Three Upcoming Tech Trends and What They Mean for the IT Industry

Information technology has always evolved at a breakneck pace, with groundbreaking new products and tech sometimes being released within weeks of each other. This rapid evolution of the way we interact with computer gadget shows no signs of slowing down, with tech trends rocketing into the future faster than ever before. Emerging technology is prepared to make the biggest changes to the way businesses interact with their technology assets since graphical interfaces emerged in the mid-90’s. Cloud based service solutions, sophisticated AI, and increased levels of cyber-security are already here, and over the next few years will begin to see a huge impact on the world of business and consumer technology.

Welcome to the Cloud

Cloud-based computing solutions began mostly as storage services and remote servers. Providers of cloud solutions gave powerful, easily accessible alternatives to traditional on-site assets. As more and more companies begin cloud service adoption, innovation behind the cloud continues onward. It’s already inevitable that cloud-first strategies will be adopted by businesses looking to optimize their technology assets. The benefits of cloud solutions are enormous for businesses both large and small, and their implementation is already beginning to bring change across the IT industry.

The evolution of the cloud has led to full Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms, further increasing the usefulness of the cloud. These SaaS offerings allow companies to operate software directly off the provider’s servers, removing the need for complex multi-asset installs and setups. Many software developers are already beginning to offer cloud-based SaaS services, like SysAid remote Desktop. SaaS implementations remove the need for complex internal update schedules and software maintenance, giving administrators the power to quickly access their software assets with minimal support resources. In the not-so-distant future businesses will be able to run their entire asset library directly from the cloud, with only bare bones hardware and software on-site, reducing costs in both labor and physical deployment. These robust cloud solutions are currently being utilized by a wide range of businesses and will only grow in market share as the technology advances forwards.

Rise of A.I.

Rudimentary artificial intelligence has been around since the beginning of computer technology, but until the last couple of years the ability for machine learning has been almost non-existent. Exciting new developments in the field of A.I. has brought about the potential for true machine learning to perform complex new tasks.

Recent research has been able to create an A.I. that is able to develop its own code that is far more efficient than what its original creators were able to put together. While this brings about its own unique set of ethical concerns among respected scientists, the implications for business and science are astounding. Doomsday Skynet theatrical scenarios aside, machines that are able to operate autonomously in this capacity have limitless applications.

Imagine dropping a learning A.I. into a complex data collection and extrapolation position for a medical research firm. This A.I. would be given a set of basic instructions and set to work, pouring over medical histories and files. While following the instructions given, the program is able to recognize patterns within the data and begins creating its own algorithm to complete its task. When finished, its able to give predictions and conclusions it gleaned from the data that go far beyond its creators original goal. These kinds of applications for powerful deep learning A.I. can extend to almost any field of expertise, and can only accelerate the pace of advancement across every industry. From self-driving cars, to factory floors, to the everyday office, advanced A.I. are poised to be the next technological revolution.

Keeping It Safe

Security has long been a concern for both businesses and consumers. With the increasing popularity of IoT devices and the recent backlash over unprotected devices, a renewed focus has been placed on tightening security world-wide. Malicious attacks are a constant threat and a daily reality for both businesses and governments, and new security protocols and procedures are continuously being developed to stay ahead of these attacks.

With so much of the world becoming reliant on the interconnectivity the internet brings, these new security developments are necessary for the world to function safely. When even the biggest backbone internet providers can suffer massive botnet attacks that shut down internet for entire regions of the country, addressing these security vulnerabilities becomes a top priority. Even protocols long thought to be completely safe are being re-evaluated as attacks become more sophisticated, creating new opportunities for even better security to become commonplace.

With so much of our lives being accessible through a vulnerable connection, a reinvention of network security is inevitable. It’s no exaggeration to say this renewed focus on network security will create a safer life on a global scale.

Affecting Change

Many advancements in IT have changed the face of the tech industry in the past decade, but these emerging technologies will create huge leaps in the way we operate our day-to-day lives. With the ability to operate remotely, autonomously, and securely, businesses will be able to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the biggest way since the invention of the modern computer. As these technologies continue to evolve, new and unimaginable possibilities for their application will become apparent, changing the way we think of IT today.