Elevate Your Marketing Strategies with AI Customer Analytics

a person sitting at a desk with a cell phone

Introducing AI-driven customer analytics, a game-changer for companies hoping to increase consumer engagement and boost sales. Organizations may better understand the motivations and behaviors of their consumers by utilizing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), which enables them to develop more specialized and focused marketing strategies. Businesses can analyze enormous volumes of data to make educated decisions and create a realistic picture of consumer behavior by utilizing AI technology like natural language processing, predictive analytics, and automation tools. By gathering and evaluating customer feedback data, AI also allows businesses to find product innovation and development opportunities. Companies may create meaningful experiences for their target audiences and increase satisfaction by utilizing AI’s capacity to offer tailored messages, dynamic content modifications, and eye-catching images. Learn about AI’s potential in gaining customer insights and take your marketing strategies to new heights. 

Gaining Customer Analytics Insights with AI

Personalization in marketing is a useful technique for connecting with consumers, but artificial intelligence (AI) may improve customer insights even more. Organizations may now better understand the motives and behavior of their consumers thanks to AI technology. Businesses can boost consumer engagement, loyalty, and revenue with this degree of knowledge.   

Companies may produce more focused content for clients by utilizing AI-driven creative design tools, automation tools, computer vision, natural language processing, and predictive analytics. For instance, companies may divide their audience based on tastes or demographics and create market-specific communications that will appeal to each section using AI algorithms like clustering or classification approaches. In addition, they may analyze massive information for better decision-making and provide a realistic picture of client behavior.   

In addition to aiding in customer targeting efforts, AI technologies allow businesses to identify opportunities for product innovation or improvement based on customer feedback data. Collecting user input from reviews or surveys will enable them to uncover trends and patterns that provide insight into what features customers would like added or removed from existing products. With this knowledge, companies can create better quality experiences with higher satisfaction rates leading to increased ROI from targeted campaigns.  

Targeted Marketing Through Personalization

The power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to enable targeted marketing through personalization. Personalized marketing is achieved by leveraging AI-driven technologies such as visual storytelling, image recognition, and computer vision. Then, allowing dynamic content changes based on user preferences or behavior.  

First, marketers can use AI-based software to analyze customer data to identify trends, interests, and other information which can inform their campaigns. For example, AI-powered algorithms can pick up patterns from a consumer’s online activity and suggest relevant products or services. This makes it easier for marketers to create more personalized messages and offers explicitly tailored to each user.  

Second, AI-powered image recognition technology allows marketers to generate visuals that match users’ preferences. This way, they feel like they are being addressed personally. This technology lets companies capture customers’ attention with eye-catching graphics while providing accurate messaging about their brand or product line.  

Thirdly, computer vision enables automated analysis of images to detect objects and tag them accordingly. This means that instead of manually tagging every photo used in an advertising campaign–a time-consuming process–marketers can now rely on machine learning algorithms to do the job quickly and accurately.  

These techniques enable companies to deliver valuable experiences for their target audiences without investing too much time or resources into manual processes like content creation or audience segmentation. With the help of AI-driven tools, businesses have access to powerful new strategies that allow them to reach out directly to potential customers in a way that was never before possible.  

How Quickly Can AI Be Deployed for Customer Analytics Use?

The deployment of AI technology presents several cost, speed, and efficiency considerations. Understanding the timeline for deployment is important to ensure that any investment made into this technology yields its intended benefits.  

There are two main components when deploying AI: hardware and software setup. Both require time to install, but the amount varies depending on the type of system chosen. Hardware installations take longer as they involve physical installation processes such as setting up sensors or mounting cameras. Software deployments vary widely based on complexity but typically take less time than hardware setups due to their virtual nature. Once these components have been installed, testing must also be undertaken before full implementation. This includes running simulations, training workers, and validating data sets. This can add a delay before obtaining final approval for launch.  

In addition, organizations need to factor in personnel resources when evaluating timelines for AI deployment projects. Staff may need retraining, or hiring new experts with specialized skillsets might introduce delays in project completion timescales. Considering all these factors, it is clear that an accurate estimation of timeline requirements should be done before starting an AI deployment project. Thus, ensuring goals are met within a reasonable timeframe.  

