3 Important Tech Development Trends and Predictions

Technology development is an industry that reshapes every other industry. To stay ahead, keep an eye on the next big shift. Here are three trends worth watching.

1. Increased IT and data security

After a wave of high-profile breaches, data security is now essential. From Q2 2016 to Q2 2018, 79% of managed service providers reported ransomware attacks on SMBs, and 92% expect attacks to continue or worsen. The response: more penetration testing, software audits, risk analysis, stronger encryption and end-user security training — many companies are opening security departments or outsourcing to specialists.

2. Blockchain application

If earlier years were about exploring blockchain, the shift is toward applying it: smart contracts that execute automatically to improve auditing and record-keeping; security tokens and data-privacy use cases; and Blockchain-as-a-Service from the likes of Amazon and Microsoft, letting startups build blockchain-powered products without managing the infrastructure.

3. Mixed reality (VR + AR)

Combining virtual and augmented reality opens uses far beyond gaming — military and employee training, retail, logistics, fashion and personalised customer experiences. The AR/VR headset market grew to 8.9 million units and was projected to reach 65.9 million by 2022. As phones grow more capable, mixed reality is likely to become part of daily life.

What matters most is how you capitalise on and adapt to each new shift — that’s what determines success.