5 IT trends to remember for 2022 and beyond

Emerging technology trends to watch include information security strategies, hybrid cloud solutions, and UX enhancements.

In a recent article in TechRepublic’s Top 5 video series, Clarence Reynolds highlighted emerging IT trends for the fourth quarter of 2022. Topics include digital integration, cloud strategy, low-code and no-code. Below is an edited transcript of his video.

1. Increasing digital integration

Interoperability, scalability, and the need to ensure data integrity continue to be challenges. Large companies cannot continue to think of their data systems as independent products and services.

Going forward, we need to think of these systems as one interconnected whole. This holistic approach is reflected in every step of system implementation and support, including needs assessment, purchasing, and data governance.

2. You need an information security strategy

In most organizations, information moves between both on-premises and off-premises networks. But organizations cannot rely on the perfectly informed actions of their end users to keep their systems secure.

One solution is to adopt a more stringent risk mitigation strategy that borders on or includes Zero Trust architectures. With phishing and ransomware attacks on the rise, using a more formal security program may be the only way to avoid costly and embarrassing security incidents.

See: Information Security Policy (TechRepublic Premium)

3. Simplified management improves UX

Today’s management services and applications are generally designed to fit the convenience and habits of back-office staff, and as new systems, features, and requirements are integrated, user experience has receded further into the background.

Those days are gone. Reducing redundant or unnecessary work through user-centered design, process improvement, and system redesign are necessary ways to improve the end-user experience.

4. Public cloud is integrated into on-premises space

Enterprises will increasingly consider how much control they want to maintain when deciding how to approach their cloud strategy. Many companies are leaning toward hybrid solutions.

By offering a private cloud to a public cloud vendor, enterprises may lose control and ability to customize, but gain a unified and consistent private cloud experience. Analysts expect the technology workplace to change as cloud computing takes over some of the tasks traditionally done by IT staff.

Reference: Adoption Kit: Cloud Engineer (TechRepublic Premium)

5. The rise of low-code and no-code

Low-code and no-code interfaces will become more popular as employees who do not understand data structures or programming skills will no longer be a barrier to programming and creating applications. As this technology matures and merges with the possibilities offered by cloud infrastructure, resources and technical skills will no longer be barriers to innovation and imagination.