The concept of a digital ecosystem is a fundamental approach to understanding the digital world and how you and your community or organisation operates in it. 

A digital ecosystem is comprised of four elements; Device, Network, Content and Application. 

 

The “Device” is the most tangible element of the digital ecosystem. It’s the computer, tablet or smartphone with which you, your group, your employees or clients physically interact. 

On its own a Device is limited to its “stand-alone” functions. To truly reach the digital world, a Device needs a Network. 

 

In a digital ecosystem, the Network is your means of connecting to available communication channels. It comes in a variety of forms such as sensor and private networks and it can be local or cover great distances. 

 

Your Content is the data or information that you want to access or deliver.  It could be simple text, audio, still or moving images or any combination of these.  Content can be either live & responsive or static. 

 

An Application is the system, program or software that runs on the Device and allows you or your users to access the Network and utilise Content.  It could be something you’ve had custom developed for your business; it could be the system that delivers dedicated services to an individual or a community; or it could even be something as ubiquitous as a social media outlet or a site on the web. 

 

Many people and businesses consider only two or maybe three of the four essential elements.  Whenever any one of these elements is missing or hasn’t been well considered, you, your community, organisation or business will struggle to maximise the benefits of functioning in the digital world. 

Your digital solution cannot simply be about what Devices your organisation uses or how good your Content looks. It has to be about how your whole digital ecosystem works.  By considering your ecosystem’s needs in each of the four elements you can develop an holistic digital solution.