TechTheDay

Gartner, one of the leading American information technology research and advisory firms, has already released its annual list of top tech trends or strategic technologies that will likely be dominating the next year or at least become more popular. This list was presented by Gartner analyst David Cearley at the company’s yearly Symposium/ITxpo.

The following are the technologies believed to become more prevalent in the next year. They don’t seem to be that different to tech products anticipated for 2014.

1. Omnipresent Computing

This means the more widespread use of computing technologies, the integration of computers with a wide variety of things including unexpected appliances that get equipped with parts that make them worthy of the “smart” tag. The world is already enjoying the conveniences of having smart TVs, smart watches, smart appliances, and a number of other things labeled “smart” because of their computing capabilities. Next year, more of these smart things are expected to become available to typical consumers.

2. Internet of Things

This is one tech trend that has already been in existence this year or even in the years before. However, Gartner believes its growth (or perhaps maturity?) will continue in the next year and companies are expected to come up with new ideas to develop uses for connected devices and sensors. TSMC, one of Taiwan’s largest companies, has developed a new ultra low power platform for the Internet of Things, and this is expected to become of greater use in the next year.

3. 3D Printing

Again, this is a technology that has become quite popular this year. Well, the technology has already been in existence since 1984 but as the tech matures and as more 3D products become available in the year ahead, it is expected to become more popular and more accessible. The costs are also becoming more affordable so many users are expected to benefit from this technology.

4. Advanced and Invisible Analytics

If you think the way Google has been recording and analyzing your activities online is worrying enough, be ready for even more advanced, pervasive, and unnoticeable analytics in the future. These are mostly intended for advertising and marketing purposes but other applications may also emerge. Of note, every app installed on your mobile device is potentially an analytics tool so you should no longer be surprised how analytics in different types and forms will be manifesting in the future.

5. Context Rich Systems

Smart bands, smart watches, and mobile applications are becoming popular and they seek to know their users more intimately to become useful in a personalized way. These facilitate the development of systems that behave more intuitively, based on patterns of use. Examples of these context rich systems that are already in use at present are the automatic launching of music players when airphones are plugged in and the changing of modes (general, silent, outdoor, etc) depending on location. There are more of these to be expected in the future.

6. Smart Machines

The idea here is closely related to item number one but it seems Gartner wants to emphasize how “smart” devices will become even more popular in the future. Gartner also lists smart cars and autonomous trucks under this tech trend.

7. Cloud and Client Computing

Yes, this tech trend already exists this year and even last year or the year before last. Gartner, however, believes that the technology will continue progressing and gaining more adopters. Hopefully, next year, cloud and client computing become more reliable especially in terms of privacy and security. Nobody wants to see cloud computing being exploited to hack wireless networks.

8. Software Defined Applications and Infrastructure

This tech trend will most probably not be noticeable to typical users of consumer electronics and other tech products. For Gartner, however, this is expected to address IT’s need to be able to dynamically assemble infrastructure, the need to veer away from hard-coded and predefined elements.

9. Web-Scale IT

This is like the counterpart of “globalization” in the Internet world. Eventually, companies will have to adopt more comprehensive IT solutions instead of staying secluded in their own networks, systems, and technologies. This will mean bigger risks but will also entail a good deal of benefits especially in terms of collaboration, faster data access, analytics, and systems compatibility.

10. Emphasis on Security

As digital and Internet technologies cover almost all aspects of human life, it is only expected that security will given even greater priority. Digital and online threats are unlikely going to stop so new solutions will have to be developed to address various forms of risks in using computers, mobile devices, smart machines, and other products that involve computing technology and web connectivity.

Again, there’s nothing new in the trends listed here. Most Internet users may have already used or at least encountered these. However, it is safe to expect that months from now, these technologies will improve further and offer more conveniences and advantages.