If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that society and business are capable of rapid digital transformation when the need arises! As we look towards 2022, the need for increased data storage, network speeds will continue to climb hand in hand with sustainability.

Bernard Marr, a respected thought leader and the international bestselling author of 20 books on business and technology, recently discussed his thoughts on IT trends for 2022, including artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud services, virtualisation, digitisation, transparency, and accountability.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Remember when we became excited about all the “Smart” devices we could use? Today, the terminology “Smart” means that you can connect the device to the internet. However, the addition of artificial intelligence (AI) to these devices means that machines can learn algorithms to help us in ways we never previously imagined. For example, AI has infiltrated our business tools allowing us to translate languages, data, notes and images, and lightened workloads in admin-heavy departments.

This trend is expected to continue expanding, especially with the likes of 5G networks emerging, and will provide us with unknown capabilities in the future.

The Democratisation of Technology
Recent innovations have resulted in a no-code revolution, allowing even inexperienced tech-users access to online DIY tools for improving existing technology. This toolset is augmented by Cloud services used for hosting networks, increasing storage capacities, and enabling software processes. This type of no-coding is expected to become more popular as it matures and will undoubtedly be helped by Codex, a programming model that generates code from the spoken human language and a brainchild of Elon Musk.

Expanding Virtualisation Beyond Remote Working
The COVID pandemic enforced remote working across the globe, which resulted in swift innovations to enable virtualisation to enable online meetings and other collaborative tools. As a result, we are on the doorstep of virtualisation, where our digital world exists parallel to our physical world. Mark Zuckerberg, Founder of Facebook, has already proposed a “metaverse” aimed at accurately simulating the real world. The current range of Virtual Reality headsets will soon be supplemented with other virtual devices to improve our overall online virtual experiences and interactions.

AI - A Balance of Trust
The rise of AI will inevitably result in some trust issues around its responsibility, safety, and our privacy. As such, governments will create regulatory frameworks to limit any potentially harmful effects from the use of AI but will need to balance hindering innovation with protecting itself and its citizens.

It will always remain difficult to predict the future of the IT industry, and the pandemic has proved this. As a result, businesses will need to move from operating in crisis mode to building IT skills and using hybridised technology to provide their clients and employees with flexibility and innovation while staying competitive. Businesses will also need to embrace transparency and master these new technologies as clients demand more visibility and accountability in the workplace and society.

Contact Westech, South Africa’s preferred IT support and services partner with over 25 years of experience, to obtain further information about reviewing your current technology or implementing scalable technology to remain competitive.