Is AI Technology Secure and Reliable?

As with any new and rapidly developing technology, it is essential to ask: Is it safe to trust AI applications in our writing, research, marketing, graphic design, and information technology projects? What measures have been taken to ensure safety and reliability when using AI-based services?  

Security concerns are increasingly becoming a priority as more organizations move towards incorporating AI into their operations. Developers must take steps to ensure that data remains safe from malicious actors. This includes encryption methods such as two-factor authentication and other forms of user authentication. They are designed to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. Companies must also invest in securely storing all collected data in an encrypted format. Then only authorized personnel can access it. Furthermore, they should monitor activities on their systems regularly to identify potential threats or vulnerabilities.

Selecting a Service

For an organization to be certain of the security and reliability of its AI implementations, there must be safeguards put in place by both the developer and the end user. Developers should provide robust documentation detailing how their software works and what security measures have been implemented throughout its lifecycle. End users should carefully consider their needs before selecting a product or service provider. They must then implement proper safety protocols such as regular backups, virus scanning tools, firewalls, and anti-malware programs. Thus, protecting themselves against cyberattacks or malicious code injection attempts. By taking these precautions and properly assessing each situation before implementation, businesses can rest assured that their investments in AI technologies will remain secure and reliable over time. 

To wrap it up, AI-driven customer analytics is a game-changer for companies looking to level up their consumer engagement and sales game. Businesses can dive deep into customer behavior and preferences by tapping into the power of AI tech like natural language processing, predictive analytics, and automation tools. This opens up a whole new world of personalized experiences, supercharged marketing strategies, and untapped possibilities for product innovation. With AI, organizations can skyrocket their marketing efforts and stay ahead of the curve in today’s ever-changing business landscape. 

Ready to revolutionize your business with AI-driven customer analytics? Contact Bluwater Technologies today and unlock the power of personalized experiences, supercharged marketing strategies, and untapped possibilities for product innovation.

How to Make Windows 10 Look Like Windows 7

a napkin with writing on it next to a cup of coffee

The old adage, “The more things change, the more they stay the same” is rarely found in the world of information technology. One of the great aspects of technology, however, is that the field is constantly coming up with exciting new innovations. While new developments may introduce features ranging from critical to some interesting new bells and whistles, it can be frustrating for employers who feel they have to constantly re-train their staff to do the same tasks in a different way, every time a new operating system or some other type of technology comes to the market.

Since change is inevitable, especially with operating systems, one of the ways to make a transition as easy as possible is to find ways to make a new operating system have at least some of the look and functionality of the previous operating system. In this post, we will outline several tips on how to help a Windows 7 user cross over to the newer Windows 10 OS.

Start at the Beginning

Of course, it helps if everything begins at the Start Menu and Windows 10 does just that. Windows 7 users will note that Microsoft attempted to blend the best of both worlds, with some of the features of the old Windows 7 Start Menu, along with new “tiles” which work very similarly to app icons found on smartphones. For those who really want their Windows 10 Start Menu to function in the same manner as Windows 7’s, the Open Shell program found here does a great job of replicating the Windows 7 Start Menu.

File Explorer

Windows 7 users will be relieved to find the Windows 10 File Explorer remains essentially unchanged from Windows 7, although there are some minor differences. Windows 7 users who want to replicate their past working environment as much as possible, might want to consider making the following change:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. From the File Menu in the upper left corner, click on “Options”. 
  3. On the “General” tab, change “Open File Explorer to:” dropdown option to “This PC”.
  4. Click on the “Apply” button to apply the changes, then click on “Ok” to close the window.

The Windows 10 Taskbar 

The default taskbar in Windows 10 might seem a bit cluttered to a Windows 7 user. To create a cleaner look on the taskbar, simply right-click on the taskbar and uncheck items such as “show Cortana button” or “show Task View button”. The Microsoft Store icon can also be removed by right-clicking on it, then selecting “Unpin from Taskbar”.

