Just like the years before it, 2018 will continue to see successful businesses lead the way when it comes to planning for technological transformation. For any company to stay relevant in today’s fast-moving world, it’s essential to have a digital strategy that serves not just your current needs, but your company’s future ambitions too. With that in mind, let’s take a look at five of the biggest technology trends of our time:
#1. Artificial Intelligence
Every digital process generates data. And as organizations and society as a whole become more reliant on data, the expression ‘Big Data’ becomes evermore relevant. The challenge lies in drawing upon this increasing multitude of data for actionable insights into everything from marketing opportunities to production requirements. AI is ultimately a result of the increasing need to make sense of big data.
Recent years have seen artificial intelligence evolve from little more than a curiosity to a mainstream solution in many business processes. Over the coming years, we can expect AI to take on even more responsibilities, such as analyzing social media chatter for audience insights, making cybersecurity more proficient at detecting threats, and even gauging our emotions.
#2. Blockchain Technology
One of the biggest challenges facing today’s data-centric world is finding a practical solution for securely storing sensitive data, such as payment and login details. The problem with most data-storage systems is that they take a centralized approach by having everything stored in one database on one system, and that leaves the data relatively vulnerable to an attack.
Unlike traditional database systems, blockchain takes a decentralized approach by storing data in encrypted ‘blocks’ whereby data may be distributed without actually being copied using peer-to-peer networking. The technology is already transforming the world owing to the fact it’s entirely self-managed and exponentially more secure than other systems.
#3. Internet of Things
A recent report by Business Insider estimated that almost $6 trillion will be spent on connected ‘smart’ devices between 2016 and 2021. Although the Internet of Things also continues to see a deluge of privacy and security concerns, the rise of internet-connected devices, both at home and in the workplace, seems unstoppable to the point that ubiquitous computing is very much becoming a thing.
Since IoT devices constantly gather data, they’re also partly responsible for the rise of big data and, consequently, the rising need for automation and machine learning. In the enterprise, IoT is already widely used for a variety of applications, such as for studying consumer habits in high-street venues, managing production floor workflows, and energy management.
#4. Immersive Computing
Despite its sometimes rather dystopian implications, the line between the simulated world and the real one is becoming increasingly blurry. Immersive computing is now very much entrenched in today’s digital culture, and although virtual and augmented reality have yet to become mainstream, the technology is continuing to advance at such a pace that 2018 might just be the year when it all comes to a head.
While immersive computing is still mostly talked about in the context of consumer applications, such as video gaming, there’s an increasing number of innovative startup companies working on solutions targeted toward enterprises. In business, AR and VR will likely come to play a major role in training, education, design, and marketing, among other applications.
#5. Proactive Cybersecurity
Every year sees its fair share of high-profile data breaches, and 2017 has proven to be no exception. With data breaches hitting major finance organizations like Verizon and Equifax and ransomware attacks crippling companies all over the globe, 2018 will see companies facing increasing pressure to implement a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Among the most important cybersecurity trends to watch out for next year include an escalating arms race between cybercriminals and those guarding against them. IoT devices will no doubt continue to cause serious privacy and security concerns as well, while ransomware will also likely branch out to exploit the increasing multitude of internet-connected technologies.
Truewater offers IT services to organizations wanting to get more out of technology while also making security a top priority. If you want to know more about the biggest trends that will dominate 2018, call us today.
