1. Introduction
In order to gain a competitive edge an organisations should continuously adopt technologies that would ensure that the company is always ahead of its competitors. Technology, especially in the field of Information technology is changing at a rapid rate. The challenge that most organisations are facing is whether to adopt new technology that hasn’t been proven or adopt technology that has been proven as a success. Both of them have risks linked to them. Adopting unproven technology there is a risk loss of money in the event that the technology is a failure but if technology is a success it might give the company a competitive edge. Adopting a proven technology there is less risk of the company losing money but competitors would have taken advantage of that technology already.
Cost is also a factor that needs to be taken before the company could adopt a certain technology; cost benefit analysis should be done.
In the report the following topics will be discussed: * The new trends in software and service distribution * Social networking tools * Virtual reality * Biometrics * The new trends in networking and * Nanotechnology
The report aims to advice Eskom on what actions should be taken with regards to the above technologies. Eskom is a state owned utility that supplies about 95% of electricity in South Africa. The company owns massive assets such as power stations (coal fired, nuclear, hydro, pump storage and wind turbines), transmission and distribution equipment. Eskom is currently building two coal fired power station.

2. The new trends in software and service distribution
Bidgoli (2010:4), has classified software and service distribution into two trends which are pull and push technologies. According to O’Brien (1999:312), pull technology is a process whereby a user with a web browser gathers information from a web browser to his personal computer (PC). Information on software that is marketed by the company is downloaded or read by the potential customer. Although, according to O’Brien (1999:312) the software is cheap and easy to get, it is important for the customer to know which websites to visit in order to get information about the software required.
Bidgoli (2010:4), argues that in most cases people don’t request marketing information thus making this technology inadequate to market certain products and services and for providing customised information.
With Push technology, information is automatically delivered to a customer from sources or on topics which have been preselected at a set interval or when new marketing information is available Bidgoli (2010:4). With pull technology the information is sent to the customer unlike pull technology whereby the customer has to request information (Bidgoli ,2010:4). Marketing information that is sent to the potential customer could be in the form of intermittent marketing banner appearing on the potential client’s PC (O’Brien, 1999:312). Example is marketing information of new or upgraded accounting software appearing on a person’s PC while browsing internet.
Saas
McCarthy (2002:51), suggests that there seem to be changes in the software distribution channels in that a number of the new vendors have been adopting a web-based or application service provider (ASP) distribution model resulting in no more floppy disk or CDROM installations to the local PC or network.
According to (McCarthy,2002:51), ASP is making available for a fee, software as a service (SaaS) or on demand software. Furthermore the software could be made available to the customer for temporary or permanent use at a determined fee. What is important is that ASP ensures that the user has always the latest version of the software thus ensuring that there are no compatibility problems (McCarthy,2002:52).
SaaS is not really applicable to Eskom as SaaS is mainly for midmarket companies and that many offerings are tailored for needs of small and midsize businesses. Already Eskom has advanced servers.

Cloud Computing
Smith (2010:37) defines “cloud computing" as a style of computing where scalable and elastic IT-enabled capabilities are delivered as a service using Internet technologies.
Buying behaviour are changing as a result of technological improvements as more users are moving away from on-premises models and resorting to buying complex, mission-critical processes as services through the cloud Smith (2010:37). Furthermore Smith (2010:37) regards this method as the most cost effective way of consuming a service.
Private Cloud Computing

According to Bittman and Scott (2009:27), private cloud differs with public cloud computing in that the service access is limited and the customer has some control of the service implementation, unlike with public cloud computing, where access to the service is completely open, and the service implementation is completely not shown to the customer.
Public and cloud computing are not applicable for Eskom use for now. In future it will depend on Eskom strategy of procuring IT services.

Recommendations

Vendors supplying Eskom with software has already adopted latest software and service distribution channels e.g. software purchased downloading the software through the vendor’s internet. Also upgrades are done via downloading.

