As the technology of today develops at a rapid pace, we are experiencing faster change and progress, accelerating the rate of change. Nevertheless, technology trends and emerging technologies are not the only ones evolving, COVID-19 and its spread has given IT professionals pause for thought and made them realize that their role in the contactless world of tomorrow will change dramatically. It is inevitable that an IT professional will keep learning, unlearning, and relearning (or at least need to do so).
In what ways does this affect you? Being knowledgeable about new technology and keeping up with technology trends is key. It also means looking at the future to understand what skills you will need to acquire to be able to get a job in the future and even how to get there. Almost everybody in IT is doing their work from home due to the worldwide pandemic. The following nine emerging technology trends should be watched for and attempted in 2022 if you intend to maximize your free time at home, and perhaps secure a position as one of the new jobs that will result from these developments, which includes:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Blockchain
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
- Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
- Edge Computing
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Quantum Computing
- 5G
- Cyber Security
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
AI, or artificial intelligence, has already gained a lot of attention in the past decade, however there is still a lot of potential in this new technology. Its impact on how we live, work, and play is just in its infancy. Artificial intelligence has already proven successful in image and speech recognition, navigation apps, smartphone personal assistants, ride-sharing apps, and many other areas.
Furthermore, AI will be used to analyze interactions in order to find underlying connections and insights, as well as to predict demand for services such as hospitals, helping authorities make better decisions about resource allocation. AI will also be used to detect the changing patterns of customer behavior through data analysis in near real-time, increasing revenue and personalizing experiences for customers.
Over 57 billion dollars will be spent on cognitive and AI systems in 2022, making AI a $190 billion industry by 2025. With the widespread use of AI, many new jobs will be created across the industry, including development, programming, testing, support, and maintenance. Secondly, AI has some of the highest salaries available today: machine learning engineers can earn over $1,25,000 per year while AI architects can earn over $145,000 per year – ranking it as a top new technology trend.
Artificial Intelligence, an integral part of Machine Learning, is being deployed in a variety of industries, causing a huge need for skilled professionals. Forrester predicts nine percent of new U.S. jobs in the next decade will be found in AI, machine learning, and automation, which includes robot monitoring professionals, data scientists, automation specialists, and content curators.
You can secure jobs like: by mastering AI and machine learning.
- A researcher in artificial intelligence
- Engineer specializing in AI
- Engineer for machine learning
- Artificial Intelligence Architect
2. Blockchain
While most people associate blockchain technology with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, it offers security that is useful in other contexts, as well. In simple terms, blockchain is an electronic database that you can only add to, not subtract or edit. Therefore the term “chain” because you are creating a chain of data. This secure method is due to the fact that previous blocks cannot be changed. Due to the consensus structure of blockchains, data cannot be controlled by one party alone. Using blockchain, transactions don’t need to be overseen or validated by an external party.
In addition to blockchain involving and implementing several industries, the demand for skilled professionals is also increasing as the use of blockchain technology expands. An architect or developer specializing in blockchain technology develops and implements architecture and solutions. As a blockchain developer, you can expect to earn $469K annually.
This is the right time to start a career in Blockchain technology if you are interested in this trending technology and want to make a career out of it. You will need experience with programming languages, flat and relational database structures, data structures, web application development, and networking in order to enter the Blockchain field.
3. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Automation is another technology that is automating jobs. RPA, or Robotic Process Automation, is a technology that uses AI and Machine Learning. Robotic process automation involves the use of software to automate business processes such as interpreting applications, processing transactions, interacting with data, and answering emails. Robotic process automation automates repetitive tasks previously performed by humans.
In spite of Forrester Research’s estimate that RPA automation could threaten the livelihood of 230 million or more knowledge workers, or about 9 percent of the global workforce, the technology also creates new jobs while transforming existing ones. About 60 percent of occupations are partially automatable, according to McKinsey, but less than 5 percent can be totally automated.
RPA offers a variety of career opportunities to IT professionals interested in the future and attempting to keep up with the latest technological developments, including developer, project manager, business analyst, solution architect and consultant positions. The salaries are highly competitive. It is a growing technology trend you need to pay attention to. RPA developers can earn over $534K per year!
If you master RPA, you will be able to land high-paying jobs like:
- Developer of RPA
- Analyst at RPA
- Architect for RPA
4. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), as well as Extended Reality (ER) are the next notable technology trends. In VR, the user is immersed in an environment, and in AR, the environment is enhanced. While this trend has largely been used for gaming, it has also been used for training, including with the use of Virtual Ship, a simulation program to train the U.S. armed forces, the Army, and the Coast Guard.
Our lives will become even more integrated with these kinds of technologies in 2022. AR and VR have great potential in training, entertainment, education, marketing, and even rehabilitation after an injury, usually in combination with some of the other emerging technologies we have mentioned in this list. It can be used as a training tool for doctors, a way to enhance museums, a unique experience for visitors to theme parks, and even a way to enhance marketing, such as this Pepsi Max bus shelter.
The number of AR and VR devices sold in 2019 reached 14 million. AR and VR are expected to grow to a market value of $209.2 billion by 2022, creating even more opportunities and attracting more professionals to this exciting and game-changing industry.
VR doesn’t require deep knowledge of optics to get started – a little programming knowledge and a forward-thinking mind-set can land you a job; another reason why you should be aware of this new technology trend!
