In 2023 SME businesses will face accelerating technological change. Knowledge and preparation can be the difference between riding the digital wave, or being left in its wake.

The march of technology never stops. Digital now reaches into every element of our working, commercial and personal lives. The question of whether businesses should get onboard is no longer open to debate; it’s all about how well an SME business can keep up.

At Prism we keep a keen eye on the tech landscape. By staying abreast of the advances – or outright change – coming in the next 12 months, we’re better able to advise businesses on their tech priorities. In 2023 we’re expecting developments that will significantly affect how business do their work, manage their data and staff, and engage with their customers. 

From software updates to revolutions in virtuality, here’s what we think SMEs need to prepare for.

The Future of Windows and Office

Since Windows 11 was introduced in 2021, Microsoft has already released a slew of updates and features, the majority of them in November’s mammoth 22H2 update. Going forward, however, it’s thought that Microsoft may replace the major annual update with a series of ‘moments.’ These smaller packages will roll out every few months, meaning some of the big updates expected in 2023 will come earlier in the year. At this stage, however, it’s all just rumour.

More certain, and potentially much more impactful, are the changes to how Microsoft 365 will operate. From January, Microsoft is rolling out the new 365 app. Office windows, mobile and Office.com will all be rolled into the 365 app, with a new logo, new design and new features. If you are an existing Office user you won’t need to do anything; the update will happen automatically – but it may be necessary to train staff on how to access and use the new format. 

Also, as with any update it’s important to be aware of which services are changing, and which are being discontinued. With such wholesale change, this list may be longer than usual.

Supply-Chain Safeguarding

2022 revealed fissures and fragility in the global supply chain. This, in turn, cascaded down to the national, regional and local level. 2023 is likely to see a wide array of tech solutions, designed to shape and secure more resilient logistics systems.

‘Digital Twins’ have a key role to play in this project. It is an AI-supported model that allows manufacturers to simulate their entire supply chain and test the impact of external factors within a safe, virtual environment. You can analyse the impact of anything from a severe weather event, to a short-term materials shortage or industry upheaval. Amazon, Microsoft and Google have all released their own Digital Twin offerings and SMEs may well wish to explore this new tool, as supply-chain disruption does not look like settling down anytime soon.

Decentralisation and Digital Trust

Cybersecurity is crucial to the performance and reputation of modern businesses. SMEs are now prime targets for digital fraud and attack, and you must have both robust infrastructure and well-trained staff to combat the threat. 

Decentralised data storage can be both a blessing and a curse. The move to cloud computing mitigated the risk of any breach or failure of central systems, but left data open to new vulnerabilities. Blockchain encryption shores up your security without restricting access. It is expected to grow in 2023 and both interest and investment is exploding. A number of tech companies are working on additional security measures, many of which will be made available to customers in “as-a-service” products. Also, a sign of broad industry buy-in, the Blockchain Economy Summit will take place in London on 27-28th February 2023 – featuring industry experts and key players from the world of Cryptocurrency. 

Of course, this is all big picture stuff and smaller businesses may be more concerned with the nuts and bolts of cybersecurity. Accreditation is a great place to begin, as the process involves auditing your existing set-up, training staff on new measures, and demonstrating to customers that you take security very seriously. Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme that achieves all of this. 

Prism can help you become Cyber Essentials certified, just get in touch for more info.

Immersive Customer Experience 

2023 will see an increased emphasis on the customer experience, from making this a slick real-life walk through to ‘on demand’ self-service.  We coined the B2B retail experience some years ago and 23 will see this start to take shape in many sectors. From product simulations to virtual walk-throughs expect this to become the norm. 

Creating a true customer experience is sure to help SME’s stand out throughout the coming year. 

Prism developed its own self-service digital portal in 2021 – talk to us to understand how we can help enhance your digital experience with managed tech. 


The year ahead holds lots of promise and challenges for businesses.

We’ll keep on top of what’s happening in digital tech and cover much of it in more detail over the next 12 months.

If you would like advice on anything mentioned here, from cybersecurity to ensuring you are getting the best from Microsoft 365, contact Prism today by calling 0345 121 7770, or fill out our contact form.