* Review future IT software strategy by including technologies such as SaaS and cloud computing.

3. Social networking tools

Facebook is a social networking tool that enables an individual to connect and share information (messages, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves e.g. photos) with the people in the individual’s life your life (Burrus, 2010:50). Facebook users could join networks organised by universities, workplace, schools, communities, interest groups and sports clubs etc.in order to connect and interact with others (Burrus, 2010:50)

As a business tool an organisations could connect all of their employees, or members, with Facebook, thus improving the organisation’s networking collaboration.

Twitter is a micro-blogging service that allows friends, family, and co-workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of short, quick answers using no more than 140 characters per message (Burrus, 2010:50). Users could also follow other people or organisation’s tweets e.g. one could follow tweets of “eye witness news” or “kick off magazine”

As a business tool twitter could be used to solve business problems and introduce innovations e.g. hotels, airlines, and airports are using it to pitch services, travel updates, and respond to traveller’s needs (Burrus, 2010:50).

YouTube displays a variety of user-generated video content as well as movie clips, product demonstrations, and commercials e.g. video clip of demonstrating self-defence techniques and allows user to upload, view, and share video clips (Burrus, 2010:51).

According to Burrus (2010:51), businesses are posting humorous commercial videos to generate interest in their products with great success and the more entertaining it is, the more people watch it e.g. Levi’s has done well with their video advert

Dig is described a social news web site made for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the Internet, by submitting and accessing links and stories, with the intention of users voting stories thumbs up or a thumb down (Burrus, 2010:51-52). Not yet popular in South Africa.

Burrus, (2010:52) suggests that organisations could create its own version of Dig internally sharing what employees consider to be the most useful information. It could also be used for fun in a business by letting employees vote for e.g. “radio station to be tuned in on the premises of the organisation”

Wikipedia is a free online encyclopaedia that anyone can use to find information on virtually any topic though anyone can edit the content (Burrus, 2010:51-52).

For business 2.0 use, an organisation could create its own Wikipedia internal version whereby employees could share their experiences and knowledge on certain topic with others e.g. a large manufacturing company with engineers in locations around the world increased problem solving and collaboration by creating an internal, secure version of Wikipedia for sharing information on parts and service offerings as well as repair and maintenance instructions (Burrus, 2010:51-52).

Delicious is described as a social bookmarking web service for storing, sharing, and discovering web bookmarks (Burrus, 2010:51-52)

Burrus (2010:51-52), suggests that business users can share their most useful websites with co-workers or business partners for example a customer who has purchased a product (e.g. tractor), the sellers could share relevant bookmarks that keep the customer checking for more information on the tractor and other products. Not yet popular in South Africa.

Burrus (2010:51-52), describes Visual Communications as corporate video conferencing that uses desktops, laptops, and smart phones to hold a quick, anytime, anywhere videoconference with other people. Example is travellers who are away from home due to work could use their laptops or smartphones in their hotel rooms with broadband access and free software such as Skype to communicate with their family and friends (Burrus, 2010:51-52).
Burrus, (2010:51-52) suggests that businesses could use personal visual communications to improve connection with their sales force, business partners, and customers. This could also save travelling time and costs.

Burrus, (2010:51-53) describe Wiki as a collaborative web page or collection of web pages designed to enable anyone to create a quick web page that allows visitors to search the Wiki’s content and edit the content in real time, as well as view updates since their last visit. Burrus, (2010:51-52), suggest that Wiki could be used as a tool to enhance internal and external collaboration LinkedIn is described as a business-oriented professional networking website for exchanging information, ideas, and opportunities with over 35 million registered users spanning 170 industries actively networking with each other (Burrus, 2010:51-52).It could be used by professionals e.g. mechanical engineers to share information on a certain engineering topic worldwide (Burrus, 2010:51-52).

