2023 is predicted to be another year of fast movement with technology.
The past few years with the pandemic have seen rapid changes in how we work, and the technology that we use.
IT trends in business will continue to reshape the future of commerce and industries. Not all Northland businesses will be impacted by these changes in 2023, but even at the SME level, they are worth being aware of at the least.
Automation and digitization will make a lot of changes in customer experience plus Artificial Intelligence is continually improving and changing.
Here we share some of the key trends:
- The Internet of Things (IOT)
The Internet of Things continues to grow at a phenomenal rate.
IoT is essentially an ecosystem of devices and technologies connected via the internet that constantly collect and transmit data to be analysed and implemented.
Day-to-day examples of devices that make up part of IoT are smart meters, security cameras, fridges, and AI virtual assistants.
Currently each person has an average of four connected devices. By 2030 it is predicted that we will each have an average of 15 devices.
One of the key focuses for IoT is security as a lot of them are not equipped with the security required right out of the box.
2023 will see an increased focus in developments of the IoT plus a focus on security. Read more about the IoT here
- The Metaverse
2023 will see the Metaverse becoming even more significant. What is the Metaverse you may well ask?
“The Metaverse is like an immersive internet where we’ll be able to work, play, and socialize.”
What does the metaverse mean for businesses? In 2023, it is predicted that the metaverse will create an even more immersive environment for meetings where we can collaborate on projects, meet, work and share even more. We will see the further development of more human looking Avatars, that even have our unique quirks!
- An increase in Artificial Intelligence
In 2023, artificial intelligence will become more real in organizations.
- No-code AI, with its easy drag-and-drop interfaces, will enable people to create more intelligent products and services without necessarily needing to have skilled developers.
- AI-enabled algorithms can do things like recommend products to its customers.
- Contactless, autonomous shopping and delivery will also be a huge trend for 2023.
- AI will make it easier for consumers to pay for and receive goods and services.
- You may have already noticed Outlook and Teams starting to provide virtual assistant services to help you manage your Inbox and work. These services will likely get better and more useful.
- Cyber Security
Less of a trend and more of a continued focus for all of us, Cyber Security will continue to be top of mind as cyber threats become more complex and common.
Smaller businesses with less than 1,000 employees are most likely to be targeted with a prediction that 61% of data breaches will be targeted towards smaller businesses. (source Verizon).
Please be clear – the bigger businesses and organisations are now well protected, and so the criminals have been turning their attention to small businesses who are still lagging when it comes to security measures. The Verizon quote above refers to smaller businesses of less than 1,000 employees, but we do advise our clients to not be complacent, because criminals are actively targeting businesses just like yours.
- Robots are coming:
In 2023, robots will be made to look even more like humans. Elon Musk has already revealed the robots of the future, saying these will be ready to roll out in the next 3-5 years. These robots will begin to be used in the real world with basic roles, whilst also performing more complex tasks in warehouses and factories.
In Summary:
2023 will see a continued increase in advancement in the world of technology.
Ultra IT is keeping an eye on these developments, and especially on those that can add value (at the right cost) to businesses in New Zealand. Our purpose is to help you to leverage technology to support your specific business goals.