Tech Trends for 2016

from CCB Tech.com 18 Dec 15 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

Not every tech trend catches on, but looking at upcoming business trends can help prepare us to stay ahead of the curve and not fall behind by sticking with old technologies.
Here are 9 business tech trends coming in 2016 you should know about:

1. Synchronized Network Security, is the first synchronized security platform of its kind. It is the only security platform designed to coordinate a network Firewall with endpoint security, closing gaps in a way that separate security products never could. It works by pulsing real-time security intelligence between the firewall & endpoints – allowing the network to respond instantly to threats or quarantine an infected device – helping businesses eliminate more common security threats than ever.

2. PowerApps. Microsoft expects to see a business app explosion when it makes PowerApps available to the public in 2016. With PowerApps, users can create, share & manage mobile business apps on iOS, Android & Windows devices – while cutting development time from months to days. PowerApps will connect users with their on-prem & cloud data sources to: track inventory data, create business forms, record sales team activity or screen job applicants. It expands on Microsoft’s existing Azure App Service and allows a user to build SaaS & On-premises apps without needing to know how to write programming code.

3D Printing. As they become more advanced, more materials are developed and printer prices drop. 3D printing will impact all industries, especially healthcare. The most exciting future is in medical devices. “It’s absolutely life-altering,” per TechRepublic. 3D printing will speed delivery & cut costs for medical devices and open up new opportunities for customized prosthetics, implants & micro-surgical tools.

4. Better 2-in-1 Tablets. The versatile 2-in-1, which converts from a tablet to a laptop in a matter of seconds, has become increasingly popular in business — especially mobile. With the recent introduction of devices like Microsoft’s Surface Book, or HP’s Elite x2 1012 in late 2015, 2-in-1s are now powerful enough to handle data-heavy graphics & complex computations. Surface Book is being called the ‘ultimate laptop’ for its pixel-packed 13.5-inch screen & class-leading processing power. HP’s Elite x2 1012 boasts enterprise-level security features along with military-grade durability. Expect to see more convertible 2-in-1s from your favorite IT brands that may help make your business more mobile.

5. Cloud Computing reaches the Tipping point. Many businesses have taken advantage of CC for its rapid deployment, scalability, reliability, security features & potential cost savings. Cloud computing will reach a tipping point in 2016, the first year businesses will have more than 50% of their IT infrastructure in the cloud. This is another milestone as SW developers continue to transition away from client-based platforms with heavy up-front costs.

6. Cloud-enabled Real-time communication. As business demands for real-time communications like audio & video conferencing, instant messaging Voice over IP (VoIP) & unified messaging have grown, many companies like Cisco, Digium, Microsoft, UNIFY & ShoreTel have stepped up to meet the demand. Microsoft recently announced its new Office 365 E5 plan with new features including Skype for Business Meeting Broadcast, PSTN Conferencing & Cloud PBX with PSTN Calling.

7. Machine Learning, is a type of artificial intelligence that gives computers the ability to automatically learn and make intelligent data-driven decisions. Advancements in artificial intelligence & processing power will enable Virtual Assistants to help researchers compile data, detect patterns & anticipate future events. More businesses will use machine learning to better market their products & services by anticipating what they might need next. Voice recognition SW like Cortana & Siri will get better at recognizing you by the sound of their voice, and provide advanced security authentication to users.

8. Big Data. Information-hungry businesses are collecting lots of data from mobile phones, online shopping, social media, & smart sensors – among others – and they are looking for ways to poke, prod & pick it apart to un-earth any competitive advantage. Advanced analytics platforms – especially user-friendly ones – will play a huge role in that. Microsoft launched Power BI (their cloud-based business intelligence platform), in July as part of its Office 365 suite, making it easier for users to crunch numbers, gain insights & display data in user-friendly ways, like dashboards, datasets & reports.

9. Internet of Things. Improvements in Bluetooth technology will bring about an IoT device explosion. IoT devices already help businesses regulate manufacturing processes, track shipping, monitor the environment & record human activity. New Bluetooth devices will have 4x the range, 2x as fast data transfer, & have the ability to mesh with other devices on the network while using the same low-power levels they do today. By 2016 Gartner Research predicts 6.4 billion devices will be connected to the internet – with 5.5 million new ‘things’ joining them each day.

Comments: Do you know of any Trends you are impressed with?