Technological innovations seem to emerge faster and faster every year, but the COVID-19 pandemic boosted technology in a way no one has seen before. Lockdowns and stay-at-home orders forced many companies to switch to a work from home setup. Suddenly, video conferencing apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams went from being rarely used forms of communication to the preferred meeting platforms of many businesses. Restaurants started using online ordering apps like Uber Eats, GrubHub, and Postmates to keep their operations running.
The pandemic showed businesses the importance of technology, and as 2020 ends, here are technology trends you should watch out for in 2021.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
AR and VR technology have been used mainly for video games. Incidentally, the US Army, Navy, and Coast Guard also use this technology for training purposes. But now that people are urged to stay home, new possibilities for the use of AR and VR are opening. These technologies can be used to make online classes more immersive and fun, and they can allow people to visit museums or take a stroll in the park without leaving the safety of their homes.
Distributed cloud
Gartner defines distributed cloud as cloud that spreads public services to various physical locations, while the governance, maintenance, operation, and evolution of the services still fall on the provider. With many businesses extending their work from home policies indefinitely, distributed cloud computing can move their services closer to remote workers to reduce latency and improve productivity. Gartner predicts that by 2024, most cloud providers will offer distributed cloud services.
Quantum computing
Quantum computing develops computer technology using the principles of quantum physics. This remarkable technology is involved in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the development of potential vaccines. As Google, Microsoft, Honeywell, AWS, and other technology companies realize the potential of quantum computing, expect this technology to make its way into various industries in 2021 and beyond.
5G
When COVID-19 forced many businesses to switch to a work from home setup, they quickly realized the need for a fast and reliable internet connection for virtual collaborations. Most telecommunication companies believe that 5G is the best way to provide remote workers the internet speed they need. With remote work continuing well beyond 2021, the demand for 5G will also skyrocket.
Cybersecurity mesh
With more people working from home and accessing the internet using multiple devices, the number of potential entry points that cybercriminals can use to steal sensitive information has also increased. Cybersecurity mesh uses a distributed architectural process to make cybersecurity control more flexible, scalable, and reliable.
A traditional IT security infrastructure focuses on creating a single barrier around all nodes or devices in a network or organization. A cybersecurity mesh on the other hand, ensures each node comes with its own barrier. With more employees working outside their company's physical network, ensuring the security of uncontrolled devices will prevent cybercriminals from exploiting those devices to gain access to your company’s infrastructure.
Anywhere operations
Anywhere operations is an IT operating model that uses a "digital first, remote first" concept. It's designed to control the implementation of business services across distributed infrastructure, enable employees everywhere, and support customers everywhere. But anywhere operations is more than just working remotely and interacting with partners and customers virtually — it also provides a value-added experience by enabling:
- Secure remote access
- Collaboration and productivity
- Cloud and edge infrastructure
- Automation for supporting remote business operations
- Quantification of digital experiences
2020 has been a challenging year for businesses due to the struggles and changes caused by the pandemic. However, this also allowed business owners to explore and take advantage of the latest tech innovations to help employees working from home stay connected with customers.
To keep up with the latest technological innovations, your company's IT infrastructure needs to keep evolving. That's why you must partner with a trusted managed IT services provider like Complete Document Solutions. Our IT experts will manage and streamline your network to ensure it's ready for the latest tech trends coming in 2021. Call us now to learn more.
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