10. Intelligent Electronic Assistants Apple transformed our idea of Artificial intelligence by the introduction of Siri and now we see other software giants jumping on board with similar personal assistant software. Perhaps the trend will move to these machines diminishing the need for actual human assistants, bringing about another major turning point in technological history (Deloitte, 2014). |
9. Less is more Granted this may not be true for all things, but in this case, we’re talking about paper. As books, magazines, newspapers and other ‘readable’ items move to an electronic version, we have started to see less paper and more devices on the market for this purpose (Ngak, 2013). This is accelerated by the incorporation of this feature into mobile devices and tablets, as well as related applications (like interactive textbook apps). |
8. Smart is gets a whole lot smarter. As everything gets more connected and smarter, thanks to the advancements achieved through further developing and even combining existing technologies. Robots and machine communication is fast becoming a reality. The future is now full of possibilities, none of which are too farfetched. Things like smart TV will get a major boost causing a major shift in home viewing (EY, 2014). |
7. Business Applications and Application Stores. With the constant increase in storage, bandwidth and processing power – smart phones are quickly becoming our primary form of computing, with things like mobile web being seen as a must-have capability. A mobility strategy is something all companies should have in place as we see mobile everything– from finance to health. The majority of mobile phones sold worldwide will have a browser, signaling a profound shift in global computing (Ngak, 2013). This new level of mobility and connectivity by many millions around the world will allow any size business to transform how they market, sell and communicate using mobility. There will be increased attention on Business Applications and Application Stores within companies allowing users to access customized and complete information they may need- anytime and anywhere. South African giants such as Woolworths and Checkers are all jumping on this bandwagon (EY, 2014). |
6. Everything as a Service Companies today are constantly in need of the ability to speedily install new services. We have seen Hardware-as-a-Service joining forces with Software-as-a-Service to offer what is being dubbed ‘IT-as-a-Service’ (EY, 2014). There has been a rapid growth in the demand and usage of On Demand Services, giving birth to Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS). As the popularity of outsourcing increases, so too will the companies (large or small) offering on demand services (Deloitte, 2014). These services assist companies to cut costs as they will receive top-notch IT offerings, without the costs or maintenance involved. As a result, companies can focus more on business alignment and leave the IT to the experts. |
5. 3D Printing 3D Printing was designed for the purpose of printing prototypes, but they are increasingly being used to print things like jewelry, phone covers, parts for cars, and even prosthetic limbs. Its uses are proving to be insurmountable (Ngak, 2013). We will begin to see technology overflowing into the manufacturing industry and perhaps even the birth of Manufacturing-as-a-service. |
4. Mobile Banking and Payments Using mobile devices for banking is already extremely popular, and will continue growing. Huge financial institutions such as First National Bank and Standard Bank are investing a lot of money into ensuring that their mobile applications are at the forefront of technology. This only serves to cement the notion that mobile banking is going nowhere, and is in fact, still growing rapidly (KPMG, 2014). Using your phone as an electronic wallet is already being utilized in many countries, and this number is increasing. This is due to the applications offered for mobile banking as well an increase in the number of devices that have Near Field Communication chips installed (view what it is here: http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/what-is-nfc-and-why-is-it-in-your-phone-948410). It is also allowing ‘non-bank’ companies into the race (Google Wallet). |
3. Online Learning and Gameification of Education and Training The adoption of online learning by globally accredited institutions has practically diminished the barriers of geography to receiving an ‘Ivy-League’ education, and sometimes, at no cost (if you don’t believe me – check out Coursera). This trend, together with gameification, is leaving many full of hope that it will change the face of education all over the world (Deloitte, 2014). Gameification of learning is a spawn off the trend of gaming in general, allowing the excitement of gaming to come across to the educational sphere (KPMG, 2014). |
2. Cloud computing and Their Related Services Cloud computing is being embraced by businesses of all sizes. As consumers, we first got to interact with public clouds (like Google Docs). Then we experienced private clouds which gave companies the safety and restricted access that they needed. We also see hybrid clouds that give a bit of both, allowing users access to specified areas of a cloud. Today, we see companies of all sizes, and in all industries, using the cloud to cut costs, to backup files and information, as well as for specific management functions (Deloitte, 2014). As we see more users utilizing clouds – perhaps we will be seeing a shift in focus from actual devices to the services that can be offered by different companies. |
1. Wear Your Device We see it everywhere, smart watches, smart glasses and more- taking the term mobility to an even higher level (EY, 2014). Consumers want information now, and as conveniently as possible. This change in needs is being reflected in the products being offered (KPMG, 2014). Now, a user can do a whole lot without even carrying their devices in their pocket – all they need to do is wear it. |
References
EY (2014) Six global trends shaping the business world [online], available:
http://www.ey.com/GL/en/Issues/Business-environment/Six-global-trends-shaping-the-business- world---Rapid-technology-innovation-creates-a-smart--mobile-world
Ngak, C. (2013) 10 Technology Trends to Watch in 2014 [online], available:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-technology-trends-to-watch-2014/
Deloitte (2014) Tech Trends 2014: Inspiring Disruption [online], available:
http://www2.deloitte.com/za/en/pages/technology/topics/Tech-Trends-2014.html
KPMG (2014) Big Technology Trends for 2014 [online], available:
http://www.kpmg.com/za/en /issuesandinsights/articlespublications/general-industries-
publications/pages/big-technology-trends-for-2014.aspx
EY (2014) Six global trends shaping the business world [online], available:
http://www.ey.com/GL/en/Issues/Business-environment/Six-global-trends-shaping-the-business- world---Rapid-technology-innovation-creates-a-smart--mobile-world
Ngak, C. (2013) 10 Technology Trends to Watch in 2014 [online], available:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-technology-trends-to-watch-2014/
Deloitte (2014) Tech Trends 2014: Inspiring Disruption [online], available:
http://www2.deloitte.com/za/en/pages/technology/topics/Tech-Trends-2014.html
KPMG (2014) Big Technology Trends for 2014 [online], available:
http://www.kpmg.com/za/en /issuesandinsights/articlespublications/general-industries-
publications/pages/big-technology-trends-for-2014.aspx