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Many of the world’s biggest companies have recently endorsed the metaverse, such as Meta, Microsoft, and Tencent. As companies quickly hop on the metaverse bandwagon, it is essential to analyze all aspects of the virtual world, not just the highlights that tech giants are focusing on. Our SWOT analysis for the metaverse breaks down the virtual world’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats so that businesses can get a complete picture of the platform. Keep reading to uncover the findings.
1) Consumer-Oriented
Companies are already exploring marketing and selling within the metaverse. Since the metaverse utilizes virtual and augmented reality technologies, businesses can produce more interactive, personal, and customizable user experiences to reach consumers.
For example, clothing retailers can advertise a parka jacket in the metaverse to users in Alaska, and users can try it on before buying it and having it shipped to their homes. This level of interactivity allows brands to reach customers in fresh, exciting, and engaging methods. Additionally, companies can sell digital goods in the metaverse that solely exist in the virtual world. For example, Lamborghini could sell virtual vehicles that users can drive in the metaverse, while IKEA could sell virtual furniture for office buildings. Overall, the metaverse opens up various new methods for businesses to sell products to consumers.
2) Business-Oriented
There are aspects of the metaverse that directly and positively impact businesses, one of which is incorporating blockchain technology. The blockchain will transform traditional payments and currency transfers into an entirely digital process. One that will offer near-instantaneous transfers that are secure, private, and free from regulatory bottlenecks.
Additionally, technologies like NFTs in the metaverse will enable easier transactions of digital assets. Augmented and virtual reality will also create more immersive workspaces for remote employees. Lastly, businesses will be able to collect more information on users based on their chosen customizations and preferred experiences, which can be used for marketing. These features make the metaverse an ideal platform for business to occur.
1) Lack of Technology Infrastructure
Although the metaverse is already here in limited capacities, the digital worlds are still in the beginning stages. The technologies to create the complete visions for the metaverse are still being developed, and we may not experience the full-fledged metaverse for years or decades.
There is also the issue of accessibility. When the technology to create the more in-depth aspects of the metaverse becomes available, businesses will need the infrastructure to support the digital world. Smaller companies that do not have the resources to invest and expand into the metaverse will not be able to participate. Even Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, predicts the large-scale adoption and mass accessibility required for metaverse features to go mainstream could take anywhere from five to ten years.
Metaverse development will require professionals to possess skills in several emerging technologies. These include skills in the realms of blockchain, advanced cryptography, cryptocurrencies, and virtual and augmented reality.
Businesses are already struggling with the accelerated adoption of the necessary technologies and the upskilling that the metaverse demands. Jobs like metaverse builders and designers are on the rise, and building the replica of a physical universe will require input from civil and mechanical engineers. The demand for professionals with these skills outweighs the supply of qualified candidates, which will likely further delay the public release of the metaverse.
1) Expanding Digital Footprint
The metaverse allows businesses to reach customers in a new medium and provides an additional platform to sell products and services.
Increased focus on user engagement in the metaverse will force businesses to boost their virtual presence in terms of stores, unique experiences, and event tie-ins. Meanwhile, cryptocurrency-based transactions will ensure that purchases in the metaverse are secure, speedy, and translate into real-world product ownership. This will give businesses a greater online presence and offer more ways for consumers to interact with their favorite brands.
2) Increasing Revenue Models
The metaverse will offer new revenue models for existing businesses, as companies will no longer be confined to the physical world. Businesses can currently sell various items and experiences in the metaverse, such as clothing for user avatars, NFTs, real estate, advertising space, immersive experiences, and educational courses. As the metaverse continues to be built, new revenue models will arise, making the metaverse a prime place for companies looking to expand.
1) Cyberattacks
As the world shifts digital, cyberattacks have become more rampant, even impacting more secure technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrencies. These attacks will undoubtedly extend to the metaverse. Since the technology to create the metaverse is still being developed, vulnerabilities will be inevitable as developers will have to plug holes in the systems as they arise.
Weaknesses in the metaverse should decrease as the platform matures, leaving cybercriminals with fewer opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities. However, without strong cybersecurity rules and best practices in place, especially in the beginning stages, cyberattacks will carry into the metaverse and be one of the platforms’ most significant threats.
2) Crime
The metaverse is a publicly accessible digital playground built specifically without central authorities. Without any central organization(s) defining the rules, there are few guidelines for inappropriate behavior and crime and accountability for wrongful actions. Metaverse developers have yet to announce if there will be any regulatory officials in the virtual world.
One example of a crime in the metaverse that is already occurring is NFT knockoffs that are sold as authentic art pieces. If a buyer realizes they have been sold a spoof, there is little that can be done right now to retrieve the money back or find and hold the criminals involved accountable. This is largely because of the blockchain’s anonymity, making it highly challenging for investigators and law enforcers to identify criminals.
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There are many benefits and some drawbacks of the metaverse, especially when it comes to businesses. Like other emerging technologies, the metaverse offers great value to companies, but there are shortcomings that need to be ironed out as the technology advances.
If your business is looking to prepare and expand into the metaverse, there are key things to consider. These include the opportunities to reach consumers, additional revenue models, and expanding your digital footprint, as well as cons, such as crimes, cyberattacks, and the need to obtain adequate technology infrastructure and skilled employees. The metaverse offers a plethora of possibilities for businesses, but make sure to do adequate research to ensure your company’s expansion into the metaverse is successful.
For more updates and news on tech trends and emerging technologies, continue to check our blog. Lastly, if you are curious how Quantilus can help your business or would like more information, contact us at [email protected], and we can set up a time to talk.
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