Artificial Intelligence
We are increasingly coming into contact with artificial intelligence (AI) in ways that many take for granted. We use it on a daily basis. Just think of Siri, Netflix recommendations, self-driving cars, video games and chatbots.
In 2023, AI will also become a reality for organisations. Thanks to no-code AI, any business will be able to harness that power to create more intelligent products and services. AI is also making it easier for consumers to pay for and receive goods and services.
Sustainable technology
Technology has a big impact on the environment. Therefore, the IT world needs to take steps to change this, and the solution is sustainable technology. The technology companies use today, including user equipment, data centres and networks, is responsible for tremendous greenhouse gas emissions. Worldwide, it is mandatory for IT companies to reduce their carbon footprint and empower positive climate action throughout the organisation. They need to transform, by adopting sustainable technology. This goes beyond just making fundamental changes to consumption habits and working methods. They need to embrace sustainable technology and ensure that all employees support the change. Bechtle has a sustainability strategy for 2030, with objectives established from an environmental, economic and social perspective. Are you curious about Bechtle's future in terms of sustainability? Read more about Bechtle's Sustainability Strategy 2030 here.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is undergoing ridiculously rapid growth. In 2019 there were ±26 billion devices installed worldwide. IoT, like AI, is everywhere in the modern world. Each person had an average of four devices in 2020, and by 2030 this is predicted to be as many as fifteen. So it is no surprise that Internet of Things is also a trend for businesses.
Today, IoT devices are mainly found in smart homes: smart lights, refrigerators, thermostat, doorbell, etc. Also very popular are wearable technologies such as activity trackers. Cities are using IoT technologies as well, for purposes such as traffic and waste management, urban safety monitoring and water distribution.
The main concern when it comes to IoT is security. Hacks, data breaches and information leaks are all issues that IoT users have to deal with. The problem with these devices is that most are not equipped with security features. Users are well advised to take extra security measures and steps to ensure that this technology remains user-friendly and enjoyable.
Cybersecurity is a trend that will probably be with us forever. After all, new types of cyber threats are being discovered every day. As long as we continue to use the internet, new threats will continue to rear their ugly heads, which means the cybersecurity industry will always be growing.
At present, there is still much room for improvement: it takes an average of six months for a new data breach to be discovered. That is far too long, and improvement in this area is sorely needed. On the other hand, as a result of new technological developments we are also seeing cybersecurity improvements today – to combat deepfakes and open source vulnerabilities, for example. Advances are also being made in the areas of blockchain security, homomorphic encryption and zero-knowledge proofs.
2023 will be an economically challenging year for businesses. Organisations will have to look for ways to cut costs and improve performance. To ensure their solutions deliver the anticipated business value, they will continue to monitor KPIs and other standards. If solutions do not produce the right results, they will have to make refinements and leverage measurement data to improve them. Proper performance optimisation can ultimately lead to improved efficiency and greater productivity.