5. Edge Computing
The adoption of cloud computing has grown steadily, with major players such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform dominating the market today. As more businesses migrate to cloud-based solutions, cloud adoption continues to grow. However, it’s no longer viewed as an emerging technology.
With the amount of data organizations are dealing with continually increasing, a few companies have realized the limitations of cloud computing. As a way around the latency caused by cloud computing, Edge computing bypasses the data being sent to a data center for processing, allowing data to be processed on the edge instead. As a result, it can exist nearer to where computing is required, if you will, on the edge. Because edge computing works over limited or no connectivity to a centralized location, it can be used to process time-sensitive data in remote locations. As a result, edge computing functions like a mini data center.
As internets of things (IoT) devices are increasingly used, edge computing will grow. Approximately $6.72 billion will be generated by global edge computing by 2022. Technology trends like this are only meant to grow and nothing less, creating a multitude of new jobs, especially for software developers. Maintaining your knowledge of cloud computing (including new-age edge and quantum computing) can help you land amazing jobs:
- Engineer for cloud reliability
- Engineer for cloud infrastructure
- Architect of cloud and security
- Engineer, DevOps and Cloud
6. Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things is another emerging technology trend. There are now a lot of “things” that can connect to the Internet via WiFi, allowing them to talk to each other and connect to each other. Thus, the Internet of Things was born. There is no question that the Internet of Things is the future, and devices, home appliances, cars, and much more are already connected to and exchanging data over the Internet right now.
IoT is already being used and benefited by the average consumer. We can preheat our ovens on our way home from work, lock our doors remotely if we forget to do so, and track our fitness on our Fitbits while we’re at it. Business owners, on the other hand, stand to gain many benefits in the near future as well. With the IoT data can be collected and analyzed, businesses can make better decisions regarding safety, efficiency, and decision making. In addition to enabling predictive maintenance, improving customer service, and offering benefits we cannot even imagine yet, it could be used to speed up medical care.
We are just getting started with the Internet of Things: forecasts indicate that by 2030, there will be around 50 billion connected devices operating worldwide, creating a massive web of connected devices including everything from smartphones to home appliances. According to forecasts, the global Internet of Things (IoT) market will reach 1.1 trillion dollars by 2022. The market is expected to grow in the coming years because of new technologies such as 5G.
For those interested in working in information security, AI, machine learning, networking, hardware interfacing, data analytics, automation, and understanding embedded systems, along with design and device understanding, you will need a solid foundation in these fields.
7. Quantum Computing
In addition to quantum computing, another technology trend worth mentioning is quantum entanglement, which uses quantum phenomenon to perform computations. Due to its ability to query, monitor, analyze and act on data, regardless of the source, this amazing technology trend is also involved in preventing the spread of the Coronavirus as well as developing potential vaccines. Banks and finance are other areas where quantum computing has found applications, such as managing credit risks, trading at high speeds and detecting fraud.
Now that quantum computers are multitudes of times faster than regular computers, advanced companies such as Splunk, Honeywell, Microsoft, AWS, Google and countless others are leading the way in quantum computing innovation. Approximately $2.5 billion is predicted to be generated by the quantum computing market by 2029. It is advisable to possess knowledge of quantum mechanics, linear algebra, probability, information theory, and machine learning in order to make a mark in this emerging technology.
8. 5G
5G will follow the IoT as the next technology trend. We have been able to use 4G technologies to browse the web, use data-driven services, and stream YouTube and Spotify with higher bandwidths. 5G services will revolutionize how we live. Through cloud-based gaming services such as Google Stadia, NVidia GeForce Now, and many more, the company is enabling advanced technologies like AR and VR in a variety of ways. In addition to factories and HD cameras bettering safety and traffic management, smart grid control, and smart retail will all benefit from the technology.
The majority of telecom companies are now working on creating 5G applications, including Verizon, Tmobile, Apple, Nokia Corp., and QualComm. There will be 40% of the world covered by 5G networks by 2024, and even more importantly, mobile traffic data will handle 25% of it. This is a technology trend to keep an eye on, and also have your name on it.
9. Cyber Security
The cyber security industry has existed for some time, but it is constantly evolving just like any other technology. This is partly due to new threats appearing continuously. Malevolent hackers who violate data security policies aren’t going to give up any time soon, and they will find ways to circumvent even the most stringent security measures. In part, it’s also due to the adoption of new technology that enhances security. Cybersecurity, as long as there are hackers, will remain a trending technology because it will evolve continuously as a means of defending against them.
It is no surprise that cybersecurity jobs are growing three times faster than other tech jobs because of the strong demand for cybersecurity professionals. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 60% of organizations will consider cybersecurity risk when determining how to conduct business with third parties. It is important to remember that despite its challenges, the field offers six-figure earnings, and its roles can range from:
- An ethical hacker
- Analyst specializing in malware
- Engineer specializing in security
- Officer in Charge of Security
IT is an evergreen trend that offers a promising career path for those who want to get involved and stick with it.
There are nine emerging technology trends, and there is one solution for succeeding in them
The following 9 technology trends promise to open lucrative career opportunities right now and in the foreseeable future, despite emerging and evolving technologies all around us. It is a good time to select one of these trending technologies, get trained in it, and get on board at an early stage so that you can position yourself for success now and in the future.