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7 IT Trends to Watch out for in 2017

The technology available to business and the individual is growing all the time. So, what trends are IT experts suggesting 2017 will be remembered for?

#1 Internet of Things and Smart Home Technology

We have been hearing about the Internet of Things (IoT) and how connectivity within the home will start to impact on our lives. And yet, so far, we have seen little advances in this ‘interconnectedness’ that we were promised.

The problem, say expert is the vast amount of competition but not enough collaboration between IT smart tech companies. But this will change in 2017, say some pundits, with Google, Amazon and Apple now becoming involved.

#2 Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

There have been major steps in AR and VR in 2016 and the coming year promises just the same. There have been thousands of successful VR apps and games, as well as the success of Pokémon Go, an AR game that got people out on the streets and boasting 100 million downloads.

It sent a clear signal: the market is ready for AR and VR so expect more in 2017.

#3 Machine Learning

Machine learning as a type of artificial intelligence (AI) provides computers with the ability to learn without being programmed. As a result, computer programs will be developed as it is exposed to new data.

Some IT pundits are suggesting that throughout 2017, this will become an integral part of even more applications, cementing itself as the ‘new normal’.

#4 Automation

Closely linked to machine learning, automation is already beginning to take over in some industries. Will 2017 be the year that some jobs disappear altogether?

#5 Humanised Big Data

Big data is something we are familiar with – the wholescale collecting of data – but we now have access to it.

This means that for marketers, marketing and promotional campaigns could be better targeted. Everything from healthcare to what kind of food products a customer likes could inform the marketing and adds that they see.

#6 Increased Interaction Between the Physical and the Digital

It’s rare to see anyone without a smart phone or tablet these days. This means increased exposure to all kinds of differing data and information.

Big businesses like Walmart and Amazon are constantly trialling new and faster ways for their customers to find what they want. From dash buttons to products trials and instore maps, what could you introduce to your website that cuts the time between browsing and buying?

#7 On-Demand

IT has evolved and developed in so many ways one of which is the ability to get what we want, when we want it.

But making predictions on the IT industry is difficult. Everything changes so fast that the market can come full circle in a blink of an eye.

What do you think will be the major IT advances that will affect your business? How will you harness the opportunities and shoulder the challenges?