Innovative technologies enable businesses to gain new levels of efficiency each year, and 2016 was no exception.
In 2016, Gartner cited device mesh, adaptive security architecture, and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms as key trends, with connectivity being a key theme throughout their list of top trends.
As a greater number of devices, machines, and apps gained the ability to connect with one another, greater system infrastructures and adaptive security solutions had to be developed to protect the ever-widening web of connected devices.
Building on last year’s progress, connectivity, security, and collaboration will be a major focus for companies in 2017.
At InaCOMP, we’re dedicated to helping our customers make sense of emerging technology trends and solutions—such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things 2.0, and adaptive security architecture.
Here are the top 5 technology trends for 2017 that you should know about:
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AI & Machine Learning
Though artificial intelligence and machine learning have been gaining popularity over the past decade, the software and computing power behind these efforts has finally reached a tipping point, one that balances the cost to benefit ratio of investing in such a solution.
AI and advanced machine learning technology can autonomously correct IT infrastructure problems before they cause outages, identify which marketing messages will resonate best with an audience, or even serve as a personal assistant or digital customer service representative.
The application possibilities are truly staggering, and companies that intelligently invest in and tailor these solutions to meet their specific needs could realize large financial gains and put competitors out of business by using the technology to provide better customer service and/or a better price to end users with the cost savings automation delivers.
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Collaboration Software
As remote job roles and flexible work schedules gain popularity, it’s becoming more important for teams to collaborate well regardless of whether or not they’re in the same location.
According to a study conducted by PWC, 38% of employees in the U.S. cited being able to work from home at least one day per week in 2016. This trend is anticipated to gain even more momentum in 2017 as companies move to more advanced productivity and collaboration solutions like Cisco Spark and Slack.
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Internet of Things 2.0
Yes, the Internet of Things (IoT) was a 2016 trend, but its proliferation and depth will reach new heights in 2017 as the technology continues to advance, enabling a more robust realm of devices, apps, and systems to have productive conversations.
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Adaptive Security Architecture
As IoT 2.0 enables a growing number of devices to access your network, extra security measures will become necessary to ensure there’s no foul play. As the sea of connected devices grows in 2017, so also will the use of user/entity behavior-monitoring tools.
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Software-Defined Everything
You’ve probably heard of software-as-a-service (SaaS), where companies can lease cloud-based software solutions (like Microsoft Office 365) for a low monthly fee.
Software-Defined Everything (SDx or SDE) extends that idea to virtually any technology service you can imagine, including but not limited to networking, data centers, and storage.
Here at InaCOMP, we’re excited to usher in these powerful technologies and help our customers benefit from adapting them for specific business purposes. The IT trends listed need to be known and understood by business owners and those in IT leadership roles. To discuss how your business can benefit from the top technology trends for 2017, contact us today.
