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Technology and business - EdexcelDigital communication

The speed at which technology advances is getting faster. Businesses need to be aware of the technology that is available to them, and how it might influence their sales, costs and marketing.

Part of BusinessUnderstanding external influences on business

Digital communication

Communication is the process of sending information to others and receiving information back from them. Digital communication involves sending and receiving such information electronically.

Digital communication tools

There are a number of digital tools that are commonly used in business to communicate, both internally and externally, including:

  • Email 鈥 Electronic mail enables written messages to be sent instantly to others, and files can be shared as attachments.
  • Mobile phones 鈥 Mobile phones enable verbal conversations to be conducted anywhere. They also allow short written messages to be sent (see instant messaging).
  • Mobile applications 鈥 Applications (apps) are designed to run on smart phones and tablets. They can be used to create documents, capture images and enable banking transactions.
  • Websites 鈥 A page or group of pages containing written and visual information using various media.
  • Social media 鈥 A variety of web platforms that enable users to share ideas, content, information and messages.
  • Web conferencing 鈥 A meeting that uses communications software to stream images and/or voices over the internet between participants in different locations.
  • Cloud services 鈥 Software, such as online document editing and data storage, that is run from a remote location but that can be accessed from anywhere as long as a connection to the internet is maintained.
  • Instant messaging 鈥 Software that enables users to send instant messages, usually in the form of text, to each other.