6 Trends in Information Technology – Technology changes constantly. No doubt you’ve noticed. Consider this: You just purchased a new phone, and – before long – there’s a more up-to-date model. Perhaps, you think you’ve got the latest software for your business, but now you’ve heard there’s something new that can better serve your needs.
You likely fall into one of two categories where information is technology is concerned: 1) You’re happy with what you have and see no need to change it, or 2) you’re excited to keep up with the latest trends in Information Technology (IT), and you can’t wait to hear what’s new on the market or soon to come.
If you’re the latter, you’ll want to continue reading. Here you can learn about the latest trends in information technology and how those trends impact the world around you.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence isn’t new. Scientists have been discussing and experimenting with it since 1950, when they first asked, “Can machines think?”.
In short, AI is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. Specifically, the term refers to developing computer systems that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. Other features include visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.
Several new mediums of artificial intelligence have been introduced within the last year. As such, implementation is now happening on a larger scale.
Blockchain
According to tech giant IBM, Blockchain is “a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network.” Assets can be just about anything, from something tangible (such as a product you’re selling) to something intangible (like a copyright or a patent).
Blockchain is ideal for many kinds of businesses. Why? Because it delivers immediate, shared, and completely transparent information on an immutable ledger. Those granted permission are the only ones who can access it. It can track orders, payments, production, and more. With blockchain, users can see a transaction from end to end, making it super-efficient and effective at saving money.
Cybersecurity mesh
With more and more people working from home or somewhere other than a central office, digital security is a bigger deal than ever. Traditional approaches to cybersecurity don’t always work with such a large-scale remote workforce. That means something more is needed.
As such, cybersecurity mesh provides a different approach to digital security. Cybersecurity mesh allows your business to put security measures in place that are based on the identity of a device rather than proximity to secure connections. It’s also easily scalable, no matter how widely distributed your workforce is.
Digital health
Countries around the world embraced virtual doctor appointments throughout the pandemic. Many hospitals, clinics, and private practices would like to see that continue. We’ll likely see plenty of innovations in this field, like “smart” medical equipment that will make the distanced medical examinations even more accurate and useful.
Internet of Behaviors (IoB)
Does customer behavior figure prominently in your business? Does knowing what your customers need and want give you a competitive advantage? If so, you may want to take a look at IoB – or Internet of Behaviors – which offers incredible insight into the purchasing journey of each of your customers.
IoB provides data collection and analysis regarding customer preferences, interactions, and purchasing. It offers a psychological perspective on how and why customers buy your products or services. As such, you can work to improve the user experience and also put your marketing dollars where they’ll do the most good.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things is a network of various devices, appliances, vehicles, and other items. All are embedded with software and sensors that allow for connectivity. That means each object can collect and exchange data with other “things” because these items connect to the internet and to each other.
You may even own a number of these “things” already, like a smart oven or microwave, a fitness device you wear on your wrist, or even a self-driving car. Information gathered from these, and similar items can offer recommendations, detect patterns, and even point to possible problems that are about to occur or may occur in the future.
Internet of Things can also be advantageous for your business, with the information picked up by devices helping you make smart decisions about customer preferences and more.
Truly, the world of information technology never sits still. What does remain the same, however, is the need to stay up-to-date on the trends in IT and how they can enhance your life and your business.
At Stillwater IT, we’re up on all the latest international trends in information technology and are eager to share our knowledge with you. If you’d like more information on any of the above-mentioned trends or simply need assistance getting your IT needs in order, call us at 604-899-1105.