Unit 12. FUTURE TRENDS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Technology and innovation can be frustrating to watch in action. That’s because there usually isn’t much action – just additional change with occasional flashes of brilliance. But the only way to truly understand what’s happening and why is to keep watching. Breakthroughs from years ago are finally leading to real products and services today. Others are inching forward with the promise of big changes in the future.

According to a new report from Accenture (Accenture is a multinational management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company. Its headquarters have been in Dublin, Ireland since September 1, 2009), in 2014 technology was dominated by several prevalent trends – from the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data to the cloud and cyber security. Today these trends are still at the forefront of discussion, with many exciting opportunities and innovations being predicted for this year.

· Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT), also called Internet of Everything, is the network of physical objects or "things" embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity to enable objects to exchange data with the production, operator and/or other connected devices based on the infrastructure of International Telecommunication Union's Global Standards Initiative. The Internet of Things allows objects to be controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration between the physical world and computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit. Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to interoperate within the existing Internet infrastructure. Experts estimate that the IoT will consist of almost 50 billion objects by 2020.

· Cloud Computing

Accenture also sees a new conversation emerging around cloud computing. According to the report, hybrid clouds – software-as-a-service (SaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) in combination with internal applications – will “cement IT’s role as a driver of business growth.” The focus will shift from simple infrastructure solutions to developing cloud strategies that deliver increased functionality and flexibility using a mix of public and private cloud-based application and platform services. While many challenges remain, cloud is nonetheless poised to change the face of enterprise computing.

Another research company, Gartner, Inc. (an American information technology research and advisory firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States) has highlighted some technology trends that will be strategic for most organizations in future.

· Computing Everywhere

As mobile devices continue to proliferate, Gartner predicts an increased emphasis on serving the needs of the mobile user in diverse contexts and environments, as opposed to focusing on devices alone. "Phones and wearable devices are now part of an expanded computing environment that includes such things as consumer electronics and connected screens in the workplace and public space," said Mr. Cearley (Gartner Vice President). "Increasingly, it's the overall environment that will need to adapt to the requirements of the mobile user. This will continue to raise significant management challenges for IT organizations as they lose control of user endpoint devices."

· 3D Printing

Worldwide shipments of 3D printers are expected to grow 98 percent in 2015, followed by a doubling of unit shipments in 2016. 3D printing will reach the tipping point over the next three years as the market for relatively low-cost 3D printing devices continues to grow rapidly and industrial use expands significantly. New industrial, biomedical and consumer applications will continue to demonstrate that 3D printing is a real, viable and cost-effective means to reduce costs through improved designs, streamlined prototyping and short-run manufacturing.