The Wallpaper

Some people want to feel really at home on their computer screen and don’t want to give up even their Windows 7 wallpaper. Luckily, they don’t have to. Simply select one of the familiar Windows 7 wallpapers from the official site, here, save it, then right-click on the saved file image to set it as the wallpaper background. 

Windows 10 Overall Color Scheme

Last but not least, some Windows 7 users want their Windows 10 color scheme to reflect their old Windows 7 colors. To make this happen, perform the following steps:

  1. Right-click on a blank space anywhere on the Desktop.
  2. Click “Personalize”, then select “Colors” on the left side of the menu.
  3. Scroll down to the right side of the screen that pops up and choose the colors from “Windows colors” that look familiar.
  4. Scroll even further to see options to change areas such as “the Start, taskbar, and action center” along with the “Title bars and window borders” boxes. 

Play around with all the various colors and options to find all the familiar color components. If you would like to know more about how to smooth the transition from using Windows 7 to Windows 10, please contact us.

The RobbinHood Attack Could Cost Baltimore $18 Million

a skull and crossbones on a red background

In May 2019, the city of Baltimore found itself in major IT trouble.

A crippling ransomware attack took down systems in almost every government department. The files became encrypted and couldn’t be recovered. The perpetrators demanded 13 Bitcoin — about $76,000 — to restore the files.

To its credit, the city refused to pay the criminals. To its discredit, the city’s IT management was in such bad shape that fixing the damage cost the city millions. Baltimore was not prepared at all for any large-scale data disaster. Other IT operations should learn from Baltimore’s example and avoid its mistakes.

The Attack on Baltimore

The ransomware that hit Baltimore goes by the name of RobbinHood. It’s an aggressive piece of malware that attacks Windows computers. It starts by stopping services that could interfere with encryption, including security software. It disables Windows automatic repair. Only then does it encrypt the documents on the computer and display a message demanding payment.

Currently, there’s no known way to recover the files without paying.

The attack on Baltimore’s systems disabled email and other services. They lost a large number of important records. The city’s emergency services, including the police and fire departments, withstood the attack apart from losing email access. A few other systems did as well.

Email and payment processing systems remained down for weeks. People were unable to pay taxes and fines. The lack of access to data held up real estate transactions.

According to current estimates, recovery has cost the city $18.2 million, including lost revenue. It could be even more. They diverted money from services to pay the costs, and taxpayers will certainly experience the consequences. The good news is that it will pay for major improvements in IT security.

Baltimore Mistakes

No network on the Internet is 100% immune to ransomware. They should be prepared for the worst, but Baltimore’s IT setup was not prepared at all. Some of the problems were so plain that city councillors called them “mind-boggling.” Critical data was stored on desktop machines, with no systematic backup.

The city had no IT disaster recovery plan. It had no insurance against data disasters. Ransomware insurance is a growing business, but the city of Baltimore hadn’t taken advantage of it.

They didn’t regularly patch computers to remove Windows vulnerabilities, and the systems contained weaknesses that were waiting to be exploited.

The city’s CIO received the blame and became suspended from his job. He faced criticism for poor communication after the attack. He took measures to improve security after the 2018 ransomware incident, but they proved to be insufficient.

How to Avoid a Ransomware Disaster

Every IT department should assume a ransomware attack can happen. Preparing requires two things. The first is to make the systems as resistant to harm as possible. The second is to be able to recover quickly and without permanent data loss.

Businesses need to keep all important data on well-protected servers and regularly back it up. The Internet highly exposes desktop machines and allows them to run all kinds of software. Most of their users lack skills in data management. Entrusting important data to those machines is an invitation to disaster.

Cloud storage is the best choice in many cases. Companies store it off the premises and professionally manage it to provide the best protection against all kinds of failures

The network should have a disaster recovery plan in place. It protects not only against ransomware but against natural disasters and physical theft. Disaster recovery requires offsite backup and a way to get systems running again quickly. You should periodically test the plan to ensure that it works.

Is Your Security Up to Par?

