We're living in a software driven society. If you need something done quickly and efficiently, you'll more than likely find a software program that can support your needs. The shift in how enterprises formulate their business models, are a direct result of this trend and consumers have followed suit. We've seen a tremendous dependence on mobile apps for both personal and business use. Consumers expect instant gratification and businesses need to keep up with this demand! This has resulted in a burst of innovation in industries otherwise known to have a more traditional way of functioning. Whether it's the AgTech, financial services or telecom industry, software innovation and the availability of mobile applications has provided a layer of convenience and led to industry disruption in sectors that have otherwise lacked in innovation.

Software Disruption in AgTech:

The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution has been happening in full swing and there is an ongoing AgTechfunding reached $1.75 billion during the first half of 2016 with 307 transactions. With self-driving cars and connected homes, it's no surprise that we're seeing technological advancements in how we grow and manage our produce, but to what extent have we seen software and applications impact this industry as a whole?

In Japan, Fujitsu researchers converted an abandoned factory into a lettuce growing facility, allowing farmers to grow low-potassium lettuce in a controlled environment. Researchers used a data and analytics platform called Akisai, leveraging the Microsoft Azure cloud service to control the light and humidity in the facility. Not only were researchers able to grow lettuce with the help of innovative software, but they were able to do so using a mobile dashboard, tweaking the humidity, light and other environmental factors right on their mobile devices. This technology has transformed a traditional industry, changing the way in which we grow our produce. Traditional industries many times are reluctant to change, until we find innovations that prove added efficiency will always play a major role in how we live and work.

Telecom Service through the Cloud: The telecom industry has been shaken by the disruption of software and applications. Enterprises have had the ability to connect their employees across the world, with the use of a video conference line. Loved ones can connect to one another, without the hassle of being charged for dialing an international number. Software such as Microsoft Skype, has given people in both a professional and personal context, the opportunity to connect, no matter where they are in the world. Microsoft Skype has 74 million users and interestingly enough, it is the largest telecom provider with no telecom infrastructure. The software is entirely cloud based! Deloitte reported, among a survey of 4,000 respondents, that 25 percentof those who had a smartphone hadn't used their phone to make a single call through their mobile network in an entire week.