Over the past few years, we have seen steady dominance of a few trends in the IT industry. We can expect the same for 2022, and many trends will carry over from this year to the next.
The key IT developments in 2021 were in automation, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. After 2020, changing office models contributed to another wave of transition in the IT industry. In 2022, the significant trends will revolve around office structures and technological innovations.
Today we will focus on six trends that will influence the IT industry innovations, recruitments, and work models in 2022.
What’s Coming for the IT Industry in 2022?
All the prevailing trends have something in common – improving efficiency. But, apart from that, there is also a growing emphasis on cybersecurity. Therefore, the trends we will discuss here have immediate industry application in policymaking and recruitments in 2022 and are no longer theoretical conjectures.
1. Automation Will be Everywhere
Many people today engage with automated technologies without even realising it. From database management to inventory management — the applications of automation span across industries.
Automation will be a significant driver in the IT industry in 2022, as it has been for the past few years. As more and more industries go digital, automation will be necessary to handle massive data sets. “Technologies such as robotic process automation, natural language processing and intelligent document processing will continue to reduce dependence on human labour for subjective tasks”, says Ahmed Zaidi from Accelirate (Forbes).
Small businesses will also adopt automation in regular tasks like accounting and stock management, apart from tech giants. Basic and integrated automation will continue to grow in 2022, while AI automation will perhaps progress the most.
2. Cloud computing
Remote work necessitates cloud computing more than ever. It is unthinkable to function without cloud services with offices spread across the world.
In non-technical sectors, most workers only benefit from cloud storage services and are largely unaware of cloud networking, analytics, security, etc. However, in 2022, cloud computing will expand beyond cloud storage and databases.
Cloud computing will evolve with the increasing drive to make remote work more effective. 2022 will focus on making these solutions more accessible and compatible across platforms. We can also expect to make cloud services more affordable and understandable to large sections of the population.
3. Cybersecurity will be a priority
Another direct consequence of businesses moving online, cybersecurity will be at the forefront of policy making and budget allocation in 2022. According to present data and patterns, companies will cumulatively lose $10.5 trillion to cybercrimes by 2025.
Global efforts from both private enterprises and governments aim to minimise the dangers of cybercrime. As a result, cybersecurity will improve significantly in 2022 and beyond.
Modern cybersecurity software also couple up as anti-money-laundering and compliance solutions. The trend in 2022 will be in integrating these features and bringing them under a single subscription model for ease of access.
4. Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, and NFTs
Cryptocurrencies are no longer a niche sector for computer geeks and social revolutionaries. In 2021, cryptocurrencies have become more institutionalised than ever. Blockchain is already in application in various sectors, from administration to real estate to supply chain monitoring.
The popularity of NFTs is relatively recent but has already shown promise in transforming the way humans handle the question of ownership.
As public interest in digital assets grows, the demand for advanced solutions in these sectors will go up simultaneously. As a result, IT firms will dedicate substantial time and resources to digital asset management and blockchain in 2022.
5. Ethical responsibilities and accountability
The trope of evil tech giants controlling human societies is not without any basis. As people started exposing the unethical practices behind social media designs and features, there has been a simultaneous rise in public awareness regarding the ever-growing yoke of Big Tech.
Popular media’s portrayal (like the documentary The Social Dilemma) is another key contributor, and many people from the IT industry have also addressed this issue.
As a result, both retail users and enterprises are now more cautious about digital services and tools they use. As a result, IT companies will have to pay special attention to social responsibility and legal conduct in 2022.
6. Democratisation of tech
With the advent of low-code/no-code solutions, technology is no longer within restricted walls. Making technology accessible and usable has been a trend for the past few years and will continue to expand in 2022.
The democratisation of tech will also happen through many small enterprises achieving breakthrough developments.
To sum up, 2022 will be a year of automation, improved cybersecurity, digital asset management, cloud computing, and a drive to make technology more transparent and accessible.
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