There are many challenges that are faced by many organisations regarding social software e.g. ensuring privacy Bradley (2008:2-4)

Recommendations * Develop strategy regarding social networking tools for work purposes. * Investigate tools that could be used to enhance business processes. * Regulation of using social networking for private purposes during working hours.

4. Virtual reality
Mazuryk and Gervautz (2008:4), describe virtual reality (VR) as an interactive and immersive (with the feeling of presence) experience in a simulated (autonomous) world. It is like living in a world that does not exist, but being able to interact with everything that is in that world. The type and level of immersion will depend on the type and quality of computer generated sensory impressions (Mazuryk & Gervautz, 2008:4)

VR offers many benefits in that the user could watch and manipulate the simulated environment using a computer in the same way as in the real world. (Mazuryk & Gervautz, 2008:6)

Applications of VR

Architectural visualization

VR offers opportunity the feeling of presence and sense in a virtual building that could also be watched under different lighting conditions just like in the real building (Mazuryk & Gervautz, 2008:6).
With the construction of Medupi and Kusile power stations, Eskom could use the technology to check if lighting would be sufficient in the constructed building and could also give opportunity to new employees to walk through the power station and have a feeling of what to expect in future.

Modelling, designing and planning

In modelling virtual reality offers the possibility of watching in real-time and in real-space what the modelled object will look like (Mazuryk & Gervautz, 2008:8). Example is the virtual kitchen that designers could view their final product in a computer and make several changes with ease (Mazuryk & Gervautz, 2008:6).
Eskom engineers continuously modify plant or equipment due to various reasons e.g. to improve equipment performance. VR could be used to view the final designed product and view how it would interact with other components before the real component is manufactured. Another area where VR could improve Eskom’s power stations performance is utilisation of VR to do air flow tests in the boiler with the intention of preventing boiler tube leaks.

Training and education

Mazuryk and Gervautz (2008:6), indicates that VR simulators have been widely used for training in the field of pilot training, training of astronauts, training of medicine students in performing endosurgery (Mazuryk & Gervautz, 2008:9). Furthermore Mazuryk & Gervautz ( 2008:6), believes that simulator training is receiving much attention because it is safe and save costs. Imagine a trainee pilot been trained in a real aeroplane and crashes it.
Eskom could use VR simulators to train power station unit operators. To build a power station costs billions of rands and Eskom cannot afford to have trainee unit operators training on the real plant.

Other VR application is in the field of telepresence and teleoperating, and entertainment.

Recommendations * Although Eskom is currently using simulators to train unit operators, it is advisable that it adopt VR technology whereby trainees could have a feeling of the environment they are going to work in. * Invests in VR technology in order to improve plant performance * Develop a VR adaptation strategy as the technology does not come cheap.

5. Biometrics

Jain, A., Bolle ., R, Pankanti (2009:1,), describe biometrics as dealing with people’s identification based on their biological and characteristics.
According to Allan (2010:55), biometrics authentication is used mainly for user convenience rather than for increased assurance or accountability. Allan (2010:55, suggests that finger prints is widely used in biometric technology. Biometric authentication methods use biometrics to verify user’s identity when accessing devices (Allan, 2010:55). The following are examples of where biometric is used (Allan, 2010:55): * workforce local access (such as login to Windows PCs and networks or downstream applications) * external users (such as login to Web applications) * less often, for workforce remote access (such as login to virtual private networks)

Types of Biometrics authentication technology

Voice

Jain et al (2009:5), views voice print as acceptable and discreet in most societies and a reproduction of an earlier recorded voice is used to as an authentication system. Voice biometric is mainly used as an authentication of identity over the telephone (Jain et al,2009:5).

Infrared Facial and Hand Vein Thermograms

Jain et al (2009:5), describes thermographs as acquisition of thermal images acquired form heat emanating from different parts of an individual’s body. Jain et al (2009:5), furthermore suggests that each individual radiates heat and the pattern thereof is a characteristics of an individual. This technology could be used for secret identification solutions, could distinguish between identical twins and It is claimed to provide technology to recognise people under the influence of drugs.
According Jain et al (2009:5), using this technology in uncontrolled environments could pose a challenge e.g. heat form a car exhaust next to the body may affect in the image acquisition phase.

