This year the technology industry is abuzz with possibilities. Many areas are taking new directions in the past few years, I am excited to see if the pace will keep up with expectations of consumers accross all industies.
The following are my thoughts on the course of technology in 2012 based on previous trends, consumer and business desires, and the opinions of top communicators in the information technology field (along with a bit of my own incredible intuition).
Computers
I believe that we should all start a slow wave goodbye to the desktop computer and start saying “hello!” to the tablet computer. The biggest draw back to the traditional desktop is the lack of portability. Technology has become a integrated part of our daily lives and we want to take it everywhere we go.
The introduction of the touch screen has changed the way we think about interacting with a computer. Soon a mouse will go back to being a small rodent and the “tap” will be the new “click.”
This year many are watching to see how motion detection or “spatial gestures” will be incorporated into everyday computing. Now commonly available on gaming systems like microsoft’s Kinect, this input method is increasing in demand.
Voice Commands have found a permanent place in the world of computer technology. With the release of Apple’s Siri, more people are demanding that voice commands become readily available on more devices. It is my thought that consumer demand will fuel this growing technology.
Business Technology
With the increased demand of the cloud (internet based computing) security, data storage and mobility solutions I think in 2012 businesses will see a greater need to implement information technology in business planning. Many things that seemed extravagent a few years back have now become common necessities.
Data storage seems to be a hot topic as well. Juggling data from all different departments within a business while keeping it secure and mobile is a challenging task.
Cloud Computing
2011 was a big year for cloud computing (internet based computing). It seems like the downpour of cloud based services will continue this year. It is my view that the buzz will die off, but only because it will become more common place and people will become more familiar with the concept. The value of SaaS (software as a service), PaaS (platform as a service) and IaaS (infrastructure as a service) will become more apparent as more businesses are ready to upgrade their systems and increase workflow.
Healthcare
This year, many are predicting that the emphasis will be to bridge the gap between the cloud and security. Many concerns have arisen regarding the vulnerabilty of many cloud based applications and companies have the opportunity to step up to the plate by providing technology that is on the offensive. Additionally, cyber liability insurance will gain popularity as a viable option.
Electronic healthcare records (EHR) will see a steady increase as government incentives are being paid out and advances in software application are being made. Now that the medical world has had time to experience the pros and cons, and is voicing their opinion on the usability and connectivity of EHR and practice management (PM) solutions, software developers would be wise to listen.
With the rise of EHR comes the increased use of HIE (health information exchange). Many are seeing the benifits of conectivity with other healthcare facilities, including efficiency and accuracy of patient care.
Telehealth is another area to watch this year. Now, more than just a call center, it is evolving to become a strategic healthcare solution. As telehealth continues to get nation wide exposure, it is likely that healthcare’s merger with communication technology will begin to expand into more widespread and personalized use. Video conferencing between remote providers and patients might soon help provide care to more people in rural areas that have limited access to specialized healthcare.
In short, 2012 is expected to continue the expansion into the realm of portablitity, connectivity, and data management. As this year progresses, we will continue to watch the development of technology and how it effects the culture around us.