Trends in Information Technology

The IT world never stands still. This rapid, ever-changing industry is full of new technologies, tools, software frameworks, and innovative ideas. In this article, we will look at the top information technology trends that are likely to define the year 2022.

Information Technology Trends

Modern technologies develop symbiotically and inevitably affect one another. For instance, mobile internet depends on cloud computing and facilitates IoT development. Therefore, a breakthrough in one area stimulates innovations in the other.

Here is a list of the top information technology trends that will shape the digital world in the coming year.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
2. 5G Proliferation
3. Quantum Computing
4. Blockchain
5. Cybersecurity
6. Edge Computing
7. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
8. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
9. Growth of IoT Networks
10. Cloud Migration

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Over the past few years, artificial intelligence and machine learning have been the headliners among emerging information technologies. Many large businesses have begun to introduce AI and ML solutions into their operations, gaining tangible benefits such as improved customer experience, streamlined processes, reduced production issues, and higher revenues.

According to the statistics by Semrush, 86% of CEOs said AI was mainstream technology in their office in 2021. And the trend will continue to accelerate in 2022. Specifically, we’ll see more SMBs ensuring their development strategy takes into account artificial intelligence, machine learning, or deep learning.

Intelligent tools and algorithms will be expanding their presence in various sectors, from manufacturing and healthcare to finance and education. Companies that ignore or postpone AI implementation within the next five years will risk falling by the wayside.

2. 5G Proliferation

Although the first 5G-enabled devices were connected to the network in 2019, the new standard has not become ubiquitous yet. Unsuitable infrastructure and lack of compatible devices were the main obstacles to 5G expansion in previous years. 2022 is a good year for new-generation mobile networks. Infrastructure is becoming more sustainable, and the availability of compatible handsets is growing, enabling mobile phone users and various businesses to leverage the potential of 5G technology.

The practical usage of 5G brings broadband download speeds over mobile networks and provides 10x faster internet services than 4G. Consequently, it gives the impetus for further development of disruptive technologies, including the Internet of Things, self-driving cars, virtual and augmented reality, robotic surgery, drone delivery, and more.

3. Quantum Computing

You may be surprised, but traditional computers are objectively relatively slow. Information technology trends say that the next generation of computers will be quantum computers. The technology is actively maturing now and is going to supplant current technology.

Quantum computing technology is an entirely new way of transmitting and processing information based on the phenomena of quantum mechanics. Traditional computers use binary code (bits) to handle data. The bit has two primary states, zero and one, and can only be in one of them at a time. The quantum computer uses qubits, which are based on the principle of superposition. The qubit also has two primary states: zero and one. However, due to superposition, it can combine values and be in both conditions at the same time.

This parallelism of quantum computing helps find the solution directly, without the necessity to check all the possible variants of the system states. In addition, a quantum computing device doesn’t need substantial computational capacity and large amounts of RAM. Imagine: it needs only 100 qubits to calculate a system of 100 particles, whereas a binary system requires trillions of trillions of bits.

With quantum computing, it’s much easier to process large sets of information, which is incredibly beneficial for predictive analytics applications. Further development and widespread adoption of the technology are therefore only a matter of time.

4. Blockchain

Though most people still associate blockchain with cryptocurrencies only, the technology has been successfully incorporated into many other fields that require decentralized data storage and transparency of transactions. For example, blockchain is currently used for supply chain management, making falsifications practically impossible at all stages (financial transactions, warehousing, inventory records, delivery schedule, etc.). The security of medical data management is also enhanced using blockchain technology.

Specialists from various industries are actively exploring the potential of blockchain. So, this year and beyond, we are likely to see new practical use cases, and the demand for blockchain experts will increase.

5. Cybersecurity

Spending on cybersecurity continues to grow for several reasons:

• More companies are undergoing digital transformation, so they need protection for their digital business environments.
• More businesses have been assessing the risks of data breaches and realizing the amount of financial and other losses they can avoid by developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
• Cybercriminals continuously invent increasingly sophisticated malicious activities, so companies need to hire skilled professionals and introduce advanced counteractions to resist their attacks.

The 2021 Security Priorities study by IDG revealed that 98% of respondents would either increase their security budget or keep it the same in the upcoming 12 months.

6. Edge Computing

The demand for edge computing devices is steadily growing due to the large volumes of data that enterprises produce and need to analyze. The essence of edge computing is that data processing nodes are situated closer to data sources and consumers. This is a quicker and more efficient way to gain valuable insights than transferring raw data to centralized platforms.

This decentralized model of data handling provides lower latency, which is critical for real-time operations. Hence, edge computing technology will be more widely introduced in logistics, intelligent manufacturing enterprises, and healthcare institutions. Moreover, edge computing will significantly contribute to cybersecurity because distributed nodes are less vulnerable to cyberattacks than a single platform.

7. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

The automation of processes has been a ubiquitous trend for practically all industries and spheres over the past decade. Known as business process automation (BPA), it’s based on software systems such as CRM and ERP. These are tailored to the specific needs of enterprises, automating various repetitive tasks according to prescribed code. BPA solutions need APIs to integrate with other systems.

In 2022, we’ll see the emergence of robotic process automation (RPA). In this type of automation, bots are trained to take over human tasks completely. They don’t need APIs but run on top of systems using a screen-scraping method. Bots record actions that humans perform in the interface (typing in data, moving a mouse) and then mimic them, thus completing the same tasks. Leveraging AI and ML technologies, bots can categorize unstructured information, interpret it and make decisions independently.

8. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Initially, VR and AR technologies were primarily used in the gaming industry and entertainment. And this market continues to grow. However, augmented and virtual reality applications are not limited to games anymore.

• Retailers utilize VR and AR tools to enhance customer experience during online shopping. With the help of such devices, customers can configure products such as furniture to their liking and see whether they match the interior of a room before making an order. In virtual reality, consumers can also try on clothes to ensure that the size and style are right for them.
• Engineers and designers across industries (automotive, construction, and more) create prototypes in the digital environment and experiment with them to achieve the best result. This is much cheaper than producing numerous physical prototypes that fail.
• Healthcare specialists use VR and AR as training tools to train medical personnel. The technology also assists with the planning and performing of surgery thanks to the anatomical reconstruction of patient bodies.

Undoubtedly, VR and AR technologies have tremendous potential, and we’ll see more examples of their practical applications in the future.

9. Growth of IoT Networks

Many enterprises have been using IoT solutions for a long time and benefit from them. Nevertheless, the technology doesn’t stand still. The Internet of Things continues advancing due to the development of complementary technologies such as 5G connectivity, edge computing, and artificial intelligence. As a result, IoT networks reduce or eliminate latency, becoming more efficient and secure.

This year and beyond, more enterprises that need real-time applications for their processes will implement IoT solutions so that the market will expand.

10. Cloud Migration

Though cloud computing is not new, the market growth doesn’t slow down. This is due to several factors:

• The accelerated digital transformation of companies caused by the pandemic
• The need to modernize legacy enterprise applications to stay competitive
• The need for data analytics to drive business processes
• The development of edge computing and 5G technology enhance cloud capabilities

Business owners realize that cloud migration is an integral part of digital development that brings a range of benefits. Currently, more companies choose a hybrid cloud model while developing a cloud migration strategy. Kubernetes orchestration is also a growing trend in the cloud computing world.

Spending on cloud services is predicted to grow globally, from $313 billion in 2020 to $482 billion in 2022.