It’s no secret that the technology world is innovative. But lately it seems that every day there is a new piece of tech destined to take over the industry. One day it’s Pokémon Go, the next Apple’s new iOs, or Salesforce acquiring apps. It’s tough to keep up let alone know where to focus. As you look towards 2017 and planning your business’ future, we have compiled the top 5 tech trends you should watch.
This list comes from Forrester’s list of the Top 15 Tech Trends. Forrester defines the top 15 emerging technologies based on an assessment of which have the greatest potential to win, serve and retain customers. Focus is on technologies that support systems of engagement and insight and supporting technologies that enable greater speed, scalability and real-time integration of diverse systems, apps, and platforms. We chose the top 5 that we think are most important to our clients:
- Personal Identity and Data Management
This piece of tech is so important to our healthcare and financial clients. Protecting client data and sensitive information is a number one concern for all businesses. But businesses bound by HIPAA and PCI compliance face an even tougher challenge of meeting strict legal guidelines. As technology evolves and transitions to cloud based environments, businesses will have to work harder to ensure information is safe. Technology has already started to keep security in mind but we expect support to increase over the next few years.
- Intelligent Agents
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has advanced greatly in the past five years. AI is now being used for various chatbots and digital assistants. An example of this is Siri in your iPhone or Cortana on your windows device. This intelligence is designed to make your life easier. It is also used for customer service in certain industries. Some Intelligent Agents can actually resolve basic troubleshooting problems for customers or help gather pertinent information to make the process faster.
- Security Automation and Orchestration
This ties in to the first piece of tech on our list. In order to protect data you need to have the ability to proactively scan for potential threats and a quick, effective response to potential breaches. When we write about not ignoring your anti-virus pop windows or making sure your software is current, we do it for a reason. This is your first, and easiest line, of defense. As technology advances so will the need for businesses to proactively defend themselves from threats. Datasmith current utilizes several protection tools like hosted exchange, Axcient automated back-up and recovery, and our Proactive Care plans.
- Native Cloud Applications
What are cloud native applications? They are applications designed specifically for a cloud computing environment. Native Cloud Applications, or NCA, allow faster, real-time information sharing and updating. This will have a big impact on Enterprise Accounting Software. Native Cloud Accounting applications allow for accurate cash flow, revenue, and expense reports and advanced financial forecasting. NCA will also have a huge impact on information sharing, data tracking, and communication in the years to come.
- Augmented Reality and 3D Visualization
Although we think Lil Wayne delivering a baby elephant in Samsung’s Virtual Reality commercial is hilarious, we are not talking about video games here. Video games will advance with this technology but augmented reality is drastically different from virtual reality. Augmented Reality and 3D Visualization will provide huge enhancements to the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers often need to see what they need to create in order to develop the best process to build it. Creating prototypes takes time, money, and a lot of effort. With 3D Visualization and Augmented Reality, prototypes can be created in less time and changed instantly. This will enhance the ability to produce and also create stronger products.
As you look towards 2017, and planning your yearly budget, we strongly recommend beginning to think about IT as an investment. IT can transform the way you do business. It can create a better customer experience, improved efficiency, and help you compete. Contact Datasmith to begin mapping out your IT plan for the future today.
