IT
The relentless pace of new innovations in IT has shown no signs of slowing down in recent years. 2018 will undoubtedly see the same progress and below are some of the trends we are set to see dominating.
GDPR AND DATA PROTECTION
With the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation on 25th May 2018 every organisation and individual who gathers, retains, processes and accesses personal data will have to comply with the requirements of the Regulation. GDPR means those dealing with personal data must have in place robust systems to acquire, process, store and access it. This will mean new digital processing and security systems.
As companies and other bodies review existing arrangements and look for advice and reassurance, the world of IT consultancy is pushing its wares. From simple advice to system overhauls and additions to complete new systems of data management and security, we can expect to see a hefty trade expanding throughout the year.
INTERNET OF THINGS
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been around for several years. 2018 likely see it really begin to alter the ways in which many companies and even individuals function. IoT has crept into many public everyday routines from remotely linking communications devices such as smart phones with cars, cameras with PCs, mobile devices with printers and a host of others through internet cloud applications to making the whole way in which companies work radically different.
Linking everything possible through the IoT from factory hardware such as conveyer belts, cutting machines and other tools to sensors and other data-gathering media will offer an overwhelming amount of data to help fuel analytics, quality assurance and marketing decisions. The technical requirements necessary to process and make best use of this massive amount of data will present new challenges which will undoubtedly make a serious impact upon IT trends in 2018.
SMART HOMES
IoT makes possible the linking of many domestic devices. Central heating thermostats, refrigerators, lights, locks, blinds and other domestic appliances can all be accessed through the IoT, collecting data that can be used to control environmental circumstances remotely. IoT will enable individuals to link their domestic appliances through the internet to allow more personalised and efficient functioning and accessibility from remote devices away from their base location. It will no longer be necessary to be at home to control it.
VIRTUAL REALITY
VR is set to receive a big boost in 2018 due to the football World Cup. Major television companies are investing in VR to enhance viewers’ experience of matches. This will almost certainly further the popularity of VR. Public receptivity to VR is likely to be heavily increased by use of VR in video gaming.
NET NEUTRALITY
The internet is a significant part of our world and any major changes could potentially have serious impact upon all of us. In 2017 the Federal Communications Commission voted to dismiss the rules of a law introduced during President Obama’s administration and designed to protect what is referred to as “Net Neutrality”. Net Neutrality is of major significance to every internet user. It was designed to ensure that all content available on the internet is delivered without bias by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Under the rules of net neutrality there should be no interference to access from an ISP providing an internet connection. This means everyone should technically get the same kind of access to the internet. Without Net Neutrality ISPs can choose to slow down the speed available to access certain websites or make them more difficult to access directly without the user paying a charge. This favours those who can pay for higher speeds and hassle-free access, giving large companies a distinct advantage over smaller or single-operator businesses. For the private individual accessing streamed films, for example, could be made much more difficult without Net Neutrality rules being applied. ISPs could also censor content they allow access to.
2018 will see much debate and legal argument over the future role of Net Neutrality.
DRIVERLESS AND CONNECTED CARS
We are told that the age of the driverless car is rapidly approaching. Computer-controlled vehicles linked through IoT to every relevant device, sensor and application imaginable will apparently significantly reduce road traffic accidents if not completely eradicate them.
Highly-automated cars will change the way we travel, but there are also benefits to be had from IoT connected vehicles. Tyre pressures and wear can be monitored, as can miles travelled, average mpg and other statistics that may interest and assist the driver.
By IT Force.