IT is always evolving, especially in 2021. We have seen a digital revolution that will continue to sweep through the industry this coming year. The rapid rate of technology is continuing to evolve at is enabling faster change and progress. However, it is not only technology trends and top technologies evolving, a lot more has changed this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19, making IT professionals realize that their role will not stay the same in the contactless world tomorrow. Knowing this, it’s important for IT professionals to stay current on the latest trends, constantly be learning, unlearning, and relearning what will be important to their future work. Here’s a look at what you can expect this year and ways to help your career.
1. Industrial IoT
Industrial IoT is recognized as the most widely adopted use case for edge computing. The needs and requirements of the modern industrial systems are clear drivers in these technologies’ success and growth. Many describe this digital transformation as a 4th Industrial Revolution. And engineers in the current age need to be aware of how IoT is changing their workplace and the future’s businesses.
2. Machine Learning
Machine learning and, on an even deeper level, Deep Learning are two trends that are making big waves in an industry already primed for transformation. Machine learning is widely used in data centers, and deep learning is being explored as a tool to reduce the amount of data propagated back to data centers. Applications such as image, video, and audio recognition are already being deployed for various verticals to help engineers and networks analyze a wealth of information quickly and more effectively.
3. Digital Currency
From Bitcoin to Ethereum, Litecoin to Dash, digital currencies have quickly become commonly traded currencies. And despite fluctuations in value, they are forecast to continue to grow in use and value. This will result in a growing need for cyber-security to protect trades and enable other technologies, including storage, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. Everything is connected, so even if you find yourself in a position with little to nothing to do with digital currencies, understanding how they are shifting the market is important.
4. Blockchain
Peer-to-peer computing (including the rise of Bitcoin) has driven the growth of blockchain technology, which is changing engineering. It’s clear that an increase in companies delivering blockchain products is on the horizon, but even existing IT, heavyweights are entering the market too. As an engineer, it’s important to know how Blockchain could impact your products and your market.
5. AR/VR
Gaming AR and VR gadgets have come on to the scene in a big way, but it’s not just fun and games that this technology can provide. User interfaces are changing. Think about how 3D projections and movement detection might influence your work. As more individuals start using these devices, more information about those individuals is being collected. This inevitably will lead to interesting changes in terms of privacy and cybersecurity as well. But the technology itself is still being developed and will change how work is done now and in the near future.
Stay Current in Your IT Career
Connect with the team at ESGI today to learn more about staying current in the fast-paced world of IT careers.