Technology Keeps Moving, and So Does Media Link Software

A lot has changed since Media Link Software began as a fledgling startup in 2010. Back then, there was a duopoly in the media buying software business. Media Link Software began out of necessity, because neither of the big software companies catered to the boutique agency business. Now, there are several software options available, which forces those of developing software to stay ahead of the curve in features and technology if we do not want to be left behind. We thought it might be fun to look back at some of the technology that is changed since we opened shop in 2010.

Smartphones were still in their toddler phase in 2010. The iPhone had been out a few years, Android phones were beginning to make waves, but a lot of people still had flip phones. Smartphones are now so ubiquitous that it is hard to remember a time without them. Agencies now need to design image, text, and video ads designed specifically for these little devices that most of us carry in our pockets.

Social media was certainly around in 2010, but it was nowhere near the all-encompassing behemoth it is today. According to Pew Research, 5% of American adults used social media in 2005. By 2019, that number rose to 72%. It is likely higher today. 

Television advertising is still important, but it is changed quite a bit due to the rise in cable-cutting and video streaming. In 2017, Pew Research reported 61% of young adults (ages 18 to 29) had completely abandoned traditional television and cable for streaming-only services. Older generations still tend to stick to traditional TV and cable, but that may be changing as well. Next TV reported in 2020 that 25% of all Americans were streaming-only, while 66% had at least one streaming service. Traditional TV advertising is still a huge part of any agency’s portfolio, but it is important to look at these trends and think about what the future may bring.

There have been many other technological changes in the past ten years, from the rise of tablet devices, to smartwatches tracking our health, to the Amazon Echos many people have in their homes. No matter what happens in tech in the next decade, our goal at Media Link Software is always to be a positive force in making people’s jobs just a little bit easier.