Technology and Businesses American Milestones with Joan Lunden

Technological advances have brought about swift changes in American society, leading to benefits for businesses and consumers alike. The changes have come very quickly in the past three to four decades. Cell phones have transitioned from bulky devices that only the well-off could afford to slim, sleek handheld computers that are almost commonplace in society. A generation ago, computers were considered primarily business tools, but they have become fixtures in many homes nowadays, used for leisure, entertainment, work and information. The internet has caused a sea change in the way people and businesses communicate, contributing to faster and more efficient communication. Many businesses today have embraced technologies that did not exist 30 years ago to conduct business, communicate with employees and other companies and overall operate more effectively.

The American Milestones program reviews many of the cutting-edge products, services and technologies that have come onto the market, and explores how businesses, American industries and consumers may benefit from them. It looks at how businesses of all sizes and in practically all industries have gained from them. Products like tablet computers and smartphones have enabled businesspeople to take computing power out of their offices and transmit information from remote locations. Meanwhile, the internet has opened up new opportunities for businesses throughout the economy to market themselves to consumers and potential clients in remote locations, as well as to sell products to consumers around the world through e-commerce. The American Milestones Joan Lunden program showcases companies across the economy that have used technology to improve their operations and prosper.