Published on April 20th, 2021 | by Bibhuranjan

Seven Next Big Tech Trends Moving Into 2021

Necessity being the mother of invention, the COVID-19 catastrophe has historically increased corporate digital transformations. As businesses haste to develop new digital capabilities to create flexibility and re-tool for the post-contagion world, keeping up with the quick-moving technology trends is vital.

Mega-trends like big data, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing were congregating with vivid effect before the pandemic enforced adoption. Indeed, a new future is on the skyline – different from what the universe expected. As this future takes shape, there will be no room for businesses that cling to the past.

So, ask yourself: Will you watch the world change? Or lead it? We’re betting on you to lead.

In this piece, we shall look at some evolving technology trends in 2021. Please note that these trends have the power to set the course for the next few years.

Ethical AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its offshoots are certainly empowering and improving. However, merely the idea of technologies getting granted the essence of consciousness that humans possess can have a devastating impact. The access to data, if not supervised, can also have dire consequences. Each of these apprehensions has increased the call for ethical AI.

Unlike the past, today’s employees and consumers expect companies to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly. Over the coming years, enterprises will deliberately choose to do business with cohorts that commit to values and data ethics.

Furthermore, if you want to learn how to practice AI in an even more efficient manner, it is best to upskill yourself. How’s that possible? There are over a series of IT-related administration programs that help business owners implement efficient technology workflows. For instance, a degree in technology management mba will instill you with everything you need to know about management and information technology.

5G Networks

The fifth generation of the mobile internet is going to blow minds. It puts forward the kind of speed most users associate with Wi-Fi to download and upload remote areas. That will lead to fantastic improvements in the way applications can be deployed, written, and interacted with by mobile users. It also includes the internet of things (IoT) and data-intensive applications. Furthermore, faster data transmission united with efficient bandwidth will be a robust catalyst for innovation.

Distributed Cloud

Cloud-based software has captured businesses by storm. Ninety percent of enterprises are now cloud-based. After viewing the stats, you will quickly realize how integral cloud-based technologies are for businesses. Apart from this, 50% of work gets done on cloud-based applications. As the name proposes, distributed cloud means cloud facilities allocated according to their physical location via public cloud providers.

In 2021, strewn cloud-based technology will prosper for its many benefits–– less latency, lowered the cost of data, and physical proximity. No doubt, cloud distribution is the new normal.

Data Analytics

People now generate a lot of data, and handling everything manually seems like a dreadful task. As data analytics becomes necessary, businesses look at how people interact with what they have available (technology). Enterprises often view what social media apps their consumers frequently visit to understand how they make spending decisions. In addition to this, what kind of pictures they post and their profiles describe them to be.

There is a tension between users who enjoy customized products built via access to their privacy concerns and data. Customers are increasingly aware that their data poses excellent value to businesses. It is imperative to them that their data gets managed efficiently. Having this traceability and transparency is critical for how companies handle data. Companies realize that offer customers “privacy by design” can satisfy their privacy concerns. It creates a value scheme based on that trust.

Cybersecurity

There’s an increasing focus on using data-driven policing and discovering new means to deal with cyberattacks and data breaches. Simultaneously, users are much more aware of vulnerabilities, meaning how breaches happen and their impacts.

As businesses become digital, the development rate of content and data is significant. Based on Gartner’s survey, almost 70% of companies will engross in personal data archiving. As a result, data-based technologies will be a massive growth area. It improves the importance of ensuring new technologies are getting created that protect information as businesses cultivate their digital footprint. Simultaneously, security enterprises are building analytics to identify breaches or attacks in progress. They are also looking for assets and data on the dark web. The vendors of that information can react as quickly as possible.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a popular database and processing system that maintains appropriate security and does cryptographical record-keeping. On top of that, it ensures that all transactions are validated. We’re now at the stage of its ripeness. Businesses are searching to get apps using the technology out in the industry. Some of the most relevant uses include asset tracking, payment systems, settlement systems, identity management, and claims. Blockchain has the potential to improve trust, offer transparency and allow the exchange of value across borders. Moreover, this could speed up settlement times, reduce costs and improve cash flow.

Internet of Behaviors

Don’t puzzle this term with the “Internet of Things, IoT.” The Internet of Behaviors gets designed to gather the “digital dust” of individual’s lives from various sources. Private or public units can use the information to influence and read specific behavior, like keeping track of the social distancing protocols.

Based on customers’ data regarding their purchasing patterns, facial features, public sector info, and social media searches, buyer behavior is subjective. Furthermore, it is forecast that by 2025, more than half of the world population will be underneath an IoB tool. Given the application of COVID-19 protocols, we shall experience a boom on the internet of behaviors in 2021. It will be prodigious in improving and monitoring consumer actions, priorities, and choices.

Autonomous Robots

The last tech trend in business we want to highlight is autonomous robots. Indeed, robots are commonplace in producing facilities but are also making their route into our homes and working with us in offices. The advantage of robots for humans is that they can take over dirty, dull, expensive, and dangerous jobs. Therefore, humans are free to do other chores. Autonomous vehicles are another form of “robot” that will certainly be transformative for companies. Crewless aerial vehicles and drones will likely transform transportation, the military, and delivery services. Robots don’t even have to be physical objects. In robotic process automation software, robots systematize business procedures. There are multiple applications for this tech trend for almost every business in different industries.

Conclusion: Keep Looking Forward

Technology has a new purpose now. It carries the potential to change economic and environmental issues for the better and make our lives easier. Undoubtedly, 2021 is sure to be another year of too many unknowns and firsts. That said, leveraging technology trends and maturing to proactively address fundamental business problems should be on top of every technology leaders’ bucket list.

Photo by Lorenzo Herrera on Unsplash

Tags: AI, automation software, IT, MBA, tech trends, technology management

About the Author

Bibhuranjan Editorial Officer, technofaq.org I'm an avid tech enthusiast at heart. I like to mug up on new and exciting developments on science and tech and have a deep love for PC gaming. Other hobbies include writing blog posts, music and DIY projects.