As 2017 approaches a close and 2018 brings plenty of hope and opportunity, we thought it would be the ideal time to look at the information technology trends of the coming year. These trends are advancing us forward on getting a grasp of what is to come so you can give your IT department an edge in the new year.
AI Integration
Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, and it is making its way into everyday life with a fury. The uses of AI will make mundane tasks automated as it integrates itself into the workplace. According to a survey by Gartner, 59 percent of companies are in the process of gathering information to implement AI into their organization. In 2018, these strategies are expected to come to life as AI evolves the way that your company does business internally and with its customers. This is a trend that you will want to follow and make use of at your business.
Smart Apps
Apps are everywhere, and there is no sign that 2018 will be any different. Apps are used to strengthen the customer experience and make your business more engaged with consumers. If your business has not developed an app to date, now is the time as now more than ever apps will become an essential part of the marketplace. By incorporating AI into these apps, they will become even more effective at connecting customers with your business, making it imperative that you begin developing an app to promote your company and its products and services. Get started on your app now and be sure to think about adding AI as a part of its smart operating system.
Interactive Devices
With the wave of interactive devices such as the Amazon Echo hitting the shelves, it is only a matter of time before they also help automate business operations. These devices make it possible to do more with less effort. They can interact with your employees through the addition of AI or even act on their own through smart programming. These devices are the wave of the future and a trend to keep an eye on in 2018 as they become the norm in technology use.
Edge And Cloud Partnering
While Edge and Cloud computing has seemed to compete in the past, they are now joining forces to work together to provide the ultimate IT service. With the Cloud acting as the service system and Edge as the delivery mode of disconnect parts, your business could have a premium operational device that could help your business streamline its operations. Watch for Edge and Cloud to come together in 2018 as a united front that assists your business functions inside and out.
Interactive Technologies
More and more we see the use of virtual reality (VR) as a way to engage with consumers in a more interactive way. Adding to the use of VR technologies is augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) that each work to enhance the overall experience of the consumer and how they connect with businesses in the future. Your company may be looking for a new technology twist to promote its products and services and VR, AR, and MR offers the opportunity to excite customers and offer them something that they have not seen before. Try this technology trend as you enter 2018 as a way to garner customers for your business.
As your business moves into the new year, take advantage of these advanced IT technologies to promote your company to consumers. Take the leap and don’t be afraid to embrace these top trends into your organization to get an edge on your competition. For assistance with your IT integration, turn to Resolute Technologies. Our experienced consultants can help provide an IT strategy that works for your business.