The COVID-19 pandemic has opened our eyes to a lot of things, but especially to the importance and value of up-to-date technology and systems. As 2022 comes into full swing, we’re taking a look at the big 5 technology trends that are drawing attention and have the potential to disrupt and shape the business landscape.

Read on for our picks for the biggest technology trends of 2022.

Technology trend #1: Web 3 and the metaverse

The metaverse has been a hot topic throughout the news, especially since Facebook rebranded its parent company to Meta in October 2021. But what is this, the first of our big technology trends exactly?

In short, the metaverse is a term that refers to online digital spaces. A common example of this is a game like Fortnite or World of Warcraft. These are online spaces that have communities and economies. There are varying ideas of what exactly the metaverse should look like. Facebook, or Meta, pitched the idea that it will be digital houses, where users can invite friends. Microsoft proposed virtual meeting rooms to train and hire remote workers. 

Other technologies feed into the overall metaverse concept. For example, cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR). Tying all of these technologies together is a fantasy inspired by science fiction stories like Ready Player One, wherein users can immerse themselves in a digital world where the seemingly impossible can be achieved. 

When thinking about the metaverse from a business point of view, it’s important to consider where the technology is now, and how far it is from being useful. Large businesses like Meta, Google, Magic Leap and even Walmart are investing in metaverse technology – but critics are yet to see a real promise of return on investment.

Ethan Zuckerman, an associate professor at University of Massachusetts Amherst, told Insider that Meta and Microsoft’s idea of the metaverse, wherein expressionless avatars sit around a meeting table is “the sort of thing only a computer scientist could love”. Meanwhile, a survey by Harris Poll revealed that only 38% of Gen Z consumers believe that the metaverse has a place in their future.

Nonetheless, the metaverse and cryptocurrencies continue to occupy a great share of the public dialogue, so this space still warrants a careful eye.

Technology trend #2: Data fabric

Coming in as number 2 on our big 5 technology trends, Gartner identifies data fabric as one of the leading strategic technology trends in 2022. Data fabric is a single environment consisting of unified architecture and the technologies running on that architecture. Imagine a weave that is stretched across a business’ locations, data sources, data stores and end users. Data can be processed, managed and stored as it moves within the fabric, eliminating the need for manual data management and coding. 

The premise is, essentially, that a data fabric enables the access, integration, sharing and processing of data within a distributed data environment. Notably, a data fabric should manage on-premises cloud, hybrid and multi-cloud data both as a data source and a data consumer, while utilising machine learning to improve data health through quality control, preparation and governance.

Overall, data fabric can reduce data management efforts by up to 70%, says Gartner. 

Technology trend #3: Cybersecurity mesh

As tech encroaches further into every part of our lives, the importance of cybersecurity and trust is second to none. Data is only useful if it’s healthy and accurate, and consumer technology solutions lose trust and value if end-users feel their privacy and safety is compromised by using it.

With an increasingly distributed workplace, solutions like a data fabric help to keep data accessible and healthy across locations and data sources, but a suitable cybersecurity solution is required to ensure the whole fabric remains uncompromised. 

That’s where number 3 of our big technology trends, cybersecurity mesh architecture comes in. While your existing cybersecurity solution may cover data on-premises, or even within your business’ private cloud, how do you ensure transparency when data is accessed, processed and ingested across numerous locations, cities or even countries?

Essentially, cybersecurity mesh is a composable architecture consisting of distributed and disparate security services. Imagine on-premises, cloud and multicloud security solutions unified within a single architecture. The purpose of this is to integrate all these tools into a cooperative ecosystem that reduces the impact of individual security incidents and keeps the tools closer to the assets they’re designed to protect.

Technology trend #4: Hyperautomation

Big technology trend number 4, Hyperautomation can be most easily thought of as automating the automation. Digital transformation and automating legacy processes has been a focus for businesses throughout recent years, and this is the natural extension of that. Hyperautomation uses artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) to run processes without human intervention. 

The rise of hyperautomation is doubtlessly fuelled by the pandemic and an increasingly distributed workforce. By automating legacy processes, businesses can ease the burden of repetitive tasks and outdated infrastructure that can slow an organisation and its staff. The chief outcome of hyperautomation is therefore reduced costs and a stronger competitive position, as well as a more productive and engaged workforce and more satisfied customer base.

Technology trend #5: Distributed business

One particular big technology trend underlines all of the above, and that’s distance. Yes, the pandemic has shown us that we can work remotely, but this was a growing trend even before the pandemic. Just look at Netflix and eCommerce. The desire to access information and media when and where we want it has been for a long time, it’s just that now it applies to work too.

Remote workforces are driving the need for data fabric, cybersecurity mesh, and even hyperautomation and the metaverse. Even those who don’t currently work remotely are increasingly adopting the occasional work-from-home day. Buffer’s State of Remote Work 2021 report shows that 97.6% of respondents would like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their career, while at least 46% of businesses that went remote due to COVID-19 intend to permanently allow remote work.

Overall, remote work doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, but more importantly it’s expected to become the default for many new businesses. Distributed business refers to a digital-first, remote-first business model that prioritises employee and customer experience and embraces distributed services.

Gartner suggests that 75% of businesses that adopt a distributed model by 2023, will see revenue growth 25% faster than competitors.

Keep your business technology up to date with NSP

Your business relies on technology to keep on ticking. As the landscape of technology enables greater productivity and revenue, it brings its own complications in cybersecurity, data management and network services. Fortunately, there are solutions available.

When your business is ready to update your computer and network services, you need a managed service provider who can lead your digital transformation with confidence, authority and an eye to the future. NSP is an Auckland-based managed network service provider with the resources, talent and vision to create greater efficiencies and take your business to the next level.

Get in touch with NSP today for a free consultation and service comparison assessment.