Exciting technology trends are emerging, many concentrating upon intelligence as well as connectivity. As we start a new year, here are six developments to watch:
Edge computing is the deployment of data-handling activities or other network operations to the edge of the network where the data is generated, rather than in centralized servers and systems.
Fundamentally, edge computing is the idea of running applications as physically close as possible to where the data is generated. Peter Zorbio of Forbes Technology Council explains: “Consider, for example, a vehicle that instantaneously calculates fuel economy based on data from speed and fuel consumption sensors. The computer performing that calculation in the vehicle could be correctly labelled as an edge computing device.”
This approach optimises internet devices and web applications by bringing computing closer to the source of the data. Long distance communications between client and server is therefore minimised.
“Edge can reduce latency for critical applications, for example, and improve the speed of alerts while easing network loads,” Sandra Gittlen explains in her Network World article.
This is a significant change to current cloud computing operations and edge computing is expected to grow throughout 2020.
The race to build this incredibly important technology certainly gathered pace during 2019. This is set to continue in 2020. The applications and benefits are far-reaching, including productivity, accuracy and safety (medical/hazardous uses, for example). China is catching the US which is currently leading the world of AI, with the UK in third place. In a recent ComputerWorld poll, 44% of participants were most looking forward to AI-enhanced cybersecurity during 2020. “In 2019, at least 5.3 billion records, including credit card numbers, home addresses and phone numbers, were exposed through data breaches,” says Michelle Davidson of ComputerWorld. “Organizations need help identifying threats and preventing breaches, and given the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, AI can help them bridge that skills gap.”
Blockchain is the technology that underpins digital currency (such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum). It allows digital information to be distributed, but not copied.
Bitcoin is becoming more mainstream following high-profile media coverage of users such as celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. As it grows in popularity, the use of blockchain technology grows as the ‘facilitator’ of this trend.
The data security offered by blockchain technology appeals to many sectors such as finance and healthcare. ComputerWorld’s Lucas Mearian writes: “Its promise to deliver a single version of data truth over a secure, distributed and immutable ledger remains compelling, and as it matures, many see it becoming a ubiquitous platform for financial services, ecommerce and other markets.”
Screen time controls are already available via Apple and Google and this trend will continue in 2020. “Many people are now very aware of their addictive habits and are trying to disengage,” reports the Guardian. “A shared responsibility for wellbeing falls on to each one of us: the companies designing applications and user interfaces that play on our psychology, but also on policy makers.” Proposals are expected to emerge in 2020, with an anticipated impact on regulation in the coming years.
There are now 50 different 5G networks around the world. The number of 5G handset shipments is expected to spike over the next several years as faster speeds attract a growing number of consumers.
Cloud-based gaming is another trend to watch, with companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple all developing their own services that let people play without using expensive hardware.
“There some exciting developments to watch this year,” says Eric Hughes of EMH Technology. “We keep a close eye on emerging technologies and applications, helping us to ensure that clients are always offered the best solution for their businesses, covering all aspects from cloud services to secure backup and fully managed IT solutions.”
Are you interested in getting the most benefit from technology to help your business?
Would you like to know more about how technology trends affect your organisation?
Enjoy an informal, jargon-free discussion without obligation with the team at EMH Technology. Let’s talk.