The year 2020 will see technology becoming more personalized, democratized, secure, and intelligent. Network speeds along with limited practical application have hindered the advent of the cloud and AI, but these issues will come into focus in 2020.
5G
5G is the network technology that will make high end, data consuming technology possible such as AI, internet of things, augmented reality, and so much more. 5G can be up to 100 times faster than 4G, can have a latency 25 times lower, and can support a million devices within a square kilometer. 5G has been a hot topic in recent years, but the rollout of the technology has been slow.
5G’s biggest hindrance has been patchy coverage by networks and a limited range of expensive devices from manufacturers. 2020 will see 5G make significant strides in network expansion, chip manufacturing, and become a critical mobile device feature.
Hyperautomation
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a software that uses set instructions to carry out repetitive tasks; hyperautomation takes the technology to the next level. Hyperautomation adds layers of intelligent tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to RPA to create smart, automated software.
RPA keeps humans out of the process, hyperautomation, on the other hand, keeps them in the loop. With its machine learning capabilities, this will enable the hyperautomation software to learn from the humans. Gartner features hyperautomation in its Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2020.
Multi-Experience Platform
Companies used to create and manage content using web management platforms or content management systems (CMS). The limitations of the technology and consumer demands have created a need for more innovative and sophisticated software solutions.
The digital transformation that has taken place in companies has brought them to build a digital experience for consumers. The digital experience platforms were formerly comprised of websites and mobile apps. These were the touchpoints the company used to reach its customers digitally. The advent of social media, marketing technology, and communication software has added more platforms in which the digital experience must be created and managed.
A multi-experience platform will have more advanced analytics to determine user behavior, define profiles, and deliver personalized content in real-time. This will be distributed across platforms like digital billboards, IoT devices, wearables, AR, and in-store kiosks.
Distributed Cloud
A distributed cloud uses cloud computing, storage, and networking in multiple, interconnected micro-clouds. The interconnected micro-clouds are in different geographic locations. Fog computing and edge computing are a form of cloud computing. A distributed cloud brings cloud computing closer to the end-user, thereby reducing latency and increasing cybersecurity.
The growth of the distributed cloud is necessitated by the growth of connected devices. An example of this is the growth in the internet of things (IoT); having more connected devices will require cloud computing to reduce latency for their effectiveness and efficiency. It also enables organizations to be on a single cloud infrastructure present in multiple locations, which will solve the regulation issue of data sovereignty.
Cybersecurity And Data Collection Laws
Each advancement in technology brings with it a new threat. Bad actors are always looking for opportunities to hack systems for monetary gain, disruption, or clout. Their tools have become smarter with each advancement in technology, for example:
- The increase in connected devices, internet of things, offers new entry points for malware. While everyone is focused on keeping their desktop and mobile devices secure, how much attention is truly given to the internet-enabled coffee machine or thermostat?
- Automation and AI technology can also be applied to viruses to make them more persistent, pervasive, and smarter.
Data has become more important to companies for decision making. It has also become relevant to consumers for the sake of their privacy. According to Forester, the confluence of these two interests will lead to:
- Companies using mergers and acquisitions as a means to collect data. Data laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have made it more cumbersome for companies to share data. Consumers have become more stringent on how much data they share, so this will lead companies to acquire data by acquiring companies.
- One in five consumers will block AI and ML solutions from using their data. Privacy concerns will lead consumers to block access to their private information. This will affect AI-based services as they rely on data to learn and make decisions. Due to the penalties from data breaches and the cost in brand image, companies will also become reluctant to share their data with third parties.
Keep Your Business Trending
Data collection, analysis, and application are at the core of the 2020 technology trends. How a business positions itself to take advantage of patterns will have long term implications for its advancement.
