Technology, broadly speaking, refers to any tools that allow people to solve real-world problems. It also includes any machines, both physical and virtual, that make these solutions possible. It’s an incredibly broad term and it encompasses everything from simple crowbars and wooden spoons to spaceships and particle accelerators.
Because human beings are intrinsically toolmakers, the concept of technology encompasses the entire evolution of mankind. It includes the first stone tools that were fashioned by apes and even more advanced tools like computers and rockets.
While a stick can help to beat bananas from a tree, it’s only when a person fashions that stick into a cutting tool that the true power of technology becomes apparent. From there it’s only a short leap to using technology to build bigger, more complex tools and machines that can handle ever-increasing amounts of work.
The development of technology is usually a step-by-step process. Each successive step validates the underlying ideas, improves our understanding of them and demonstrates that they work as intended. In fact, it’s rare for an invention to be instantly successful. It’s more often that seemingly promising new technologies stall midway through their development, a process known as the ‘death valley’ that requires a massive effort to overcome.
Modern technology is all about making the world easier to live in. Companies use it to stay competitive by offering better products and services and by easing employee and customer processes. Investing in technological upgrades can help to boost both customer and employee satisfaction.