A strategic analysis of SMAC technology

Abstract

In order to keep up with the next generation of technology and accommodate ever-increasing consumer demands for options, convenience, and, of course, the lowest prices, businesses must build their strategies on appropriate technology that can answer those demands. This paper will discuss the benefits, challenges, and implications of SMAC (social, mobile, analytics, cloud) technology and the effects of SMAC implementation on a business's enterprise architecture and IT.The research supports the utilization of social, mobile, analytics, and cloud (SMAC) technology to respond to consumer demands based on a review of the literature. Real-world considerations are offered to the reader on implementation and application of SMAC technology into today's business world.SMAC technology offers a state-of-the-art, adaptable enterprise solution that addresses these needs and can project a business's enterprise platform into today's modern economy. Although incorporating SMAC technology into an enterprise presents challenges, namely with security and high user expectations, the SMAC technology also offers a multitude of benefits. Effective change management, including assimilation of SMAC technology into an organization's culture, and communication at all levels of an organization are key to the successful implementation of the SMAC stack. Hurbean and Fotache's (2013) research concludes that businesses are wise to adopt "the third platform" of social media, mobility, big data, and cloud computing, and the authors of this paper agree with these findings based on the research conducted.