Better than spreadsheets, and other tech stories you may have missed

May 11, 2022 9:00 AM

Great workflow hacks, a malware warning for Windows users, a new app to help small businesses collect faster, the uncanny persistence of tape storage, and six other developments in technology this past month and how they’ll impact your clients and firm.

1. Workflow hacks that are better than spreadsheets

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This past month, Isaac Sacolick, a contributor for tech website InfoWorld, suggested five ways businesses can improve on spreadsheets for their workflows. The suggestions included building a dashboard or data visualization, migrating to no-code or SaaS databases, enabling departmental workflows and collaborations, hyper-automating data flows and integrations, and building no-code or low-code applications. (Source: InfoWorld)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: I like to include news in this column, but couldn’t resist sharing Sacolick’s advice because so many of us use spreadsheets in our businesses and these tips are really, really good. If you or your key employees are big spreadsheet users then read his column, you’ll learn a lot.

2. A malware warning for Windows users

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Researchers at Zscaler have observed malware designed to steal usernames and passwords for infected Windows users. According to ZDNet, the malware, called FFDroider, is mainly focused on stealing login credentials for social media websites, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, but it also steals passwords for Amazon, eBay and Etsy accounts. The malware can steal cookies from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge browsers. The attackers are said to disguise themselves as a message from the messaging service Telegram where users are asked to put their usernames and passwords in. They also have been said to push campaigns on victim’s social media in addition to stealing credit card numbers and other payment details. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: To prevent this, be aware of suspicious emails about free software and keep two-factor authentication for all passwords. And get training for your employees — lots of training.

3. An app to help small biz collect faster

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A new product from fintech company Plastiq called "Plastiq Play" wants to help business owners by providing expanded resources for automating every aspect of invoice receipt, payment approval routing and submission, and bill reconciliation in order to help balance cash flow. The app also allows small-business owners to access funds from credit cards and short-term financing options. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: What Plastiq hopes to achieve through this app is to have business owners rely less on paper transactions, help level the playing field against larger companies, and help business owners to collect money faster. "We've designed Plastiq Pay to help a small-business owner organize the back office before digitizing their business, to support remote work and to unlock and operate different forms of working capital that businesses have at their disposal," said Stoyan Kenderov, chief operating officer at Plastiq in an interview with ZDNet. "And if they don't have working capital at their disposal, we offer a spot credit to help.”

4. Tape storage persists

Tape storage — specifically Linear Tape-Open, or LTO — has seen enormous growth this year in sales. This is due to many large data companies wanting to keep their information safe from cyberattacks. This type of storage prohibits any access to information unless physically holding the tapes, which has become vital in fighting off malicious software. In addition, LTOs are much cheaper and have a longer shelf life. LTOs are a secondary measure, rather than an immediate backup for large amounts of data. (Source: PC Gamer)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: See that? Sometimes old-school still works!

5. A new whiteboard feature on Zoom

To keep up with its competitors, Zoom has introduced a new “whiteboard” feature to its platform. The update includes advanced shapes and connectors, the adding and dropping of images, and can be used across all devices. The finished products can also be saved and shared with parties outside of the Zoom meeting. The purpose of updating the whiteboard is to help users visualize collaboratively in an easier, more user-friendly way. (Source: Computer World)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: As the pandemic wanes and more people go back to the office, Zoom — like other virtual platforms — is looking for ways to keep their subscribers paying their monthly fees. I expect that the whiteboard feature will be the first of many innovations to turn a typical Zoom meeting into something more interactive and engaging.

6. DIY repairs for iPhones are here

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Apple has released their self-service repair kit in the United States for iPhones 12, 13 and the third generation iPhone SE. Apple warns that the self-service repair is for somewhat experienced technicians rather than any iPhone user experiencing troubles. However, when comparing the DIY costs to the professional repair, the value isn’t much different. There are also some concerns from those for and against DIY repairs on the true value of this initiative. (Source: The Verge)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Despite the concerns, this gives you and your employees more options for repairs. I expect to see a number of phone repair shops take Apple up on these offerings and compete on price so that you’re not forced to only deal with one company. So the next time you need service done for your iPhone, you won’t automatically need to go to the Apple Store.

7. ‘Buy now, pay later’ apps catch on

Buy-now-pay-later apps (BNPL) have taken over the ecommerce market and have been proven to be more popular than one-time payment shopping in recent years. Additionally, shoppers who use these apps tend to spend more than those who don't, especially during the last two years. Although many have felt discouraged by the fees and interest rates that come with late payments, BNPL still supersedes one-time payment among younger shoppers. (Source: Digital Commerce 360)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: The government is taking a closer look at some of the practices of the companies offering BNPL products because interest rates and fees can be high if shoppers don’t pay their bills on time, and disclosures are inconsistent. But if a seller makes sure their customers are aware of the downsides, using a BNPL service can make a difference on sales, particularly if for those in retail and selling larger-ticket items like furniture or appliances.

8. Nextdoor expands services for SMEs

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Nextdoor is upgrading their ad game with Nextdoor Ads to uplift small and midsized business owners. The platform is specifically designed to reach local customers to better target the company’s desired audience. Business owners can have a hand in every step of the ad-making process, as well as track their engagement on the Nextdoor Ads dashboard. The app is expected to launch in the U.S. in the next couple of weeks with new marketing materials. (Source: Nextdoor)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Nextdoor is a hyper-localized version of Facebook and it’s a very popular platform in my neighborhood — maybe even yours. If your clients sell nationally, maybe this isn’t the platform for them. But if, like most small businesses, they rely on local customers for their trade, then expanding their presence on this platform through increased engagement and advertising could very well result in higher revenues.

9. Apple Business Essentials available to small biz in U.S.

Customers shops in an Apple Inc. store in Sydney, Australia.

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After initial beta testing, Apple is making Apple Business Essentials available to all small businesses in the US. The offering — which includes device repair, iCloud Drive storage, and device management — aims to simplify device management for growing businesses that rely on Apple. The service also helps small businesses onboard employees by streamlining device and password setup. Apple Business Essentials offers several plans for business owners and IT managers to choose from. (Source: 9 to 5 Mac)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: I’m not an Apple user and yet I’m very happy to see this! That’s because I have many clients who do love their Apple products and have complained for years about the lack of tools and services available for them. Also, it’s good to see more options for repairing and managing these devices. If my business was using Apple products, I’d be signing up for one of these plans.

10. AI face generation fakes LinkedIn profiles

A veteran researcher noticed something was off about a LinkedIn profile private messaging her. It was discovered that more than 1,000 LinkedIn profiles were created using artificial intelligence. NPR found that the AI profiles were used to reel in customers to buy a product but would eventually connect them to a real salesperson. The fake profiles use the most average features to create a trustworthy face. Many of the faces, however, have irregularities like a missing earring or patchy hair. LinkedIn has removed many fake profiles according to their latest transparency report.(Source: NPR)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: I get inundated with connection requests on LinkedIn from many profiles that seem suspect and it seems like this problem is only going to get worse. Deepfake technology can impersonate voices, videos and, of course, photos and AI can create fake profiles to engage and possibly extract confidential data. I need to watch this closer — and so do you.

Note: Some of these stories also appeared on Forbes.com.