Each year, new trends and advancements emerge across all industries. This is especially true for the fast-paced technology field, a sector that sees impressive growth and countless new developments throughout each 12-month cycle. For companies looking to maintain a competitive edge in 2020, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest tech news and trends.

To help you prepare for what’s to come in the new year, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight technology trends to watch for in 2020. Let’s take a closer look!

1. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT provides businesses and individuals with unparalleled convenience and the ability to stay connected virtually anywhere. Over the past several years, IoT technology has begun emerging in almost every facet of life. This will continue to be a trend in 2020, as well as into the foreseeable future. You’ll likely see IoT continue to expand with previously unthought-of applications.

While this trend grows, hackers will likely continue to target less secure devices. Therefore, you should prioritize following cybersecurity best practices to ensure your data is protected at every access point. Educating yourself on current and emerging security issues is also imperative if you want to use these tools safely.

2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA represents one of the many ways that jobs are becoming automated across all industries. This technology uses software to streamline a variety of business processes, such as managing transactions, handling data, reviewing applications, and more. And while many people fear that RPA will replace the millions of positions that handle these tasks, this isn’t necessarily the case. Rather, it will create countless new jobs while giving existing workers more time to focus on other responsibilities.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence is being adopted in offices and homes across the world to help increase productivity and efficiency. Common consumer applications of AI include smartphone personal assistants, navigation apps, and streaming services. Artificial Intelligence is also used to help businesses improve their energy efficiency, assess business risks, and more.

While AI is skyrocketing in popularity, there are some concerns as to how secure these networks are and whether providers are allowed to keep the data that is collected from devices. This is an ongoing issue that you should stay current on if you use AI applications for sensitive data.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Over the past several years, Virtual Reality has become increasingly popular in the gaming industry. This technology immerses players in the game’s environment, completely revolutionizing standard gameplay. Similar to VR, Augmented Reality enhances the user’s existing environment, adding images, animations, and other elements. However, these technologies aren’t just for gaming – they have the potential to revolutionize a variety of industries, providing a unique way to train employees, entertain customers, market new products, and more.

5. Machine Learning

Numerous industries are using machine learning technology, a subset of AI, to streamline business processes. This technology allows computers and other devices to complete tasks they’re not programmed to do, using patterns and data to learn. While this might seem like a revolution that will eliminate jobs, it’s actually creating more opportunities for highly skilled labor in these fields. As machine learning takes over more manual processes, we’ll see a decrease in some entry-level responsibilities, but an increase in positions within the technology field.

There are a few key things to keep in mind if your company is looking to adopt machine learning technology in 2020. First, you’ll likely have to create new skilled labor positions, such as machine learning engineers, developers, researchers, and more. You’ll also need to make a larger investment into technology; however, because machine learning streamlines manual processes, this investment will be well worth it, with exponential ROI.

6. Edge Computing Is on the Rise

With cloud-based computing continuing to increase in use, edge computing has begun to emerge as a way to address and solve the issues that the cloud often presents. Specifically, it’s a way to mitigate latency and increase the speed in which data travels to data centers. Edge computing is especially effective for processing time-sensitive information in areas with little to no connectivity to a centralized location. In 2020, we expect edge computing to become more commonplace, especially as more and more individuals and businesses begin to use IoT devices.

7. Blockchain Technology

In recent years, blockchain has been used alongside cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, this technology provides a layer of security that may be useful for many other applications. Blockchain is best described as data that can only be added to, not taken away from or altered in any way. This “chain” of data is highly secure, making blockchain technology a valuable asset in a variety of industries. Therefore, if your company deals with sensitive information on a regular basis, consider implementing blockchain into your data protection processes.

8. Cybersecurity for Businesses and Individuals

While cybersecurity is far from new, it will continue to evolve and adapt throughout 2020 and beyond. This is, in part, due to the fact that digital threats are constantly changing, with new scams, viruses, and cyberattacks arising almost daily. As technology evolves, hackers will, too, continuing to find ways to sidestep security measures and gain access to your sensitive data. Therefore, businesses and individuals will have to update and maintain their data security protocols and stay current on emerging threats throughout the new year.

While this may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. There are a variety of steps that homeowners and businesses can take to better protect their information in 2020. For example, if you own a company, you may want to invest in Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) services that can alert you of any security issues within your IT infrastructure.

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