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New technology trends and technological advancements are announced all the time. Still, it’s always fun at the end of the year to look ahead and predict what trends will happen in the coming year. 2021 saw many companies struggling to adapt to changes in the world brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll continue to see some of those challenges into next year, but we’ll also see some growth and advances in some exciting technology areas. Let’s look at seven of those technology trends.
Smart Gadgets
Smart gadgets are no longer a fantastical feature of sci-fi books and films. More and more companies are launching smart products from lamps to appliances, doorbells, and even articles of clothing. Whether you want lights that turn on and off according to your work schedule, a bathing suit that detects the UV power of the sun, or a fridge that produces its own shopping list, smart gadgets are increasingly filling our lives. Smart devices can help make tasks easier, more efficient, and help save your company money. We recommend watching the smart device space for more affordable options as well as increased network security settings.
Multi-Factor Authentication
We mention password security quite often on this blog because it continues to be a common vulnerability for businesses. It’s good to see that multi-factor authentication (MFA) continues to grow in popularity and will continue to increase its presence across platforms and applications into 2022. If your company does not have an MFA policy in place, we recommend creating one for 2022 to protect your business and employees from phishing scams.
Password-less Authentication Using Biometrics
One step beyond multi-factor authentication is eliminating the need for passwords altogether. Going passwordless doesn’t mean leaving accounts with protection, but instead using biometric authentication such as fingerprints, voice recognition, facial recognition, or retina scans to verify the user. For any company, switching to biometric authentication can help prevent the risk of cyberattacks.
Supply Chain Shortage
Unfortunately, the supply chain shortages that began to impact global businesses in 2021 will continue to have an impact into 2022. The technology sector has especially felt the impact due to shortages in computer chips and other hardware necessary to build electronic devices. We advise companies and our customers to be aware that new electronic orders will experience delays far into the coming year.
Remote Work Technology
With so many workers continuing to work remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tech companies are focusing on creating and launching remote-work-centered technology. Communication platforms, project collaboration tools, virtual meeting software, and more will continue to expand and improve to accommodate the global demand for online business tools. If your business works remotely or in a hybrid style, watch for new tools and improvements on existing ones to help make managing your team easier.
AI Usage and Ethical Discussion
Artificial Intelligence or AI will see an increase in usage in the coming year. And with the expanded use of AI will come continued discussion on how to use AI ethically. With AI technology popping up across sectors from shipping to manufacturing to health care and social media, the landscape of using AI for good will likely dominate the debates in the coming year. Whether your business uses AI or not, you will encounter the tech in your everyday experience as an individual.
VR & AR in Online Shopping
The Swedish furniture company, IKEA, has launched a virtual reality showroom that allows customers to view their homes as a backdrop for items in the IKEA catalog. Using the virtual reality app, shoppers can browse different looks from home, getting a sense of which type of couch or which pattern of cushions will look best in their living room without having to go to the store. Watch for other companies launching similar shopping experiences from everything to furniture, to flooring, to clothing.
What Do These Technology Trends Mean for Your Small Businesses?
While not all of these trends directly apply to small businesses, you should still be aware of the trends so you’ll be able to collaborate and adapt to the changing business landscape. VR & AR might not be a practical shift for your company in 2022, but it may be in the near future.
Technology Advice for Small Business in Edmonton
Do you have questions about who technology can help make your business more productive, efficient, and profitable? Get in touch with our experts here at Alt-Tech Inc. We can help with developing device policies, infrastructure design, and complete IT management.
