Technology trends are changing the way you work, and a lot of them for the better. Last year, workplace technology trends saw the rise of cloud architecture with 87% of businesses operating in the cloud. 2014 also saw more mobile applications and a heavy emphasis on mobile device management as BYOD demands increased.
IT analysis experts at Gartner predict that 2015 will be the year that sees software-defined applications, the proliferation of the IoT (Internet of Things), everywhere computing, and more. What does this mean for your business? We’ve looked at the report’s ten predictions to find out.
1. 3D Printing
Although not all businesses may immediately benefit from 3D printing, this trend is not going away any time soon. In fact, Gartner predicts that advances in 3D printing will help streamline production in more industries than ever in 2015. As 3D printing gets more efficient and cheaper, you may find that your business can save money by ordering 3D printed parts or supplies.
2. The Internet of Things (IoT)
Even if you haven’t heard the term “Internet of Things,” you’re probably already familiar with it. WhatIs defines it as, “objects, animals or people are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network” (TechTarget, 2014). Everyday items and people can be given a unique IP address, sensory adapter, and network connectivity and then be a “thing” on the internet. Smartphones, wearable tech, and smart appliances are all examples of IoT.
The real-time streams of data that come in from the IoT can help your business with four major pain points: Managing, Monetizing, Operating and Extending. Think about what your business can achieve with all of the new real-time data and capabilities of “things” to come in 2015.
3. Everywhere Computing
One of IT’s buzzwords for 2015 will be BYOD policy and workplace mobility. Gartner predicts that this year will be the year of “computing everywhere.” IT solutions like the cloud storage, advanced mobile devices, and virtualization will allow employees to take their work with them, wherever they go. This means that businesses, now more than ever, will have to develop a mobility strategy that will balance employee freedom with mobile security.
4. Analytics
Gartner’s technology trend prediction for analytics is that they will be “advanced, pervasive, and invisible.” Recall the IoT - analytics in 2015 will be invisible and literally everywhere. These streams of data will need to be analyzed and filtered to reach the right people at the right time to be of any use. Your business may be able to use the knowledge of these vast amounts of data to revolutionize the way you serve your customers.
5. Context-Rich Systems
Embedded intelligence and advanced analytics will give rise to “context” in the way systems work. Relating to networks, the IoT, and other IT solutions, systems will be developed to understand the “context” of the user inquiry. This means that the system will be able to respond more appropriately to all user requests, simplifying response and delivery. Your business may soon be able to enjoy more intuitive applications that sense the “context” of what you need.
6. Smart Machines
You already have a smart machine: your phone. However, Gartner predicts that the most disruptive technology trend of 2015 will be smart robotics with advanced AI that lets them understand the environment, learn, and function without being given a command. Your business might be able to implement advanced virtual assistants or virtual advisors.
7. Cloud/Client Computing
Understandably, you may be thinking that 2014 was the year of cloud computing. However, this is a workplace technology trend that will not be going away in 2015. In fact, cloud computing technology and Hosted Services will contribute to the increase in workplace mobility. Businesses can expect changes in the needs of their customers and employees, and cloud computing will help them meet those needs while scaling with the business’s growth.
8. Software-Defined Applications
You can also expect to see software-defined infrastructure in 2015. In software-defined applications and infrastructure, the software is a higher-level “brain” that allows automation of certain functionalities. This allows IT managers to manage the network and applications at lower-levels of architecture. What does this workplace technology trend have to do with your business? As an end-user, you get to enjoy operational savings, faster application deployment, better performance, and an overall better user experience.
9. Web-Scale IT
The word for this technology trend will probably be seen more in 2015. Essentially, Gartner coined the phrase “Web-Scale IT” to describe the way web providers, like Netflix and social media, deliver service. As opposed to enterprise IT, cloud-based web services have mastered high-quality, speedy delivery to masses of end-users. Gartner predicts that 2015 will see this type of web-scale delivery mirrored by enterprise IT.
10. Risk-Based Security
Data breaches, cloud breaches, and hacks dominated tech news in 2014, and the security technology trend of 2015 will be risk-based security and self-protected apps. In other words, enterprises will adopt network security measures like securing each individual application, in addition to higher security firewalls and security parameters. They will adopt better risk-management protocols and implement better mitigation tools to deter and fight attacks.
Why Should You Care About Workplace Technology Trends?
Put simply, you don’t want your business to be left behind. The benefits of technology for businesses of all sizes is no longer a topic of speculation, but of fact. Businesses that do NOT embrace new technology are missing out on business technology tools that let their employees collaborate like never before. Your business could be missing out on IT solutions that help your networks work faster and more efficiently. In short, anticipating IT solutions trends benefits your business.
However, not all IT solutions providers are created equal. If 2015 is the year you want to invest in a more secure cloud, virtualize your desktops, or finally implement a mobility strategy, you need to work with a partner you can trust. Contact Centre Technologies to find out which solutions will be right for the needs of your business.