You need to create and update security plans that have multiple layers. You can’t just throw something together and hope it’s good enough. Bluwater understands ransomware, hardware failure, human error, and other threats to data. We provide assistance ranging from consultation to full security management.

Contact us to learn how we can help you avoid scenarios like the one Baltimore faced.

Cleaning Your Laptop

a woman is cleaning the kitchen with a mop

If someone asked the average individual what objects they used the most, would it be their vehicle? Probably not. Sports equipment or cookware? Highly unlikely. No, all the computing devices they own, along with the devices used by their family members would likely come to mind. Both at home and on the job, most people use a conglomeration of desktop machines, laptops, tablets, and smartphones for hours on end every day. Needless to say, with all the heavy usage that technology devices incur on a daily basis, their outward demeanor of cleanliness is simply a myth. In this post we will discuss why cleaning these devices is a healthy habit to adopt, in addition to providing several cleaning tips every user should incorporate into their cleaning routine.

What You Can’t See 

Certainly, every device collects some dust over time, but it’s what you can’t see that alarms people. Most device users do use their hands and fingers to touch their devices at some point. Even those who love the hands-free features that come with many technology tools. There are areas in the home or office such as bathrooms and kitchens that likely incur above-average levels of bacteria. These areas are usually cleaned on a regular basis thus keeping bacteria and other unwanted particles to a minimum.

This is not necessarily so with computer devices. Many people have not yet made it a habit to regularly clean their devices. This means the most contaminated items in a home or office area are likely all laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. Considering how heavily most people use these devices, they should be the first items cleaned when trying to reduce contagion, increase sanitation levels, etc.

Cleaning Tips 

Microfiber cloths are great for removing dust from screens and other parts of a device. Some microfiber cloths are infused with antibacterial properties that also provide the benefit of wiping away germs and other bacteria, along with dust particles. A microfiber towel dampened with a mixture of equal parts of distilled water and rubbing alcohol can help sanitize device exteriors. The exceptions are computer screens which should only be cleaned with a cloth dampened with distilled water. A dampened cloth means just that. A cloth that does not drip any water when squeezed.

To clean a keyboard, whether it is detached or part of a laptop, simply turn it upside down. Then, shake out the contents. Be sure to have a steady grip when turning a laptop upside down. Using a can of compressed air at an angle on either of these components can also help remove stubborn particles. Cotton swabs are also great for cleaning all the small nooks and crannies found on most computers.  

The most important thing to remember is to make cleaning all your devices a regular part of a cleaning routine. If you would like to know more about taking care of technology components, please contact us.

Your Employees are the Biggest Threat to Your IT Infrastructure

a woman with long hair standing with her arms crossed

One of the biggest threats to any company’s IT infrastructure, albeit an unintentional threat, is the company’s employees. It isn’t all that uncommon for a company’s employees to end up accidentally helping out criminals or compromising the company’s IT security just by doing what they consider to be completely normal activities.

When employees use their devices to access a company network so they can check their email, download files, etc. then their device may end up getting infected by a virus or malware or get hacked. When this happens, then the company’s data can end up getting compromised in addition to just that employee’s personal data. Of course, there is also the risk that they may lose these devices, and hackers or other criminals will then have access to that employee’s credentials which they can then use to break into your network.

What Can You Do About It?

  • Provide your employees with additional training so that they are capable of identifying potential security risks and acting accordingly.
  • Make sure that you have established a clear and consistent set of policies. They should relate to password management, use of personal devices, data sharing and internet access.
  • If you don’t have a clear reason to allow it, then it may be in your best interests to ban the use of personal devices on your business’s network in order to minimize this risk.
  • Install a wide variety of different security mechanisms, both hardware and software. This ensures that you are easily able to identify when your network is being accessed. Additionally, confirm that the person accessing it is authorized. Therefore, you can identify and address potential security breaches before they become a problem.

IT security is a critical portion of any business. When you let employees access your network, you are trusting them to be responsible with the data they can access. If you are going to give them access to this data, you should make sure they are responsible enough.

For more information about securing your IT infrastructure, contact us today!