The technology industry moves in one direction — forward. As more companies continue to use advanced programs to run their businesses, knowing what the technology forecast looks like can help companies stay ahead of the competition. So, which ones do you need to know? Here are the five tech trends to keep an eye on in 2020.
AI as a Service
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues making advances across the technology spectrum, you can expect to see more applications for business purposes. Some prominent companies are already experimenting to see how they can use AI to streamline business functions to help their companies run more efficiently. Google, Amazon and Microsoft already offer machine-learning solutions, but 2020 may be the year where AI business solutions go mainstream as part of a monthly subscription service.
Subscription Model Supremacy
Speaking of monthly subscription services, don’t expect this model to go away any time soon. With cloud solutions growing in popularity, the everything as a service (XaaS) model will become commonplace. Businesses are showing they’d rather pay a flat monthly fee instead of the expensive and unpredictable break/fix model of service.
Faster Mobile Data Networks
The next generation of wireless internet connectivity is expanding. 5G made its debut in 2019, mostly in limited areas or major cities. However, 2020 looks to be the year that coverage extends, and data rates become affordable to more people. This advancement means people will be able to upload and download data at lightning speeds, and businesses will be able to work faster on the go than ever before.
Older Products Reach End of Life
Some of your favorite business programs and solutions are about to bite the dust. Microsoft is ending support for several programs and services beginning in January 2020. Some of the more notable names on the list include Windows 7 and Microsoft Server 2008. When tech is no longer supported or patched by its developer, it opens the door for hackers to exploit weaknesses. If you’re still using any of the products on this list, then it’s time for an upgrade.
Improved Smartphone Security
As smartphones continue to replicate the features and computing power of desktop PCs, businesses need to be ready to provide the same data security standards for mobile devices. Many small companies and startups are adopting the BYOD (bring your own device) model as a way to save money and cut down on the number of hardware devices employees need. This trend means employee-owned smartphones will need security programs in place to meet your business requirements.
How We Can Help
As the new year approaches, all we have are predictions as to what will happen. Nothing is certain as trends may change, going in a new direction. Your business needs to be ready, and the best way to do that is by having a trusted tech consultant in your corner. We help businesses like yours with their IT needs, making them more resilient to the tech headaches of the future. Contact us today to find out how we can help get your company ready for a productive 2020.
