[JohnFen]

In the US, anyway, using those words instead of "using" has been basically standard for a whole lot longer than 10 years in the business world. My memory is that it started in earnest in the '90s, although it's possible it was earlier.

It's just people trying to sound smarter than they are.

[bediger4000]

Agree. This started in the 90s. Except for some technical instances (queueing theory for one), "utilize" is a mark of trying to sound smart. It's a propaganda word.