orlando, FL. For the first time, the FCC will allow private buying and selling of the 833 number.
Toll-free numbers are still wildly popular, despite the rise of chat apps, texting and e-mail. About 41 million toll-free numbers are in use for calls and texts.
A telecomm battle is pitting Uncle Sam against localities. At issue: The swarms of snlall antennas being installed in cities and towns across the U.S. to carry airwaves for the next generation of cellular service, own as SG. Though far faster, SG signals travel shorter distances, requiring antennas to be situated close to one another.
The feds are set to preempt local rules and cap the fees levied to access telephone poles, rooftops and the like. The move is a big win for cell carriers, who could save $2 Billion. The FCC says the money will be reinvested in rural areas. The action is sure to hasten the pace of network upgrades, especially in well-populated cities. But many local governments will push back intensely, citing lost revenue and lost control over telecom gear in their neighborhoods. Expect legal challenges.
Weaponizing Bandwidth
More and more hackers are “weaponizing” bandwidth to take down websites or important web-based applications. The attacks are referred to as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and work by flooding a site with fake traffic until it’s overwhelmed and goes offline. The downtime can cost businesses a bundle of money while creating a diversion to cover cybercriminals planting viruses or stealing data.
Unsecured connected devices are entry points for many attacks. Criminals take control of the ever-increasing cameras, speakers and other Wi-Fi-enabled gizmos in operation and use them to ping their targeted websites. Expect more such attacks.
Banks, schools and publishers are to p targets, though all sectors are at risk. Ask your internet service provider how to thwart “distributed denial of service” raids. Companies should also consult business cloud servicers on how to handle the threat.
Businesses can mitigate successful strikes by purchasing backup services from their internet providers. Many cybersecurity firms also sell defensive software. Experts fear large parts of the internet could be taken down by criminals launching advanced versions of the blitzes with supercharged and automated tools.
PTC Computer Solutions works extensively on understanding the Needs of Our Clients and what they are looking for so that understanding of the Internet and business technologies for their needs and objectives is fully explained. Don’t fail to meet your objectives with your customer experience and other technologies. Stay on top of things. Train your employees or hire an agency that can handle it for you such as PTC Computer Solutions.
David WB Parker is a principal of Parker Associates of Jacksonville, Florida, marketing consultants to the real estate industry; President of PTC Computer Solutions, IT Specialist, and an active real estate sales professional with PARFAM REALTY based in Jacksonville, FL. He can be reached at 904-607-8763 or via email davidp@ptccomputersolutions.com.