In an increasingly connected world, technology has the potential to revolutionize and reinvent how we do business. As we look forward and prepare for a post-pandemic future, we’re optimistic the latest tech trends can help address some of our most pressing business challenges — and build a more equitable, resilient society.
Based on our industry insights and conversation with clients and colleagues, here are the top five tech trends we believe have the power to shape the year ahead:
1. The continued rise of AI and machine learning
AI is already making huge waves in business, with applications spanning everything from customer service to process automation. Machine learning is helping to power this trend, with algorithms that can learn and improve over time. In the coming year, we can expect to see even more businesses harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to boost efficiency and productivity.
2. The growth of edge computing
Edge computing is a term used to describe the trend of processing data and tasks near the source of collection, as opposed to sending all data to a central location for processing. This is in contrast to the traditional cloud computing model, where all data is processed in a remote data center. Edge computing is becoming more popular as businesses seek to reduce latency and improve performance. In the year ahead, we can expect to see more companies adopt edge computing strategies to improve their operations.
3. The rise of 5G
5G is the next generation of mobile network technology, and it is set to revolutionize the way we use mobile devices. 5G offers significantly faster data speeds than current 4G networks, as well as lower latency and increased bandwidth. This will enable a range of new applications and use cases, such as real-time streaming of VR and AR content, and the widespread deployment of autonomous vehicles. Since 2019, 5G has become more mainstream, with more carriers rolling out nationwide networks. In the coming year, we can expect to see 5G becoming more widely used and accepted.
4. The growth of conversational AI
Conversational AI is a form of AI that allows humans to interact with computers in natural language. This technology is being used in a range of applications, from customer service to chatbots. In the coming year, we can expect to see even more businesses adopt conversational AI to improve their customer interactions.
5. The increasing popularity of cloud computing
Cloud computing is a model for delivering IT services, in which resources are provided to users over the internet. This model has become increasingly popular in recent years, as businesses have sought to reduce costs and improve efficiency. In the year ahead, we can expect to see even more businesses move to the cloud.
