As 2018 approaches we wanted to look forward, and share what is being predicted for the world of business tech in the new year, and the affect these will have on local companies.

Internet of Things

There seems no doubt that the Internet of Things (IoT) will be one of the emerging technologies during 2018, with one survey revealing that 55.5% of businesses are identifying IoT as a priority investment area for their company in the next year.

The IoT encompasses smart, connected products like smart phones, watches and even cars. All these devices are constantly gathering data, connecting to other devices and sharing that data – all without human intervention. With the IHS predicting that there will be 75 billion connected devices by 2020.

We currently work with customers who monitor devices all over the world to provide both insights to services and to manage data. For those organisations looking to expand their existing data footprint, improve integration across systems or review productivity and efficiencies, IoT is the next logical step.

Cyber Security

As with every year, there will be changes in the threat landscape. Cyber security risk will increase exponentially as people, processes and businesses continue to connect every part of our lives.

Key trends expected in 2018 include: -

• An increase in ransomware as a disruptive or destructive attack
• Exfiltration of data from Cloud platforms will rise
• The use of Artificial Intelligence will emerge

Attackers will evolve with new technologies, so the best approach for businesses is to have layered defences in place, as well as an insurance policy in the form of disaster recovery strategies.

Artificial Intelligence

A recent survey by Gartner identified that 59% of organisations are still gathering information to build their AI strategies.

This hike in AI capabilities has been made possible by the massive increases in data and computing power.

Companies are moving towards AI tools, not just because of its popularity, but the ability for organisations to enhance decision making, improve the customer experience and reinvent their existing business models. As AI develops its use in analytics and decision making, it will not just be for large organisations but SMEs too.

Cloud Technology & Business Needs

As we approach the end of 2017, we are finding that business customers are no longer enchanted by what the Cloud can do. They fully understand it and accept it as their primary IT strategy for the future, but yet the selling of Cloud as ‘the place to be’ is leaving customers jaded.

This will create even more competition amongst vendors as they scramble to differentiate their offerings, as the realities of the Cloud including costs and limitations are highlighted.

As customers become even more educated, vendors will need to demonstrate an understanding of their customers’ business, their industries and of their aims to become highly capable digital enterprises.

Looking Ahead

The pace of technological change can be overwhelming for businesses, and in particular the demand to always adopt the next big thing to appear ‘relevant’.

Whatever 2018 brings, we like to think that our moto ‘making technology useful’ for businesses, stands firm. Whilst consumer tech does have a fashion element to it, we believe business tech has to offer strong operational gains.

We would like to end the year by wishing all our customers, old and new, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.