Cutting edge (also known as "bleeding edge") technology is exactly what it sounds like: technology that has not yet matured. As a result, there is always a high risk of unreliability.
However, don't confuse cutting-edge technology with alpha or beta releases. Cutting-edge technology could be software that is already out of beta and available to the general public as well as business users but has yet to be thoroughly tested by users. This type of technology exists at the cutting edge of knowledge and is frequently referred to as "game-changing."
At one point, the cloud, containers, artificial intelligence, and machine learning were all cutting-edge technologies. They're all now commonplace. New cutting-edge technologies include quantum computing, deep learning, robotics (human-robot collaboration), and neuromorphic chips. And who knows, maybe in a few years these will be commonplace.
Is this, however, the right technology for your company?
The Advantages of Cutting-Edge Technology
First, consider the advantages of utilizing cutting-edge technology.
Transform Your Pipeline
This is most likely one of the most significant benefits of utilizing cutting-edge technology. The modern business pipeline is vastly different from what it used to be. Software and software stacks rule the business process, and any opportunity for a company to gain an advantage over the competition should be taken seriously.
Cutting-edge technology allows your company to revolutionize the way your pipeline works. You may discover that brand new technology can bring new features to your existing pipeline or even allow you to create a completely new way of doing business. These kinds of revolutions can alter the course of your business in ways you never imagined.
Cut expenses
Your company stands to save money because cutting-edge technology can not only revolutionize but also improve the efficiency of your pipeline. Another issue to think about is the fact that certain companies that develop cutting-edge technology give early adopters financial incentives. Therefore, if you use such cutting-edge technology, you might receive a discount. Additionally, it's not out of the question that businesses will pay you to act as a testbed.
Beyond the notion of purchasing software at a reduced cost, cutting-edge technology is frequently designed to make an existing operation more effective and efficient, which translates to boosting your bottom line.
Boost Your Credibility
Technology that is revolutionary thrills people. This is particularly true when businesses are involved. It has a favorable impact when Company A observes Company B testing a novel idea. They are curious about the operation of the new technology. What's more crucial, though, is that your business will be recognized as a leader in its field.
Such a reputation cannot be purchased. You also can't discount the advantages of being recognized as a risk-taker and industry leader.
The Drawbacks of Modern Technology
Now that you're considering implementing cutting-edge technology, let's apply a little pressure to the brakes.
Things fall apart.
The main issue with advanced technology is this. Because it hasn't had enough time to establish itself, this kind of technology frequently does the one thing you don't want it to—it breaks.
Imagine introducing a brand-new software stack to your pipeline that has the potential to completely alter the playing field for your business. When deployed, everything functions flawlessly. But then it breaks, apparently out of nowhere. Your company's operations might or might not halt.
Can you tolerate that amount of risk in your manufacturing processes? Most likely not.
Less Assistance
On the other hand, you'll probably discover there is less help available when those items break. It's possible that the corporation that developed that cutting-edge technology did not have enough time to provide supporting materials. Because it's so new, other companies probably haven't had a chance to deploy it and report their results or problems. As a result, you have only one option for assistance and may not even find it to be all that useful.
Not Future-Proof
Finally, it should be noted that there is no assurance that cutting-edge software will endure. You might have been given the impression that the company generating this new software stack has huge plans, but after using it for a few months or a year, it's possible that they will go out of business or change their minds about what they were originally designed. If that occurs, you will be forced to start over.
Conclusion
Modern technology has some really alluring benefits. The risks, however, are quite severe. So why even think about utilizing unproven technology? Some companies will use cutting-edge technology in non-production settings. In this manner, your business is able to see potential advantages without having to manage risks in a production setting.
Even if you choose to stay away from cutting-edge technology, you'll eventually discover that it becomes sufficiently used and develops to the point where it can be used in production settings without risk. So, if you decide against adopting, at least keep an eye on the innovative technology that interests you.
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