Information technology is an industry on the rise, and business structure, job growth, and emerging technology will all shift in the coming years. Current trends are improving and presenting new functions in fields like medicine, entertainment, business, education, marketing, law enforcement, and more. Still, other much-anticipated technology is only now coming on the scene.
Innovations in IT change internal company processes, but they are also altering the way customers experience purchasing and support — not to mention basic practices in life, like locking up your home, visiting the doctor, and storing files. The following trends in information technology are crucial areas to watch in 2019 and viable considerations that could influence your future career choices.
The latest technology methods and best practices of 2019 will primarily stem from current trends in information technology. Advancements in IT systems relate to what the industry is leaning toward or disregarding now. Information technology is advancing so rapidly that new developments are quickly replacing current projections.
1. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a network of resources a company can access, and this method of using a digital drive increases the efficiency of organizations. Instead of local storage on computer hard drives, companies will be freeing their space and conserving funds. According to Forbes, 83 percent of enterprise workloads will be in the cloud by 2020, which means 2019 will show an increasing trend closing in on this statistic.
Cloud storage and sharing is a popular trend many companies have adopted and even implemented for employee interaction. A company-wide network will help businesses save on information technology infrastructure. Cloud services will also extend internal functions to gain revenue. Organizations that offer cloud services will market these for external products and continue their momentum.
Organizations will transfer their stored files across multiple sources using virtualization. Companies are already using this level of virtualization, but will further embrace it in the year to come. Less installation across company computers is another positive result of cloud computing because the Internet allows direct access to shared technology and information. The freedom of new products and services makes cloud computing a growing trend.
2. Mobile Computing and Applications
Mobile phones, tablets, and other devices have taken both the business world and the personal realm by storm. Mobile usage and the number of applications generated have both skyrocketed in recent years. Now, 77 percent of Americans own smartphones — a 35 percent increase since 2011. Pew Research Center also shows using phones for online use has increased and fewer individuals use traditional Internet services like broadband.
Experts project mobile traffic to increase even further in 2019, and mobile applications, consumer capabilities, and payment options will be necessary for businesses. The fastest-growing companies have already established their mobile websites, marketing, and apps for maximized security and user-friendliness. Cloud apps are also available for companies to use for on-the-go capabilities.
3. Big Data Analytics
Big data is a trend that allows businesses to analyze extensive sets of information to achieve variety in increasing volumes and growth of velocity. Big data has a high return on investment that boosts the productivity of marketing campaigns, due to its ability to enable high-functioning processing. Data mining is a way companies can predict growth opportunities and achieve future success. Examination of data to understand markets and strategies is becoming more manageable with advances in data analytic programs.
This practice in information technology can be observed for its potential in data management positions for optimal organizations. Database maintenance is a growing sector of technology careers. To convert various leads into paying customers, big data is an essential trend to continue following in 2019.
4. Automation
Another current trend in the IT industry is automated processes. Automated processes can collect information from vendors, customers, and other documentation. Automated processes that check invoices and other accounts-payable aspects expedite customer interactions. Machine processes can automate repetitive manual tasks, rather than assigning them to employees. This increases organization-wide productivity, allowing employees to use their valuable time wisely, rather than wasting it on tedious work.
Automation can even produce more job opportunities for IT professionals trained in supporting, programming, and developing automated processes. Machine learning can enhance these automated processes for a continually developing system. Automated processes for the future will extend to groceries and other automatic payment methods to streamline the consumer experience.