Silicon Valley's Team

A long-storied franchise and a definite Super Bowl contender in 2012, the San Francisco 49ers have officially turned their attention to the future.

And not solely on the playing field with the recent promotion of their 25 year-old quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has taken the league by storm over the last four weeks.

The San Francisco 49ers' front office has also shaken things up in order to get a leg up on the competition.

In an effort to maximize certain inefficiencies, as well as best position the organization for the next decade, 49ers' CEO Jed York has reached into nearby Silicon Valley for some of the area's brightest minds. Rather than merely consulting with these individuals, he has decided to take a more aggressive approach, putting them on staff full-time.  By tapping into the tech world and hiring some of the top executives in the industry, York has ensured that one of the NFL's tradition-rich franchises stays relevant for years to come.

The benefits can be seen both on and off the field. York has utilized his tech experts to innovate the draft scouting process through the development of a database that is not only efficient, but also accessible by players, coaches, and front office personnel alike. His new hires have also helped better the fan experience in several ways. For example, fans can now order food and merchandise from their smart phones, meaning they miss less actual game time. Stadium attendees are also informed of chants and when exactly they should make the most noise.

By taking advantage of the wealth of resources in nearby Silicon Valley, York has positioned the organization for success in the coming years. His brilliant maneuvers have also ensured that the team will be ahead of the curve as the league becomes increasingly dependent on both mobile and digital.

When the 49ers' new stadium opens in Santa Clara in 2014, one can be sure it will be complete with the best technology advancements on the market. For one, York's state-of-the-art stadium will be powered via solar energy.

Even more exciting for those in the Bay Area? The stadium will likely play host to the Super Bowl in either 2016 or 2017. If Kaepernick continues to improve as quickly as the organization's front office innovates, the team may just be the first ever play the Super Bowl in their home stadium.