Fingerprints

Fingerprints are described as graphical flow-like ridges present on human fingers and that they are unique to each person and each finger is also unique (Jain et al,2009:7). (Jain et al,2009:7), further suggests that the technology is one of the most mature biometric technologies used in forensic divisions worldwide for criminal investigations.
This technology is currently been used in Eskom as access control tool. It is currently used in conjunction with proximity cards.
Face
According to (Jain et al,2009:7), face is one of the most acceptable biometrics in most societies as it is one of the most common method of identification which humans use in their visual interactions and the method of acquiring face images is non-intrusive.
Other biometric technologies are: * Iris * Ear * Gait * Keystroke dynamics * Hand and finger dynamics
Recommendations
This technology is currently been used in Eskom as access control tool. It is currently used in conjunction with proximity cards. It is not envisaged that would not in the near future adopt any other type of Biometric technology.
The research development section of Eskom should always keep themselves abreast with the developments in the Biometrics technology.

6. The new trends in networking
According to Datamonitor (2009:7), the popularity of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter booms, made companies to realise the possibilities of better marketing themselves to potential customers through these social networks.
Customers start to interact with companies that have bran presence on on line social network and services could be extended to after sales service and support issues Datamonitor (2009:7). The concept of “customer service via social networking” was born when customers started interacting with companies via social network, Datamonitor (2009:7).
According to Burrus, (2010:1), web 2.0 is a second generation of web development (many of which were originally created for personal use) that progressive companies use to communicate, share information and collaborate, thus allowing these companies to implement many innovative and some radical business practices.

Networking used for fraud detection

Social Network Analysis

O’Neil (2010:9), describe social network analysis (SNA) as a technique that uses various technologies to analyse patterns of relationships among people in groups, as well as the roles that individuals play in a network by involves collecting data from multiple sources, analysing the data to identify relationships and mining it for new information. Data could be collected form various social networking sites e.g. face book, twitter etc.

Eskom could use the technology to uncover key copper thieves/dealers/leaders by identifying the flows of data and information through and to the network influencers. It could also be used to uncover unknown copper theft syndicates and assist investigators with more information. The key question to be answered before the technology could be implemented is “what communication channel is the copper thieves/dealers use? It might be that they are still using meetings to share information and the technology in that instance cannot be used.

Networking used for recruiting

Alumni Community Management

According to Otter (2010:13), alumni community management is defined as the management of online networks of former employees. Recruiters lately are using social software such as LinkedIn for referrals, rehiring and business development (Otter, 2010:13)
(Otter, 2010:14), suggest that companies facing experienced or qualified professionals should consider establishing an alumni of network to foster community of employees, potential employees and keeping in contact with retirees who could at times be used as contractors or coaches for skills transfer.
Eskom is facing staff shortages especially in the field of engineering, considering the building of Medupi and Kusile power stations, and the return to service of the previously mothballed power stations. The network alumni could assist Eskom in tracking former employees that are qualified fill gaps and also to locate employees who worked on the mothballed power stations. This is the most cost effective method unlike placing adverts on newspapers of which those that have left the country won’t be able to get hold of.
(Otter, 2010:14), advices organisation not underestimate the politics around "opening up" to former employees. Some employees left organisations due to various reasons e.g. not getting well with the manager and thy might write information in the alumni network that might negatively affect the image of the organisation.
Other software that could be used for recruiting is human capital management (HCM) and Social Software

Networking used for learning purposes

Social-Learning Platform

Freyermuth (2010:19), describe social-learning platform as an extension of traditional learning systems which includes social-software features that support structured social, informal and formal learning activities.

