1. The Internet of Things (IoT): IoT is the interconnection of uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices (including smart objects), within the existing internet infrastructure. Current IoT existing examples include smart thermostat systems and washer/dryers that utilize Wi-Fi for remote monitoring. The IoT will be the focus of digital business products and processes in industrial and operational contexts.
2. Advanced, Pervasive, Invisible Analytics: Analytics will continue to grow propelled by the Internet of Things, creating large pools of data. Every app will need to be an analytic app.
3. Context-Rich Systems: Thanks to embedded intelligence and analytics, systems will become alert and responsive to their surroundings.
4. Smart Machines: Analytics and context will pave the way for smart machines that can learn for themselves and act accordingly. These machine helpers will continue to evolve.
5. Risk-Based Security and Self-Protection: While 100% security solutions aren’t feasible, advanced risk assessment and mitigation will come into play in the next few years. Security will move away from perimeter defense to multi-faceted approaches.
6. Big Data, Big Problems: Organizations have struggled dealing with big data on both fronts: IT needs to manage it effectively and the business side needs to know how to use it. Companies should virtualize storage, evaluate all data inputs to get rid of what isn’t necessary, and then segment and prioritize what they do need to keep.
7. Virtual- and Software-Defined Networks: Virtualization means delivering on many of IT’s promises: more automation, separating hardware from software, increased agility, simplified design, policy-based management, network management bonded to broader IT workflow systems, etc.
In conclusion, all these expected tech trends will bring a lot of changes in terms of processes and interactions, between humans, systems and one another.