Technology Trends to Watch in 2021

It’s become a cliche to refer to 2020 as a year like no other, but time and again the unprecedented circumstances of the past year have revealed new ways we’ve had to change and adapt.

For your business, you’ve weathered some of the hardest months you may ever face as a professional and/or a business owner, and we know it would be a relief to have an idea of what to expect in the coming year. That’s why we’re gathering some of the trends to watch heading into 2021 that may shape the IT world, and how it applies to how you’ll be doing business in a (hopefully) post-pandemic society.

While we won’t be able to predict everything that your business will face from an IT perspective in 2021, we can shed light on some areas to keep your eye on.

“Normal” has changed for everyone

Throughout the pandemic, there’s been a hunger for normalcy and hope to return to a more stable and predictable way of life. Whether that’s a return to pre-pandemic life or establishing some sort of “new normal”, people across the country and the world have been grasping for some semblance of stability.

In the information technology world, there may be fewer obstacles concerning COVID-19 with news of a vaccine on the way. But rather than try to create hard and fast rules to return to the structure you were forced to scrap because of the pandemic, instead consider creating a more flexible and resilient architecture and workflow that can change when the situation requires it. This could be an opportunity to wipe the slate clean for your business’s operating systems and introduce new technology options as long term solutions.

Working through the Cloud is essential

One of the biggest changes to the way we do business in 2020 has been the introduction to working from home, working through the Cloud has been essential in making this a success for so many businesses. When creating new applications and operating systems, companies will now be more likely to have a cloud-first perspective when it comes to building or upgrading IT infrastructure. Not only does this prepare companies to be ready if or when a similar situation arises again, but there can also now be more options to create workflow systems that best fit a company’s circumstances.

New technologies have emerged for business solutions

While so much of the world was confined to their homes, it became easy to see the importance of technology for your business. So rather than have technology play a supporting role in your daily operations, it is instead the driver in reaching your business objectives.

Platforms like Zoom are now commonplace for day-to-day work, emphasizing the new reality that work can be completed anywhere and at any time. A new openness to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence may open the door for even more new tools to strengthen your IT strategy and more forward-thinking business strategies as a whole.

New regulations could shake up the tech world

Regulating the tech world is top of mind for lawmakers in Washington, and many of which could be positive or negative for your business. It means, however, that companies should be aware of how local, state, and federal government officials view potential threats, harm, and abuse to the public that may come from technology within their industry.

The way to get ahead of possible changes is to be up-to-date on if or when such regulations are a possibility and to prepare accordingly. Knowledge is indeed power in this situation, so be sure to keep abreast of how new regulations can impact your business.

Increased emphasis on cybersecurity

According to the World Economic Forum, business leaders in advanced economies view cyber-attacks as the second greatest global risk behind only fiscal crises. Cybercrime is an ever-increasing threat to your business, especially to your cloud services. As you move more and more of your infrastructure to the cloud, the security of those assets must be on the top of your list.

Added security measures like multi-factor authentication may also become more commonplace as an added layer of protection for your network. These extra levels of security may seem like an annoyance, but they’re going a long way to keep your data and network safe.

Technology changes for the healthcare industry

Few industries have been forced to become as innovative during the coronavirus pandemic as the technology sector of the health care industry. However, this has opened the door for several major advancements, including telehealth and cloud-stored data.

From an IT perspective, healthcare providers will want to consider implementing new methods for not only providing care for patients virtually but to consult with other physicians and specialists as well.

Buzzwords to watch

Here are some of the terms you’ll likely start hearing more and more in 2021.

• 5G: This new cellular networking signal will have a tremendous impact on platform potential.

• Remote workforce: This was the situation for many companies when the pandemic began, but it’s difficult to predict which companies will maintain this work structure.

• Social engineering: Cybercriminals are creating attacks that use personal data to appear to be legitimate, leading to identity theft or additional data harvesting.

• Sustainability: In a growing trend, many tech companies are prioritizing that their products and their operations have a minimal negative impact on the environment.

Managed IT no matter what the new year holds

After a year like no other, it’s difficult to predict what will happen in 2021. For your business, we understand how important it is to prepare and be able to gain an advantage while your competitors get left behind. Working with an elite managed service provider for your IT needs is a great way to keep up with the latest tech trends, changes, and developments that can help you continue growing your business. At Elemental Technology Solutions, we understand the unique needs of your industry and we know how to provide difference-making solutions for the uncertainties ahead.

If you are ready to provide elite customer service, save money for your business, and increase your efficiency, it’s time to seek out a Tennessee-based managed IT provider. Elemental Technology Solutions handles all facets of your IT infrastructure, including IT support, voice solutions, network security, and compliance. ETS serves a wide range of industries, including banks and financial institutions, and healthcare-related organizations. Contact our Nashville or Knoxville, Tennessee, managed IT offices today to find out how to improve your company’s bottom line, free yourself of recruitment hassles, and increase the agility of your organization. Reach us online or by calling (888) 499-5898.