New Year equals new tech trends and 2012 is certainly no exception. It is sometimes difficult to predict exactly how the fast-moving B2B tech market will develop. However, there are a few areas in which the media ‘buzz’ rapidly picked up in the latter part of last year and which are likely to see increased journalist interest in 2012.
Big data – many big businesses are struggling to handle the sheer volume of digital information being received from existing and new sources such as social media or sensor networks. As a result, there has been a massive increase in interest in big data analytics and the opportunities it creates.
It is likely that companies will realise that existing systems can’t adequately support their requirements. Instead, they’ll look at a creating an enterprise data warehouse to bring together information from a wide range of structured and unstructured sources. After all, the more data is collected, the more accurate business predictions can be.
The hybrid cloud – you’d have had to have been living under a rock if you hadn’t noticed the impact cloud computing was having. Companies are becoming more aware of the potential benefit of an efficient and secure cloud environment so the cloud deployment have been gathering momentum for a few years. Now, one of the key developments to watch is hybrid cloud computing.
A hybrid cloud is made up of two or more cloud systems (private, community or public). Each remains separate and is used appropriately by the business to enhance overall productivity and reduce costs.
The main perceived advantages of a hybrid cloud architecture is that a business can keep sensitive data within the control of their own IT staff in a private cloud, while using a public cloud for less sensitive data, which is more cost effective and easier to manage.
Mobile payments – 2012 is also likely to see smartphones transformed into electronic wallets, thanks to advances in near field communication (NFC). The technology has been used for years as part of London’s hugely successful Oyster card scheme. Now, retailers are starting to embrace the idea and realise its potential on the high street.
The technology provides consumers with secure virtual credit cards, prepaid cards and even loyalty points, special offers and money management tools on their smartphones. With the introduction of this style of payment system at London 2012, it looks set to be a trend that is only going to grow in appeal.
3D printing - Despite the fact that 3D printing has been around for over 20 years, it is only now becoming cheap and accessible enough to become a mainstream technology.
3D printers use a fine powder that sets into a plaster-like finish, building up an object one layer at a time. As a result, it is possible to print products that otherwise would have been very time consuming to construct.
Working with a vast range of materials, it may soon be possible to print out all sorts of items, even furniture! Just imagine a world where everyone can create the items they need.
Hannah Byrne
Do you agree with Hannah? Let us know what you think will be big in 2012?
