12 IT Trends You Need to Watch Out For this Year

Knowing which trends are worth your time can be very important for persuading stakeholders it’s worth your investment. Likewise, knowing which trends might be just a fad can also help you to conserve time and money in future projects.

So which trends should you be looking out for in the coming year?

Adaptive Security Architecture

Adaptive security architecture is a security model where businesses use a combination of integrated tactics to help stay secure via flexible security measures. This involves a continuous response to cyber threats instead of outdated perimeter defense strategies.

Artificial Intelligence

AI refers to a wide range of technologies, all of which include software that is able to think for itself and make decisions based on its own analysis. Some AI can learn, assess and grow its knowledge base whilst others can automate specific tasks.  

Blockchain

Blockchain is the digitized public ledger of cryptocurrency transactions. Originally developed as the accounting method for Bitcoin, blockchain records all digital transactions in chronological order, allowing market participants to keep track of them. Each ‘completed’ block is marked as verified and provides a permanent record of authenticity.

Chat Bots

Chat bots are a form of AI that’s capable of mimicking human conversations. The function of a chat bot is to provide information and answer questions in order to speed up customer service. This is achieved by selecting an appropriate response from a bank of answers based on key words in the customer query.

Containers (Apps and Storage)

Containers are packages that consist of one or more applications and other dependencies that are necessary to successfully run a piece of software. Small and lightweight, containers can be easily moved from one computing environment to another.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that are stored electronically in blockchains. They are controlled by the use of encryption techniques which regulate the number of units available and also verify the transfer of funds.

DevOps

DevOps is a newer approach to software development that involves a CICD (continuous integration, continuous development) cycle. The aim is to provide a more agile approach to development where software can be deployed as soon as it’s developed and continuous development can be carried out without delays.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT refers to connectable devices that are able to communicate with each other. Any device that is able to connect via the internet or Bluetooth is part of the IoT, this can include wearable devices, mobile phones, smart fridges, coffeemakers etc.

IT Unbounded

The term ‘IT unbounded’ refers to a radicalized approach to IT operations that involves dismantling old models and reconstructing new ones. This involves breaching inter-departmental boundaries and creating multifunctional teams to help drive value.

Mobile & Wearable Tech

Wearable technology refers to types of technology that can be worn. This doesn’t include technology such as headphones or watches, but refers to technology that is more integrated into clothing, such as smart watches, glasses, contact lenses, hats and jewelry. Generally, wearable technology is more specialized and able to perform functions that a standard laptop or mobile can’t such as biometric measurements.

Virtual/Augmented Reality

Virtual reality creates a whole new environment that fully immerses the user, whereas augmented reality creates interactive elements that are then overlaid onto the real-world environment, such as Pokémon Go. Both types of reality are very popular in gaming.

Voice Search (Including Siri, Alexa and Google Home)

Voice search enables users to search the internet using voice commands instead of typing. This requires harnessing advanced speech recognition software that recognizes requests, commands and questions. Technology such as Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa has brought this capability into the home and made it far more accessible.