Blockchain, machine learning, robotics, artificial intelligence and wireless technologies are among the top tech trends that will reshape businesses in 2018.
This is according to a report detailing the top IT predictions for 2018, published by Dimension Data. According to the report, Blockchain, together with artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and virtual and augmented reality (AR), have the potential to deliver disruptive outcomes and reshape digital business in 2018.
Dimension Data predicts the top trend for the coming year is the adoption of blockchain - the technology behind Bitcoin - which the company says has great potential to disrupt and transform businesses, and society using a variety of applications.
"Blockchain has immense potential to disrupt and transform the world of money, business, and society. Companies that have not started the digital investment cycle in blockchain, AI, machine learning, robotics, VR and AR are at high risk of being disrupted," notes the report.
Ettienne Reinecke, group chief technology officer at Dimension Data, says blockchain has gone from strength to strength. "Last year, when we looked at the top digital business trends for 2017, we predicted that centralised transaction models would come under attack. We were spot on. In the financial services sector, we've seen the US and European capital markets moving onto blockchain platforms, and similar activity in markets such as Japan."
In 2018, some interesting applications of blockchain and Internet of things (IOT) in the area of cyber security will emerge, reveals Dimension Data.
"In the world of IOT you're generating millions of small transactions that are being collected from a distributed set of sensors. It's not feasible to operate these systems using a centralised transactional model: it's too slow, expensive, and exclusive. To extract the true value from IOT technology you have to be able to operate in real time. Blockchain will assist in lowering the cost of the transaction, making it near-zero or free," explains Reinecke.
Another exciting trend to look forward to in 2018, adds Dimension Data, is the boom in new wireless technologies that will enable IOT and bring organisations a step closer to the dream of pervasive connectivity. Some of these advancements will include 5G and Gbps WiFi, new controls, virtual beacon technology, and low power, long distance radio frequency.
At the beginning of October, Gartner released a report highlighting the top strategic technology trends that will impact most organisations in 2018 - blockchain, intelligent things, AI systems and edge cloud computing were among the list of top tech trends.
"2018 will seeblockchain evolving from a digital currency infrastructure into a platform for digital transformation. AI techniques are evolving rapidly and organisations will need to invest significantly in skills, processes and tools to successfully exploit these techniques and build AI-enhanced systems. Investment areas can include data preparation, integration, algorithm and training methodology selection, and model creation. Multiple constituencies including data scientists, developers and business process owners will need to work together."
Business incubator, Raizcorp's list of digital trends for 2018 include augmented reality, high-quality videos and personalised digital content: "Augmented reality is often associated with gaming; however, more and more brands are using it to offer their audiences a more unique and emotional user experience," notes the company.
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