A few weeks ago, I had the honor of leading one of the conversations at Gartner Symposium/ITxpo in Orlando. Considered one of the most important events in the technology market, the event delivered content with the authority and weight of the world’s leading IT research and advisory organizations, and provides access to the latest solutions from key technology providers. Stefanini had a very strong presence this year, participating in several speaking sessions where we launched Sophie 3.0, the latest version of our cognitive virtual assistant, and covered topics, including digital banking and disruption in tech transformation.
“AI in the form of automated things and augmented intelligence is being used together with IoT, edge computing and digital twins to deliver highly integrated smart spaces.”
David Cearley, Vice President and Gartner Fellow in Gartner Research
Like every year, one of the most highly anticipated announcements is Gartner’s predictions for the top 10 technology trends. For 2019, Gartner highlighted:
1. Autonomous Things
2. Augmented Analytics
3. AI-Driven Development
4. Digital Twins
5. Empowered Edge
6. Immersive Experience
7. Blockchain
8. Smart Spaces
9. Digital Ethics and Privacy
10. Quantum Computing
With artificial intelligence becoming increasingly popular these days, it’s no surprise that autonomous things, augmented analytics, and AI-driven development made the list. In order to stay on the disruptive path to innovation, organizations must consider the benefits of AI because it’s facilitating many of our day-to-day tasks and will create future jobs. What’s even greater is the combination of AI with other disruptive technologies. David Cearley, VP and Gartner fellow, mentioned that “artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of automated things and augmented intelligence is being used together with IoT, edge computing and digital twins to deliver highly integrated smart spaces.”
While blockchain is still in its beginning stages, it’s a no-brainer that the technology will gain popularity within the next year. This means that IT professionals must educate themselves on blockchain technology and explore how its benefits will impact their organization. In addition, IT leaders should keep a close eye on quantum computing, which is another rising technology that seems to be developing quickly. According to Cearley, “most organizations should learn about and monitor QC through 2022 and perhaps exploit it from 2023 or 2025.” Furthermore, the user experience will be fully immersed with technologies such as augmented, virtual, and mixed reality. Lastly, with these technologies potentially coming to the forefront next year, it’s expected that digital ethics and privacy will become a major priority for organizations.
The year 2019 will be an exciting time for technology! Since no one knows what the “next big thing” will be in the world of technology, it’s best that organizations start monitoring the above technological trends sooner rather than later.
*Spencer Gracias is CEO of Stefanini North America and Asia-Pacific.
