Top 8 information technology trends in 2022

Technology continues to be a key driver of change and business growth. When new IT trends arise, companies are presented with new opportunities to reshape operations, increase output, and improve bottom-line performance. Those that can quickly adapt and take advantage of new technology can gain a significant competitive edge.

The challenge is that it can be difficult to keep up with new technology trends every year. If you want to know which technologies are poised to change the way you do business, look no further. Here are the top information technology trends that are dominating in 2022:

Cybersecurity moves away from the traditional network perimeter

Before the pandemic, cybersecurity strategies primarily focused on protecting the network perimeter with firewalls and other traditional security software.

However, with many companies having adopted and sticking to hybrid work arrangements in 2022, cybersecurity will need to protect data wherever users and devices reside. This means companies must adopt a flexible security strategy that verifies users and prevents unauthorized access to corporate systems. Technologies that enable this include:

• Identity and access management systems – These systems manage and control user accounts and determine access privileges based on predefined roles and policies.
• Multifactor authentication – This security process requires users to provide two or more proofs of their identity like passwords, PINs, and biometrics, before granting them access to company accounts and other online resources.
• Unified endpoint management – This central platform lets administrators distribute patches to company-registered devices, set location-specific access restrictions, and set mandatory security configurations. 
• Virtual private networks – These encrypt data transmission between devices and corporate systems to prevent unauthorized users from eavesdropping.

Robotic process automation (RPA) streamlines work

RPA is a type of technology that automates repetitive tasks that usually require human labor. Data entry processes are often an ideal candidate for RPA because they are time-consuming and error-prone when done manually. 

RPA is now being used to streamline other multi-step workflows, such as onboarding new employees, generating invoices, and recording customer information onto a database. Given that companies today have to meet growing output demands and limited resources, RPA solutions will be a no-brainer for lightening workloads.

Low-code tools empower non-technical employees

Traditional software development projects are often time-consuming and complex, requiring experienced programmers to manage all the backend coding. With low-code development platforms like Microsoft Power Apps and Google App Engine, even non-technical employees can create custom software for company-specific problems. 

To develop new software, users simply have to drag and drop templated statements, variables, and components into a visual interface. These types of programs have become increasingly popular for businesses with limited resources for in-house developers.

Continued growth of artificial intelligence (AI)

Gartner reports predict that the global AI market is set to reach $62.5 billion in 2022, a 21% growth from last year’s figures. This rapid growth can be attributed to the various uses of AI in different industries. For example, AI tools are being used to create more interactive virtual customer service assistants, glean valuable insights from large financial databases, and detect cyberthreats through real-time behavior analysis.

Recently, AI has made great strides with machine vision and listening. There are now programs capable of recognizing objects and text on videos and photographs. Meanwhile, language processing AI tools have become much more proficient at transcribing voices, processing audio commands, and responding to questions in natural language.

Enhancing data analytics with the Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT refers to any device that has internet connectivity and is able to collect data. This data is then transmitted wirelessly to a central location where it can be analyzed for trends and insights. As fast internet connectivity becomes more ubiquitous, we can expect to see even more widespread adoption of IoT in the coming years.

IoT is particularly useful for connecting remote operations with the rest of the company. For instance, retail stores can use IoT devices to track inventory levels in real time, while manufacturing plants can use these to monitor machines for early signs of failure.

More practical applications for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)

VR and AR technologies have often been on the fringe of the mainstream, with most applications being used for entertainment purposes like gaming. This trend is starting to change as businesses are finding more practical uses for VR and AR.

For starters, VR can provide immersive and safe training simulations for high-risk professions. such as construction, aviation, and law enforcement. AR, on the other hand, allows companies to overlay detailed digital information on top of the physical objects, which can be useful for retail, maintenance, and design work.

Edge computing speeds up data processing

Edge computing is a type of distributed computing where data is processed at or near its source rather than being sent to a central location. This is done to reduce internet bandwidth issues, provide real-time insights, and expedite decision-making.

One of the most common uses of edge computing is in autonomous vehicles. These cars need to be able to process large amounts of data at the edge to make split-second decisions, such as when to brake or turn. Within a business context, edge computing devices may include smart point of sale systems that can quickly assess stock counts and detect fraudulent activity.

Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) improves business efficiency

XaaS is a type of subscription model where customers can access various IT services over the internet. It covers everything from cloud-based infrastructure, storage, and software to more specialized solutions like disaster recovery, security, and data analytics.

XaaS essentially removes the need for businesses to invest large sums of money to set up enterprise-grade systems. Whatever companies need, they can get by simply subscribing to the service and start using it right away. Plus, since XaaS is cloud-based, companies can access these services from anywhere in the world. These cloud services are especially attractive today considering the widespread popularity of hybrid work environments.

Different companies have more opportunities than ever to innovate. With the right mix of creativity and technical know-how, businesses can come up with new ways to improve their operations. If you want to stay abreast of game-changing technologies, Dynamic Solutions Group can keep you updated. We also provide cutting-edge cybersecurity and cloud services. Contact us now to start your digital transformation.