As previously mentioned Eskom is facing skills shortages in critical areas such as engineering and many inexperienced engineers are recruited in those areas. Social-learning platform could be used as a skills transfer platform whereby inexperienced engineers could learn from trusted sources i.e. experienced engineers within the organisation, irrespective of where they are located. This will be the extension to traditional training that the new engineers would be attending.

Networking used for marketing

Social CRM: Community Marketing

According to Sarner (2010:22), community marketing is used to harness customer input and the promotion of customer advocates by including social monitoring, moderated message boards, blogs, podcasts, list server applications, rating and reputation systems, customer review entries, and other word-of-mouth techniques.

Eskom and government are currently rolling out a campaign called 49M. The objective of the campaign is to get South African citizens to save energy especially in the form of electricity. Community marketing could be used to promote the campaign effectively and also to get feedback regarding the success or failures of the campaign. It will also give citizens opportunity to also recommend other energy saving innovations.

Recommendations
Burrus (2010:53), recommends that in order to gain competitive competency, organisations should embrace the use of personal social networking technology as a set business tools thus increasing collaboration, problem solving, and improve communication transparency, all of which are critical to adopting continuous value innovation focused on the customer.
As seen from examples of the new trends in social software, there are enormous gains from using those technologies.

* Develop strategies to adopt social networking as a business tools. * Develop policies or procedures to regulate the above

7. Nanotechnology
Yeagle (2007:2), describe nanotechnology according to National Nanotechnology Initiative as the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of about 1 to 100 nanometers that involves imaging, measuring, modelling, and manipulating matter at this length scale.
The following according to Yeagle (2007:5) are the products already developed through nanotechnology * At the Nano scale, chemists and engineers have created new structures out of the carbon element, such as nanotubes (diverse array of carbon structures shaped like straws which are able to conduct electricity like semiconductors). Eskom should be interested in nanotechnology especially in the research field of energy and energy distribution. Currently SA is experiencing an increase in copper theft resulting in parts of the country without electricity for weeks and furthermore resulting violence especially in township. Nanotechnology research could develop material that could be a replacement for copper. * The integration of nanoparticles can change the nature of plastics, making them stronger, more heat resistant, and less permeable to oxygen—a key feature in food preservation. Eskom could indirectly benefit form stronger plastics. Plastics components are used in the generation industry e.g. in the form of plastic couplings that could last longer resulting in cost savings. * More advanced applications include use of nanoparticles sensitive to certain food pathogens to trigger a colour change in plastic upon contacting a pathogen, making it easy to identify spoiled food. Eskom has canteens in most of the business units. Food poisoning could disrupt the operations of the units as many employees could be affected. Early detection of spoiled food would avoid food poisoning. * Other materials-based applications include the creation of anti-corrosion surfaces that avoids toxic chromates by including nanoparticles that release ions that combat corrosion as it happens. Corrosion is one of the major technical problems experienced by many industries that use water. Eskom is not spared from that, especially in power stations as water is one of the primary energy used in electricity generation. Anti-corrosion surfaces could be used in areas such as cooling water ducts where corrosion is rife. * Nanoparticles are also helping to create fire retardants that avoid the use of organic compounds, which actually cause most deaths in fires due to the toxins they release. Fire retardants are used by Eskom to prevent fire destroying expensive assets that distribute electricity. By using fire retardants that does not use organic compound, Eskom would be showing that the company cares for the community.

Recommendations * Eskom management should embrace nanotechnology and include nanotechnology in the portfolio of researches currently being done in the organisation. * Eskom should develop a funding strategy for nanotechnology development. The funds could assist universities that are researching different materials that Eskom could benefit from. * Regulation of the technology is important as most of the new developments even scientist might not be aware on their impact e.g. on environment, other existing technologies etc.

8. Conclusion
Although technology and innovation give a company a competitive edge, it also comes at a cost and possibility of failure. A company needs to develop a strategy whereby it will clearly define technologies that it will adopt and those that it will fund to further research.

9. References

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