IT Trends That Aren’t Going Away

With the calendar poised to turn to a new year in mere weeks, we face the question about what's next in technology. Will some of the latest trends we saw emerge this year go by way of the 8 track player or will they evolve into the “next great thing.” Let’s look at what IT trends are a fad and which ones are sticking around for the foreseeable future. 

Artificial Intelligence 

Bernard Marr reports in Forbes online that, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative tech evolutions of our times.” AI will go further than Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Home. It will be used to improve the customer experience and to streamline business operations. Applications will be customized to each business and can span the spectrum of applications that can answer questions to tech that can deliver packages. 

Growth of 5G 

According to the New York Times, a major shift is already underway that will continue into the new year in regards to mobile phones. Fifth-generation cellular networks or 5G is creating a once-in-a-decade upgrade to the wireless systems that deliver data to mobile phones. This trend is not just about faster smartphones, but improvements to other devices including industrial robots, security cameras, drones, and cars that send traffic data to one another. Officials in the United States and China see 5G networks as a competitive edge. The faster networks could help spread the use of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies.

Increased Automation 

American consumers are already way ahead of the curve in using and understanding the advantages of automation. For example, instead of standing in line at the orthodontists to check in, my son logs into the computer and checks himself in he can find out just how long a wait he is estimated to have. Amazon Go customers have seen it with cashierless stores where shoppers use sophisticated automation to purchase their goods. Amazon estimates that by 2021 there will be over 3,000 cashierless stores around the nation. 

Do any of these trends sound like they may work in your company? Find out how AI, automation, and 5G can make your business more efficient and productive. Questions or comments,  call us at 978.219.9752 or visit our website.